If you are arrested on a DUI (driving under the influence) charge in Los Angeles, law enforcement may take your vehicle and send it to a Los Angeles DUI impound lot. This action is often taken to ensure public safety and to prevent further offenses.
The vehicle is typically stored at the impound lot until it can be legally released. If this is your situation, the best next step is to get your car from the lot as soon as possible to avoid extra fees and delays. You can also seek legal help.
A Los Angeles DUI lawyer can explain your rights, help you understand why your car was impounded, and work to reduce the time and cost that it stays there. Your attorney may also be able to challenge the impound or get the vehicle released sooner, depending on the case.
What Does It Mean When the Police Take Your Car After a DUI?
When your car is impounded, it means the police take it and hold it at a special storage lot. In Los Angeles, these places are called Official Police Garages (OPGs). How long your car stays there depends on why you were arrested and whether anything is stopping authorities from releasing the car.
Costs Associated with Retrieving Your Vehicle From a Lot
Getting your impounded vehicle back will involve the following fees, which can add up quickly:
- Towing fee: The cost of transporting your vehicle to the impound lot
- Storage fees: Daily charges for storing your vehicle at the impound facility
- Administrative fees: Extra charges that may apply depending on your case
These fees can vary, and additional costs may be incurred if the lot holds your vehicle for an extended period.
How to Get Your Car Back From a Los Angeles DUI Impound Lot
If your car was taken after a DUI arrest, here’s what you need to do to get it back:
- Find out where your car is: Go to the OPG’s site (see above) or call the police station that handled your arrest. You will need your license plate number or VIN.
- Check for any holds: Some cars are placed on a police hold, which means you can’t pick them up right away. Ask the impound lot or a lawyer if your car has a hold and how long it will last.
- Bring the proper documents: When you go to the lot, bring your driver’s license, proof of ownership (like your registration or title), and proof of insurance.
- Pay the fees: You must pay towing, daily storage, and any admin fees. These can add up quickly, so it’s best to act fast.
- Ask questions: If you are unsure about where to start or feel stuck, a DUI lawyer can help explain what to do and may be able to speed up the process.
Avoiding Extra Fees and Problems After a DUI Impound
The longer your car stays in the impound lot, the more it will cost. In Los Angeles, daily storage fees can also add up fast. Below are a few tips to avoid extra problems:
- Act fast: As soon as you are released, find out where your car is.
- Contact the OPG: You can search the Official Police Garages database to locate your vehicle. You can also call the City of Los Angeles Parking Violations Bureau (PVB), which has a 24-hour customer care hotline.
- Ask about holds: Some cars have police or court holds that stop release.
- Bring the right papers: This includes your ID (identification), registration, and proof of insurance.
If you are not sure what to do, a Los Angeles DUI lawyer can explain your options and help you avoid delays that cost you more money.
Contacting an Official Police Garage (OPG) in Los Angeles
Los Angeles operates several OPGs where it stores impounded vehicles. Some of these include:
- Hollywood Tow Service: 1015 N. Mansfield Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90038
- Bruffy‘s Del Rey Tow: 4140 Glencoe Avenue, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292
- Ross Baker Towing, Inc.: 8750 Vanalden Avenue, Northridge, CA 91324
For a comprehensive list of OPGs in Los Angeles, visit the Los Angeles Official Police Garages website.
How a DUI Lawyer in Los Angeles Can Help When Your Car Gets Impounded
Dealing with a DUI charge and getting your car out of a Los Angeles DUI impound lot can be confusing and stressful. A lawyer can help by explaining the process and guiding you through what to do next, which can include:
- Checking to see if the police were allowed to take your car
- Working to lower the fines and costs you face
- Helping you get your driver’s license back
- Speaking for you in court and explaining your side
Talking to a lawyer can help protect your rights and improve your chances of a better outcome in your case.
What Triggers a Vehicle Impound After a DUI in Los Angeles?
After a DUI arrest, police may take your car to the impound lot for several reasons. Some of the most common include:
- You were driving without a valid license.
- You were driving on a suspended or revoked license.
- Your vehicle was involved in a crash.
- You were driving a car that wasn’t registered or didn’t belong to you.
In some cases, your car may be held as evidence. If police believe the car is linked to a crime or contains important evidence, they may keep it longer. Knowing why your car was taken to the impound lot is the first step in figuring out what happens next.
How Long Will My Car Stay in the Los Angeles DUI Impound Lot?
In most DUI cases, cars are held for a short time, usually a few days. However, some drivers face a 30–day hold under California Vehicle Code § 14602.6 if they are arrested after driving without a valid license or with a suspended one.
To check if a hold is in place, you can call the OPG where your car is stored. You will need your license plate or vehicle identification number (VIN) when you call. A Los Angeles DUI lawyer may also be able to ask the court to remove or shorten the hold, depending on the situation.
What if the Impounded Car in Los Angeles Doesn’t Belong to Me?
If police arrested you on a DUI charge while you were driving someone else’s car, that person may be able to get the vehicle back. The registered owner must provide proof of ownership and may need to request a release from the court or the police station.
This can still be expensive, especially if the car is held for several days. An attorney can explain what steps the owner needs to take and help move the process along faster, if possible.
Can a DUI Impound Affect My Driving Record?
Yes. A DUI charge alone can stay on your California driving record for 10 years. While the impound itself doesn’t go on your record, the arrest that caused it will.
Insurance companies may see the impound and DUI as a sign of risky driving. This could lead to higher rates or even a canceled policy. If your car was impounded, it is a sign that the court may also be looking closely at your case.
Facing Issues With a Los Angeles DUI Impound Lot? Find Out How a Lawyer Can Help
If you or someone you care about is dealing with a DUI charge and vehicle impoundment in Los Angeles, take action right away. These situations can be stressful, expensive, and confusing, but an attorney can help you.
Los Angeles DUI Lawyer will explain your rights and what’s happening with your case. We will connect you with an attorney who can help you get your vehicle back and protect your future.
You deserve clear answers and strong support. We have assisted thousands of clients facing similar obstacles, and we’re prepared to help you, too.
To learn more about your legal options and what to expect, call today for a free consultation.
