Driving a motor vehicle is a privilege, not a right!
California Vehicle Code Sections 14602.6 and 14602.7, authorize law enforcement agencies to impound vehicles for 30-days when driven by unlicensed, suspended or revoked drivers. There is a possibility the vehicle could be forfeited (permanently taken from you) if the unlicensed driver has a prior conviction for driving while unlicensed, or with a suspended or revoked license.
Why was my car impounded?
Your vehicle was impounded because you or another individual driving your vehicle has:
a suspended license
a revoked license
or does not have a drivers license at all
The following excuses will not help you when your vehicle is driven by an unlicensed/suspended or revoked driver and subsequently impounded for 30-days:
"Why 30-days? I need my car."
The Legislature intended to provide safer roads for California's motoring public be removing the vehicles driven by unlicensed, suspended, or revoked drivers for 30-days. The 30-day impound begins on the calendar day the vehicle is impounded and will be released (to the registered owner) at the conclusion of the 30th day during normal business hours.
"I am the registered owner. I wasn't driving at the time of the impound and I have a valid license."
As the registered owner you are responsible for anyone who drives your vehicle. If a friend or relative who has a suspended license, or who does not have a valid license, drives your vehicle it will still be impounded for 30-days. The fact that you were not the driver at the time of impoundment does not qualify as an excuse.
"My friend borrowed the car." or "I did not know his license was suspended."
Under California Vehicle Code Section 14604, the owner has a duty to assure the person driving their vehicle possesses a valid driver's license. If you allow or permit anyone, including: your wife, son, daughter, friend or relative, to drive your vehicles and that person does not have a driver's license, you will be responsible for towing and storage fees for the entire 30-day period.
"He took the car without my permission."
If in fact your vehicle has been taken without your permission by an unlicensed driver then you must file a stolen vehicle report. That person will then be charged with a crime and arrested.
"Can I dispute the impound?"
The registered owner may request a storage hearing with 10-days of notification to determine if the vehicle is eligible to be released earlier than the mandatory 30-days; however, it is important to note that a hearing is not for the purpose of asking for leniency or stating excuses such as those listed above. The sole purpose of a hearing is if you intend to question the validity of the impound.
An impounded vehicle is eligible for early release to the registered owner ONLY under the following circumstances:
The impoundment of the vehicle was invalid
The vehicle was stolen
Vehicle is subject to bailment and is driven by an unlicensed employee of a business
When the license of the driver was suspended or revoked for an offense other than those specified in CVC 14602.6(f)
When the driver reinstates his or her driver's license or acquires a driver's license and proper insurance
The lien holder, or finance company of a impounded vehicle may pick up the vehicle within the 30-day time period. They must sign a promise not to release the vehicle to the registered owner for the same 30-day period for which the vehicle was impounded. Lien holders are still liable to all fees and storage charges except for the police department administrative fee.
If you have any questions, please call the information line at 714-744-7470.
