What does a 30 day hold mean?
Asked by: Amaya Glover | Last update: July 4, 2025Score: 4.6/5 (23 votes)
California Vehicle Code §14602.6(a) authorizes law enforcement agencies to impound vehicles for 30 days when driven by individuals with no driver's license, a suspended license, or a revoked license.
How long can your car be impounded in California?
The vehicle will be impounded for 30 calendar days. At that time the registered owner will be responsible for paying the law enforcement fees, towing and storage fees to reclaim the vehicle. Hanford Police Department will, on request give the registered owner an Impound Hearing on the impounded vehicle.
Can your car get impounded if someone else is driving it?
Unfortunately yes, even if the subsequent criminal charge was never filed, you would still be responsible for paying the impound fees to get your vehicle released.
Why does my car have a 30 day hold?
Why was my car impounded with a 30-day hold? California Vehicle Code Sections 14602.6 and 14602.7 authorize law enforcement agencies to impound vehicles for up to 30-days when driven by individuals with no driver's license, a suspended license, or a revoked license.
What is the difference between towed and impounded?
But when the police tow a vehicle, they can either send it to storage or, in some situations, impound it. In both scenarios, the car will go to the tow lot; but when a car's impounded, the police can refuse to release it until certain conditions are met.
How would an appeal from the 30-day impoundment be successful if I am the owner, but not the driver?
Can I get my car back after being impounded?
Pay any necessary fees: You will need to pay all of the fees associated with the impoundment, including any additional fees for the early release. Schedule a pickup time: Once your request has been approved and all fees have been paid, you can schedule a time to pick up your vehicle.
Can I get my stuff out of my impounded car California?
Nothing can be removed from an impounded vehicle requiring the use of tools such as the battery, tires, radio, amplifiers, speakers or other items. The Registered or Legal Owner of an impounded vehicle may authorize the release of personal property to another party by signing a letter of authorization.
Can I get impound fees waived?
Under California law, you may be eligible for a low-income fee waiver for the impoundment fees of your vehicle. To request this waiver, you should contact the impoundment facility where your car is held and inquire about their specific fee waiver process.
What are my rights if my car is towed in California?
You and your insurance company or the insurance company representative have the right to have the vehicle released immediately upon (1) payment of all towing and storage-related fees, (2) presentation of a valid photo identification, (3) presentation of reliable documentation showing that you are the owner, insured, or ...
Can I ride in my car while it's being towed?
When a tow truck arrives to get your car, they will take it to their shop for repairs. The only thing is that you'll need a ride to take you where you were going or get back home. Unfortunately, tow truck companies don't allow their customers to ride in the disabled vehicle during towing.
How to fight towing charges in California?
You may dispute the validity of the tow by scheduling a hearing within 30 days of the date of the tow. The date selected for a hearing does not need to be within 30 days.
Can I get my car out of impound without insurance in California?
No, if your car gets impounded, you must present the necessary documentation, including your driver's license, the vehicle's vehicle identification number, and proof of auto insurance, to get it released. If you don't have proof of insurance, you'll need to buy a policy before you can get your car back.
Who can pick up a towed car?
The only people who can get your vehicle out of impound besides yourself are law enforcement. They can take it without you being there. But no one else can pick it up even with your permission unless you're there with him. And usually paperwork (title) and proof of insurance is required.
Can someone else pick up my towed car in California?
The Registered or Legal Owner of an impounded vehicle may authorize the release of an impounded vehicle to another party by signing a letter of authorization. All persons authorized to obtain the release of an impounded vehicle must possess a valid driver's license.
What is the 30 day impound hold in California?
To reinforce law enforcement's efforts to provide safer roads for California motorists, the State enacted CVC Section 14602.6 which authorizes local agencies to tow and impound vehicles for 30 days when driven by unlicensed, suspended or revoked drivers.
What do police do with impounded cars?
What happens to cars that are impounded by the police? They stay there until the impound period has ended and the fees for release are paid.
Can you call a tow truck if someone is parked in your spot?
Suppose someone else's car is blocking your driveway or parked anywhere on your property without permission. In such situations, the law allows you to call a tow truck to take the vehicle away.
What happens if a financed car is impounded?
The car is towed
If the creditor picks your car up, you must pay the fees and storage costs to get it back. In this instance, you are sometimes given the option to roll that amount into your loan. Either way, you have to pay to keep your car.
Is it OK to buy an impounded car?
If your luck holds, you may be able to buy a used car that requires little to no repairs. Not many people expect their car to be repossessed or impounded so these vehicles are kept in good working order. However, it is important that you inspect the car before buying it so that you don't get any nasty surprises.
Can you sell a car that's in impound?
It is usually possible to sell a car which is locked in a pound, and the police are normally quite happy about this.
How do I get my car out of the police impound for free?
It is also possible to get impound fees waived if you can prove to a court that the ticket was issued in error or you have an excuse for violating the law. You will likely still need to pay upfront to get your car out of the impound, but you might be able to get the court to reimburse the fees.
What happens if your car is impounded by police in California?
Under California law, the impound lot will only hold your vehicle for a maximum of 30 calendar days. If you don't claim your car by then, police will sell the vehicle at auction. In addition, some lots charge fees by the day, so the longer you wait to collect your car, the higher your fees may be.