What Is a Police Impound?
A police impound is an area where police hold vehicles that they have seized and taken into custody. Owners may be able to retrieve their vehicles after a certain period of time.
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Historical Fact
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In July 1784, the city of Hartford, Connecticut, impounded cattle, sheep and horses.
Reasons for Impounding a Vehicle
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Impound laws vary from state to state, but a vehicle can be impounded for several reasons; from driving without a valid license to illegal parking. A writ of attachment, or a court order to seize an asset, also allows police to seize the vehicle.
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Average Impound times
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Vehicle impound times can vary, but the average impound term in many states is 30 days.
How to Retrieve an Impounded Vehicle
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Rules for retrieval of impounded vehicles differ by location.
Proof of current insurance, a valid drivers license and registration are required, and the owner must pay administrative, towing, and storage fees.
Unclaimed Vehicles
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If a vehicle is not claimed within 10 days of the release date, the towing company may file a request for an abandoned-vehicle title. Vehicles seized due to criminal activity are owned by the police; they are often sold cheaply at auction due to the high cost of storing impounded vehicles.
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