How To Find Out if Your Car Was Impounded in 2025
If you're not sure how to find out if your car was impounded, you should start by checking with the police station and any local impound databases. If you figure out how to find out if your car was impounded and it was, you'll likely have to pay over $250 to get it released back to you. If you've tried all the methods that describe how to find out if your car was impounded and still have no luck, you may need to come to terms that it may have been stolen.
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Dani Best
Licensed Insurance Producer
Dani Best has been a licensed insurance producer for nearly 10 years. Dani began her insurance career in a sales role with State Farm in 2014. During her time in sales, she graduated with her Bachelors in Psychology from Capella University and is currently earning her Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. Since 2014, Dani has held and maintains licenses in Life, Disability, Property, and Casualt...
Licensed Insurance Producer
UPDATED: Mar 14, 2025
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Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our auto insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different auto insurance companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Mar 14, 2025
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our auto insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different auto insurance companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
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- If you can’t find your car, contact the police or local impound lots
- You can also use online impound databases available through local systems
- If you’ve looked at impound lots and contacted the police, but still can’t find your vehicle, it may have been stolen
If you’re unsure how to find out if your car was impounded, you can start with a quick phone call to the police. If your vehicle has been moved due to any violations, the officer will give you answers. If impounded, you will likely have to pay a release charge and the tow truck fees. If you still can’t find your vehicle after contacting the proper authorities, it may have been stolen.
While you’re learning how to find out if your car was impounded, enter your ZIP code to see what you could pay for a new policy.
How do I know if my car was impounded?
If you suddenly walk outside and find your car isn’t where you left it, it’s bound to set off some alarm bells in your head. The important part is that you don’t panic and make sure that you’ve looked in the nearby area just in case you somehow managed to misplace it.
If you feel that you’ve looked everywhere for your car and there isn’t a sign of it, something terrible may have happened. Whether this is a stolen vehicle or it has been impounded for some other reason, you’ll need to act swiftly to make sure that you can locate your car and get back to driving.
Some of the options to find out if your car was impounded include:
- Contacting the police
- Searching the local impound database
- Asking your neighbors if they saw anything
You should be aware that if your vehicle is impounded, it likely means you’ll have some requirements to meet before you can get your car back. This can include towing fees and other costs, as well as proving you have a valid driver’s license for the vehicle you were driving. (For more information, read our “What happens if your car is impounded?“).
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Can I find towed vehicles by VIN?
If you can’t find your vehicle and worry it might’ve been impounded, there are quick ways to check on its status. If you can locate your local impound database, you’ll be able to search for your vehicle using the VIN. It’s always important to try and remember your VIN or at least have it written down, so you can quickly access it when looking for your vehicle.
Another option when you’re in the impound database would be to look up your vehicle by its license plate number. Since this is a shorter number, it should be easier to remember when searching the database.
How can I find out who impounded my car?
There are various reasons that your car might be towed, from lapsing on your car payment to being parked illegally. With the multiple reasons your car might’ve been impounded, you’ll likely want to find out the reason you can no longer drive.
Some of the reasons that your car might be impounded include:
- Abandoned
- Blocking the road during snow emergencies
- Driven without an active insurance policy
- Involved in a case of reckless driving
- Involved in vehicular manslaughter
- Lapsed car payment
- Parked illegally or outside of regular hours
- Unpaid parking and speeding tickets
Different states have different justifications for towing a driver’s car to the impound lot. Knowing the rules of your state could save you a lot of time and money. Below, you can review what could get your car impounded in your home state:
Vehicle Impoundment and Confiscation Laws by State
| State | Vehicle Impoundment and Confiscation Laws |
|---|---|
| Alabama | A vehicle may be impounded if a driver has a revoked license or is driving with a suspended license due to a DWI-related offense. However, the law provides that the vehicle will be released to the registered owner if the offender is not the owner. Further, police can release the vehicle, rather than impounding it, if it is determined that the driving is due to an emergency. |
| Alaska | The municipalities may enact ordinances to impound or confiscate motor vehicles for violations of local DWI offenses or refusal of chemical test laws for first and subsequent offenses. However, these laws are not mandatory. |
| Arizona | Under Arizona’s temporary vehicle impoundment law, the offender’s vehicle may be immediately impounded for 30 days if the driver is arrested for any of the following offenses: (1) DWR for any reason; (2) DWS where the suspension was based on driving under the influence; (3) DWS where the suspension was based on a drunk-driving offense; or (4) DWS where the suspension was based on the frequency of traffic law violation convictions. The vehicle may be released before 30 days if the offender’s driving privileges have been reinstated or if the offender’s spouse enters a five-year agreement with the state to not to allow an unlicensed driver to operate the vehicle. |
| California | California has two vehicle impoundment laws. The first law states that a vehicle owned and driven by an offender may be impounded up to 30 days for a first or second DWI offense and up to 90 days for third and subsequent offenses, if the offense is committed within five years of a prior offense. The second law states that the vehicle owned and driven by the offender may be impounded for up to six months for a first DWI offense and up to 12 months for a subsequent DWI offense. |
| Connecticut | In Connecticut, a vehicle may be impounded for refusing a chemical test, which is a criminal offense and a felony DWI for a third or subsequent DWI offense. An ALR suspension counts as a prior DWI offense. There is also limited vehicle impoundment of 48 hours if a driver is arrested for drinking and driving with a suspended or revoked license. |
| Washington D.C. | The District of Columbia has a limited vehicle impoundment law, under which impoundment is limited to 24 hours. However, the vehicle may be released to a legally licensed driver. |
| Florida | In Florida, the vehicle that is used and owned in a first DWI offense may be impounded for ten days. This action may not be concurrent with probation or imprisonment. For a second DWI offense within five years, the vehicle can be impounded for 30 days. For a third DWI offense within ten years, the vehicle can be impounded for 90 days. This applies to all vehicles owned by the offender and may not be concurrent with probation or imprisonment. However, unlike first DWI offenses, it must be concurrent with the driver’s license revocation. For first, second, and third DWI offenses, these actions are conditions of mandatory probation; however, the court may decide not to order vehicle impoundment if the family has no other means of transportation. There also is a limited vehicle impoundment law for a DWI offense if, at the time of the DWI offense, the offender was driving with a license suspended for a prior DWI offense. |
| Illinois | If the DWI offender is the registered owner, then the vehicle can be impounded for 24 hours for a second DWI offense or 48 hours for a third DWI offense. The vehicle may be released sooner to a competent, licensed driver with the owner’s consent. There also is a limited vehicle impoundment law, under which law enforcement can impound a driver’s vehicle for not more than 12 hours following a DWI arrest. Limited impoundment may be used if the officer reasonably believes that the arrested offender will commit another DWI offense if released. |
| Iowa | For a second or subsequent DWI offense, the vehicle owned and used by the offender can be impounded or immobilized and the license plate seized (and registration confiscated if the vehicle is in custody) by law enforcement authorities. New registration plates are issued only at the end of the driver’s license revocation period or 180 days, whichever is longer. |
| Kannsas | For DWI violations, judges, at their discretion, may order vehicle impoundment or immobilization of the vehicle used in the offense, for up to one year. The offender pays all costs. Judges must take into account hardship to family. |
| Maine | Maine has a temporary vehicle impoundment law. The vehicle used in a DWI offense or for DWS for a prior DWI offense may be seized; however, the vehicle may be released after eight hours. |
| Maryland | The vehicle can be impounded or immobilized (by suspending license plates) for not more than 180 days if the driver’s license is currently suspended for a prior alcohol offense. |
| Minnesota | Under Minnesota’s vehicle impoundment law, a vehicle may be impounded after a DWI arrest and released to the vehicle owner with proof of a valid driver’s license and insurance. |
| Mississippi | For a second or subsequent DWI offenses, all vehicles owned by the offender must be impounded or immobilized at the time of conviction and remain so until the license suspension has expired. If any other person must use the vehicle, an ignition interlock may be required as an alternative to impoundment or immobilization. |
| Missouri | Missouri has a vehicle impoundment or vehicle forfeiture law; however, under Missouri law, cities with populations higher than 100,000 can make their own vehicle impoundment or forfeiture laws. The state law applies to the vehicle operated by the offender regardless of ownership; consequently, the vehicle is subject to impoundment or forfeiture if the driver has had one or more DWI offenses, including illegal per se. The vehicle also can be impounded or forfeited if the offender is driving with a license suspended for a prior DWI offense or for a DWI and involuntary manslaughter offense. Last, the vehicle can be impounded or forfeited if the driver has had two or more DWI offenses (including illegal per se) and, for either offense, had a BAC of 0.08 or greater (0.02 or greater for those under 21) or if the driver has refused to submit to a chemical test under the implied-consent law. |
| Nebraska | An offender who is driving with a license suspended for a prior DWI or an implied-consent conviction may have his or her vehicle impounded for not less than ten days and not longer than 30 days. An offender under 21 may have his or her vehicle impounded if he or she has a BAC of 0.02 or greater. |
| New Mexico | In New Mexico, a vehicle may be immobilized for 30 days if the offender was driving with a revoked license, unless immobilization poses a hardship to the family. |
| Oregon | Vehicle impoundment or immobilization is limited to one year for a second or subsequent DWI offense or for driving with a suspended license. This action is at the court’s discretion and applies to all vehicles owned and used by the offender, even if not used in the offense. The offender must pay the costs of removing, storing, or immobilizing the vehicle. |
| Virginia | Any vehicle used in a DWI offense may be impounded or immobilized for 30 days if the offender was driving with a license suspended because of a prior DWI, an administrative per se violation, or chemical test refusal. In addition, vehicles owned by an offender may be impounded or immobilized for up to 90 days even if the vehicles were not used in the offense. There are family hardship exceptions for households with only one vehicle. |
| Washington | In addition to impounding the vehicle for other possible penalties for driving with a license suspended for a prior DWI conviction, authorities may also impound the vehicle for not more than 30 days on a first offense. For a second offense, the vehicle may be impounded for not more than 60 days or, for a third offense, not more than 90 days. |
| Wisconsin | Wisconsin allows temporary vehicle impoundment as part of the immobilization process. This is not a law. Rather, this policy is used only temporarily and at the discretion of officers in the field. |
| Wyoming | Wyoming allows for temporary vehicle impoundment. An offender’s vehicle may be impounded following an arrest if a sober driver is unavailable. |
In some instances, you may not be able to get your car back right away, for example, if there is an ongoing investigation into a case of vehicular manslaughter. However, you will be able to take steps to get your car back if it has been towed for something such as an expired registration or for being parked illegally.
If you are charged with a serious offense like reckless driving or DUI, you may be required to purchase SR-22 auto insurance on top of paying the impound costs.
To find out who towed your car, you’ll need to understand the reason that someone took it in the first place. For example, if you left your car sitting too long, parked it in the wrong area, or have too many unpaid tickets, the police or other regulatory body likely decided to move your vehicle.
If you’ve lapsed on your car payment, then the tow likely came at the request of your car dealer, who will repossess it to make back what it has lost on your loan. Depending on the reason for the impound, you may be designated as a high-risk auto insurance driver.
Curious how to find out if your car was towed or stolen?
There is a pretty clear distinction between when your car is towed and when it’s stolen. The critical difference is that if your vehicle is towed, there will be paperwork that you can follow. If your car was stolen, there isn’t a great chance of finding an IOU at the scene. Another option would be to use the APD impounded vehicle locator.
The first step to take when you think something has happened to your vehicle is to contact the police. Not only will they be able to tell you if your car was impounded, but you can begin to file a police report about your stolen car.
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What happens if my car was impounded, but I wasn’t the driver?
If the car is in your name and someone else is driving when it gets impounded, you’ll still be responsible for the costs of getting it out. However, according to the lawyer directory Avvo, you may be able to file a claim or ask for reimbursement from the person who got your car towed. Even still, it will initially come out of your pocket to get your vehicle back.
Can I get items out of an impounded vehicle?
Finding out that your car has been impounded is a stressful situation that requires a level head and planning. To get your car out, you’re going to need to meet some requirements that might not be readily available to you. In that case, you should find where your vehicle is being held and remove all your personal belongings.
If you are classified as low-income, some state laws make it clear that you are entitled to your personal property from the vehicle. This can include everything from keys to electronic devices that aren’t part of the vehicle. The impound lot will usually give you a deadline to retrieve your items, after which you won’t be able to go.
Some important things to grab from your car include:
- Insurance documents
- Photos and other cherished items
- Electronic devices that aren’t part of the vehicle
You may not have to be the one to go and get the items, either. For example, some impound lots will let someone else get property from the vehicle as long as they can provide a notarized letter from the owner that says it’s okay.
What is required to recover an impounded vehicle?
To get your car out of an impound lot, you’ll need to ensure that you’re prepared with the proper paperwork and the financial ability to pay the fees. You should make sure you have documentation that shows you own the car, like:
- Proof of insurance
- Driver’s license
- Registration
Using this information, you can prove that you own your vehicle. You should also be prepared to pay to get your car out of the impound lot for around $250. This price is before any flatbed or towing fees as well.
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How to Find Out if Your Car Was Impounded: The Bottom Line
When you understand how to find out if your car was impounded, you’ve probably got a lot of things running through your mind. Luckily, you can find your impounded vehicle with a bit of research and a phone call or two. If you’ve contacted the police and local impound lots without finding your car, it might have been stolen.
Now that you know how to find out if your car was impounded, enter your ZIP code into our free quote tool to see what you could pay for a policy today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my car was impounded?
If you can’t find your car and suspect it may have been impounded, you can start by calling the police or checking local impound databases. They can provide information about the status and location of your vehicle. If your car was impounded, you will likely need to pay a release charge and towing fees.
Can I find towed vehicles by VIN?
Yes, if you have the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) of your vehicle, you can check local impound databases to find out if it has been towed. You can also search using the license plate number, which is usually easier to remember.
Why would the police impound a car?
The police can impound a car for various reasons, including:
- Expired registration
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Reckless driving
- Parking illegally in certain situations
- Being involved in criminal activities
What happens if my car was impounded, but I wasn’t the driver?
If your car is impounded while someone else was driving it, you are still responsible for the costs of getting it released. However, you may be able to file a claim or request reimbursement from the person who got your car towed. Initially, you will need to cover the expenses to retrieve your vehicle.
Can I get items out of an impounded vehicle?
If your vehicle has been impounded, you are generally allowed to retrieve your personal belongings from the car. Some impound lots may set a deadline for retrieving items, so it’s important to act promptly. Make sure to collect essential items such as keys, electronics, and important documents.
How can drivers get their cars out of the impound lot?
To get your car out of the impound lot, you will typically need to follow these steps:
- Check all documentation received when your car was impounded for specific instructions.
- Provide proof of insurance, a valid driver’s license, and current vehicle registration.
- Pay any fines, towing charges, and impound storage fees.
- Some states may require you to appear in court or complete additional requirements before you can retrieve your car.
What will it cost if your car is impounded?
The cost of getting your car out of the impound lot can vary. You will likely need to pay fines, towing charges, and daily impound storage fees. These fees can add up to several hundred dollars, so it’s important to act quickly to minimize costs. Additionally, if you were charged with serious offenses like reckless driving or DUI, you may be required to purchase SR-22 auto insurance in addition to paying the impound costs.
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Dani Best
Licensed Insurance Producer
Dani Best has been a licensed insurance producer for nearly 10 years. Dani began her insurance career in a sales role with State Farm in 2014. During her time in sales, she graduated with her Bachelors in Psychology from Capella University and is currently earning her Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. Since 2014, Dani has held and maintains licenses in Life, Disability, Property, and Casualt...
Licensed Insurance Producer
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.