The most common reasons a vehicle is impounded include:
- Parking violations: Parking in prohibited areas such as fire lanes, handicapped spots, blocking fire hydrants, private driveways, or obstructing traffic can lead to impoundment.
- Unpaid fines or tickets: Accumulating unpaid parking tickets or other fines often results in the vehicle being towed and impounded until the owner settles the debts.
- Expired registration, inspection, or insurance: Vehicles with expired registration, inspection, or insurance documentation may be impounded to enforce compliance with laws.
- Abandoned vehicles: Cars left parked in the same public location for extended periods without movement may be considered abandoned and impounded as safety hazards.
- Involvement in a crime or evidence: Police can impound vehicles involved in crimes, used as evidence, or when the driver is arrested (e.g., DUI, driving with a suspended license).
- Illegal or unsafe vehicle use: Vehicles driven or used in an antisocial or unsafe manner, or without proper insurance or tax, can be seized by police.
- Blocking traffic or driveways: Vehicles that impede traffic flow or block driveways can be impounded following complaints or violations of posted signs.
Impoundment is typically a legal measure to enforce traffic laws, ensure public safety, recover fines, or preserve evidence related to crimes. There is always the vehicle owner that is a little bit careless or perhaps not so observant. Most people will have a vehicle impounded during their lifetime and research shows that alcohol consumption is a common theme. While there are always “good reasons” for something happening, getting your vehicle impounded is going to involve “bad decisions” 100% of the time. A recent survey conducted by OutPOUND revealed that greater than 50% of the people that had their vehicle impounded were “partying” or under the influence of alcohol or recreational drugs. Hey, we have all been there - stuff happens!
If you have a vehicle in impound and you don’t have the resources to get your car out of impound, OutPound can help. Click here to enter your information and an OutPOUND Agent will call you!
