22651 California Impound & Towing Laws

When a driver’s vehicle is impounded under CVC 22651, it often means they were involved in illegal parking, reckless driving, or an accident. If the at-fault driver in your car accident had their vehicle towed for legal violations, it could serve as key evidence in proving negligence. Knowing how vehicle impoundment affects liability can help strengthen your claim for damages.

What is California Vehicle Code 22651?

California Vehicle Code (CVC) 22651 gives law enforcement the authority to tow and impound vehicles under specific conditions. If a vehicle is illegally parked, abandoned, or involved in an accident, police officers may remove it from the roadway. This law ensures that vehicles do not obstruct traffic flow, create safety hazards, or remain unclaimed in public spaces.

Vehicle impoundment applies to a wide range of situations beyond parking violations. If a driver is arrested, has an outstanding warrant, or is found operating an unregistered vehicle, officers may impound the car. Law enforcement may also tow vehicles involved in criminal activity, such as those used in hit-and-run accidents or reckless driving incidents.

The legal statute reads as follows:

“A peace officer may remove a vehicle under the following circumstances: when left unattended on a highway obstructing traffic, when found illegally parked in a restricted area, or when used in the commission of a crime. Vehicles may also be impounded if the driver is arrested, has an expired registration beyond six months, or is deemed unable to safely operate the vehicle.”

Tip

If your car is impounded, retrieving it as soon as possible can help minimize storage fees and prevent further penalties.

When Can a Vehicle Be Impounded Under CVC 22651?

Illegally Parked Vehicles

Law enforcement can tow a vehicle if it is parked in a restricted area. Vehicles blocking fire hydrants, crosswalks, or handicapped spaces without proper permits are subject to immediate removal. Officers may also impound cars left in no-parking zones or street-sweeping routes.

Parking violations that pose safety risks are taken more seriously. For example, a vehicle left on a freeway shoulder for an extended period may be towed for traffic safety reasons. Impoundment ensures these vehicles do not obstruct emergency responders or cause potential collisions.

Driver Arrests and Warrants

If a driver is taken into custody, their vehicle may be impounded. This often happens in DUI arrests, drug-related stops, or when a driver is caught with an outstanding warrant. Since the driver cannot legally operate the vehicle, officers may arrange for it to be towed.

Certain arrests require automatic vehicle impoundment. For example, if a driver is caught with a suspended license or multiple prior DUIs, their vehicle may be held for an extended period. In some cases, the vehicle owner may need to attend a hearing to request its release.

Unpaid Tickets and Expired Registration

Drivers with excessive unpaid tickets may find their vehicles impounded. If a vehicle has multiple outstanding parking or traffic fines, law enforcement has the authority to remove it until the owner settles the balance. This serves as a penalty for repeated violations and encourages compliance with traffic laws.

Similarly, vehicles with an expired registration may be impounded. California law requires registration to be renewed annually, and cars with expired tags beyond six months may be towed. Owners must pay all outstanding fees before retrieving their vehicles.

Abandoned Vehicles

A car left unattended for too long may be considered abandoned. If a vehicle remains parked on public property for more than 72 hours without being moved, it may be impounded. Authorities use this rule to remove neglected or stolen vehicles from streets and neighborhoods.

Private property owners can also request vehicle removal. If an unauthorized car is parked on their lot without permission, they can contact a towing company to remove it. Property owners must follow legal procedures, including posting warning signs, before towing a vehicle.

Vehicles Used in Crimes

If a vehicle is linked to criminal activity, police may impound it. This includes cars used in drug trafficking, reckless evasion, or hit-and-run incidents. Law enforcement may hold the vehicle as evidence until the case is resolved.

Vehicles used in street racing or reckless driving may also be subject to impoundment. California has strict laws against illegal racing, and cars involved in these activities can be held for up to 30 days. The owner may face additional legal consequences beyond retrieving their vehicle.

Pro Tip

Keeping registration and insurance up to date reduces the risk of impoundment due to compliance violations.

What Are the Common Reasons for Vehicle Impoundment?

Law enforcement can impound vehicles for several reasons, depending on the circumstances. Certain violations, including illegal parking, DUI arrests, and expired registrations, can result in immediate towing. Understanding the most common reasons for impoundment can help you determine what steps to take if your vehicle has been towed.

Parking Violations

Vehicles parked illegally or blocking traffic may be subject to immediate towing. If a car is left in a fire lane, blocking a driveway, or parked in a restricted zone, law enforcement has the authority to remove it. Many cities enforce strict towing regulations to prevent traffic congestion and safety hazards.

DUI Arrests

Drivers arrested for DUI may have their vehicles impounded at the time of arrest. Depending on the offense, the car may be held for a set period before release. Repeat DUI offenders or those driving on a suspended license may face longer impoundment times and additional fines.

Expired Registration

Vehicles with expired tags can be impounded if the registration is delinquent. In California, law enforcement may tow a car that has been unregistered for more than six months. To retrieve the vehicle, owners must renew their registration and pay any outstanding fees.

Abandoned Vehicles

A car left unattended for an extended period may be classified as abandoned. In most areas, vehicles that remain parked in the same location for over 72 hours without movement can be reported and towed. Property owners and city officials can request impoundment if a car appears abandoned on public or private property.

Illegal Modifications

Vehicles with certain modifications that violate California law may be impounded. Cars with excessive window tint, illegal exhaust systems, or street racing modifications may be towed on the spot. Law enforcement may require the owner to correct the issue before releasing the vehicle.

Outstanding Violations

Unpaid parking tickets and other outstanding fines may lead to impoundment. If a driver has multiple unpaid violations, law enforcement may place a hold on the vehicle. In some cases, the car will not be released until all tickets and penalties are paid in full.

How Long Can a Vehicle Be Impounded in California?

The length of impoundment depends on the reason for the vehicle’s removal. Most standard impoundments last between 24 hours and 30 days, depending on the violation. Some impoundments require additional steps before the owner can retrieve the vehicle.

For repeat offenders or more serious violations, impound periods may be extended. Vehicles involved in DUIs, reckless driving, or multiple unpaid fines may be held longer. In some cases, drivers must attend hearings or complete legal requirements before getting their cars back.

If a vehicle remains unclaimed, it may be auctioned. After a certain period, impound lots have the legal right to sell abandoned vehicles to recover unpaid fees. Owners should retrieve their cars promptly to avoid additional penalties.

What Are the Fees for Retrieving an Impounded Vehicle?

Vehicle owners must pay several fees to retrieve an impounded car. These costs typically include towing fees, storage charges, and administrative expenses. The longer a vehicle remains in the impound lot, the higher the total cost.

Additional penalties may apply for late retrieval. If an owner fails to pick up their vehicle within a set timeframe, extra daily storage fees may be charged. Some impound facilities may also require proof of registration and insurance before releasing the car.

Fees vary by location and impound lot policies. Cities and private towing companies may have different rates for towing and storage. Checking with the impound facility ahead of time can help vehicle owners prepare for the total cost of retrieval.

How Do You Get Your Car Back After an Impound Under CVC 22651?

If your vehicle was impounded under California Vehicle Code 22651, you must follow specific steps to retrieve it. The process starts with providing proof of ownership, such as a vehicle registration certificate and a valid driver’s license. You must also visit the impound lot during operating hours and pay all required towing and storage fees before the vehicle can be released.

Before releasing an impounded vehicle, law enforcement may require outstanding violations to be cleared. If you have unpaid parking tickets, expired registration, or a suspended license, you may need to resolve these issues first. Some cities require drivers to show proof of payment for outstanding fines before they can pick up their cars.

Certain impounded vehicles require additional steps before release. If the car was taken due to a criminal investigation, DUI arrest, or repeated violations, a court order may be necessary. The vehicle owner may need to attend a hearing or meet other conditions before it is legally returned.

Can You Contest an Impoundment in California?

Vehicle owners have the right to challenge an impoundment if they believe their car was towed unlawfully. California law allows owners to request an administrative hearing to dispute the legality of the impound. This hearing must be requested within a specific timeframe, often within 10 days of the tow notice.

Supporting evidence can help reduce or dismiss impound fees. If a vehicle was legally parked or towed without proper notice, presenting receipts, witness statements, or photographs may prove the impound was unlawful. In some cases, vehicle owners can recover their cars without paying the full fees if the towing agency violated state regulations.

Waiting too long to contest an impound can result in permanent vehicle loss. If an owner does not file a challenge or retrieve the car within the designated period, the vehicle may be auctioned or scrapped. Acting quickly is crucial to avoid additional fees or forfeiture.

What Happens if a Vehicle is Not Retrieved from the Impound Lot?

Unclaimed vehicles are typically auctioned or sold after a certain period. If a car remains in an impound lot beyond the state’s legal hold period, the agency has the right to sell it to recover unpaid fees. Some cities hold public auctions where impounded cars are sold to the highest bidder.

Each day a vehicle remains unclaimed, storage fees increase. Owners must pay daily storage fees in addition to the initial towing costs, making impound release more expensive over time. If the fees become higher than the car’s value, the owner may choose to forfeit the vehicle instead of paying to retrieve it.

Once a car is sold at auction, the owner loses legal rights to it. Failing to act quickly may result in permanent loss of the vehicle with no opportunity for compensation. Vehicle owners should contact the impound lot immediately to determine the required steps for retrieval.

Can Police Impound a Vehicle Without a Warrant?

Law enforcement officers can impound a vehicle without a warrant under certain conditions. If a vehicle is blocking traffic, poses a safety hazard, or is abandoned in a public space, police have the authority to remove it. This includes illegally parked cars, unregistered vehicles, and those involved in accidents.

In some cases, a warrant is required before impounding a vehicle. If a vehicle is on private property or part of an ongoing criminal investigation, police may need judicial approval before towing it. Exceptions exist if the car is evidence in a crime, such as if the vehicle was involved in a hit-and-run, or is suspected to contain illegal items.

If a vehicle was improperly impounded, the owner may have legal options. If police tow a car without justification, the owner can file a claim to challenge the impoundment. If proven unlawful, the vehicle owner may be entitled to reimbursement for impound fees or damages.

Note

California law allows drivers to request a hearing if they believe their vehicle was impounded unlawfully, so acting quickly is essential.

Protect Your Rights With a Car Accident Lawyer

If the driver responsible for your injuries had their vehicle impounded, it may indicate a history of reckless or unlawful behavior. Understanding how this affects your case can make all the difference in securing fair compensation. Call now to speak with a car accident attorney from Crockett Law Group and explore your legal options.