Pursuant to Section 22852 of the California Vehicle Code, you have the right to an administrative hearing to determine the validity of the storage. The hearing will be conducted by a supervisor assigned to the Traffic Division, and the sole issue before the hearing officer shall be whether there was probable cause to store the vehicle. The hearing will not affect any related citation or other criminal proceeding. If you wish to challenge the charge underlying any such citation or criminal proceeding, you must do so in the appropriate court.
An impounded vehicle is eligible for early release to the registered owner ONLY under the following circumstances:
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The vehicle was stolen
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The impoundment of the vehicle was invalid
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Vehicle is subject to bailment and is driven by an unlicensed employee of a business
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When the license of the driver was suspended or revoked for an offense other than those specified in CVC 14602.6(f)
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When the driver reinstates his or her driver's license or acquires a driver's license and proper insurance
If you request a hearing, one will be conducted within 48 hours of the request, excluding weekends and holidays. In order to obtain a hearing, you must request it in person, in writing, or by telephone. Requests in person or by telephone must be made between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. Telephone requests for a hearing should be directed to our Traffic Division at 949-644-3742.
The lien holder or finance company of an impounded vehicle may pick up the vehicle within the 30-day time period. Lien holders are still liable for all fees and storage charges.
If you have any vehicle impound questions, please call our front desk at 949-644-3681 or the Records Section at 949-644-3682.