Best get your rear in gear before your car is gone for good! In Phoenix, Arizona, vehicle impoundment is a serious matter governed by strict timelines. Whether your car was impounded for driving on a suspended license, a DUI, or another violation, what happens after your vehicle is towed is largely dictated by Arizona state law and Phoenix City Code. One critical date to be aware of is Day 61. If your vehicle is still in impound at that point, the consequences can be permanent.
Under Arizona Revised Statutes §28-3511 and Phoenix City Code §23-55 and §23-56, most vehicles are held for a mandatory 30 day period. This hold is imposed by law for certain offenses, during which you cannot retrieve the vehicle unless special exemptions apply. Once the 30 day period ends, the vehicle becomes eligible for release, but that doesn't happen automatically. You must act to request the release and pay all associated costs.
Once the vehicle is eligible for release, you have a limited window! 10 calendar days!! Only 10 calendar days to claim it. If the vehicle remains unclaimed after this period, the towing company is legally allowed to begin the abandoned title process. This means they can take legal ownership of your vehicle and dispose of it, usually through auction. That’s why Day 61 is so important: it typically marks the final day before the tow company can move forward with assuming title and selling the car. Leading up to Day 61, you're responsible for several charges, including towing fees, daily storage fees (which may be capped at $25/day), and a mandatory $150 administrative fee payable to the City of Phoenix. These costs can add up quickly. If you do not pay them and retrieve the vehicle within the grace period after the mandatory hold, you forfeit your rights to it.
Once the towing company applies for an abandoned title, you lose ownership and any personal property still inside the vehicle may be discarded or sold. The law gives the company the right to recoup their storage and towing expenses through this process. Even if you later want to contest the title transfer, your legal standing becomes far more limited after the car is officially considered abandoned. So, what can you do if your vehicle is sitting in an impound yard and the clock is ticking?
That’s where OUTPOUND can help.
OUTPOUND is a service designed to help individuals navigate the vehicle release process efficiently— before Day 61 arrives. They specialize in coordinating with impound lots, law enforcement, and city departments to cut through the red tape that often delays vehicle retrieval. Whether you're confused about what paperwork is needed, don’t know where your vehicle is, or simply can’t afford to waste time, OUTPOUND can streamline the process and help you avoid permanent loss of your vehicle. We work directly with clients to meet all legal requirements quickly and efficiently, making sure your vehicle doesn’t end up lost to auction or title forfeiture. Our support can be especially valuable if you're out of town, dealing with legal issues, or overwhelmed by the process.
Time is your most valuable resource when your car has been impounded. Don't wait until Day 61 to find out you’re too late. With our help, you can get your car back—before it’s gone for good.
