WHY YOUR VEHICLE WAS 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 valid license.

The vehicle will be impounded for 30 calendar days. The registered owner will have to pay the towing and the 30-day storage fee to get the vehicle back at the end of this period.

On January 1, 1995, new laws were enacted relating to unlicensed drivers. These laws, California Vehicle Code (CVC) Sections 14602.6 and 14607.6 authorize tow enforcement agencies to tow and impound vehicles for 30 days when driven by unlicensed, suspended, or revoked drivers. There is a possibility that the vehicle could be forfeited (taken from you by the state) if you have a prior conviction for driving while unlicensed, or with a suspended or revoked license.

Remember, if you are unlicensed or driving with a suspended or revoked license, the vehicle you are driving may be impounded for 30 days and possibly forfeited. Also, if you let someone else drive your vehicle and they are unlicensed, or driving with a suspended or revoked license, your vehicle may be impounded and possibly forfeited.

The following excuses WILL NOT HELP YOU when your vehicle is being driven by an unlicensed driver and is stopped by law enforcement officers for any reason.

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Both 14602.6 and 14607.6 of the CVC give law enforcement officers the authority to impound your vehicle when it is being operated by an "unlicensed driver" (license not issued, suspended or revoked).

Your car is being impounded because you have committed a misdemeanor, not an infraction. By operating a motor vehicle without a valid driver’s license you have committed a serious offense. In addition to the citation, the vehicle you are operating will be impounded and held for 30 days, or possibly forfeited.

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The Legislature intended to provide safer roads for California’s motoring public by removing the vehicles driven by unlicensed, suspended, or revoked drivers for 30 days. A serious violation of the law calls for a serious response. The 30-day impound begins on the calendar day the car is towed and will be released at the conclusion of the 30^th day during normal business hours.

Under Section 14604 CVC:

The owner has a duty to assure the person driving their vehicle possesses a valid license; however, if you allow or permit anyone, including: your wife, son/daughter, friend or relative, to drive your vehicle and that person does not have a valid driver’s license, you will be responsible for towing and storage fees. You will not have access to your vehicle for 30 days.

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To say someone has taken your vehicle without your permission is not a valid excuse.

Ask yourself: How did this happen? Have you allowed him/her to use your car before? Did you ask to see his/her license? Any vehicle impounded will be released to the registered owner after 30 days.

Your car will be stored a tow yard.

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Your car may be forfeited. The law can be enforced at any time. Driving a motor vehicle on public highways in the State of California is a privilege and not a right. This privilege can be revoked, suspended or denied. A valid California driver’s license designates and identifies the bearer as competent to operate a motor vehicle according to state regulations.

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An unlicensed driver is a potential danger to all other motorists on the highway. He/she may not know the rules of the road or practice safe driving techniques. A driver who is unlicensed, or has a suspended or revoked driver’s license has been ordered not to drive because of previous driving violations. Continuing to drive shows a flagrant disregard for the safety of other motorists.

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