How to get your car out of arrest

Content

Part 1 of 3. Find your car
Part 2 of 3: Gather the information you need
Part 3 of 3: pick up the car from impound

Every city, county, and state has laws about where you can park. You may not park in such a way as to block sidewalks, crosswalks or intersections in any way. You cannot park your car in front of the bus stop. You cannot park your car on the side of the freeway. You must not park in such a way as to block access to a fire hydrant.

There are many other parking laws that drivers must follow or suffer consequences. In some offenses, when your car is parked in a safe manner but not in the correct location, you will usually find that you get a fine or windshield ticket. In other cases, when your vehicle is parked in a situation that may be considered unsafe for your vehicle or others, it will most likely be towed.

When the car is towed, it is taken to the impound. Depending on the parking enforcement agency, your vehicle may be towed to a state impound lot or a private impound lot. Generally, the process is the same either way.

Part 1 of 3. Find your car

When you come to look for your car and it is not where you are sure you have parked it, you immediately start to worry. But it is very likely that your car was towed.

Step 1: Call your local parking authority.. Some states have parking services operated by the DMV, while other areas have a separate entity.

Call the parking authority and find out if your vehicle has been towed. The parking authority will use your license plate and sometimes your VIN number on your vehicle to determine if it has been towed.

It may take several hours for their records to update. If they don't show your car in their system, call back in a few hours to check again.

Step 2: Call the emergency number.. Ask if your car has been towed for a parking violation.

A warning: DO NOT use 911 to find out if your vehicle has been towed or to report a theft. This is a waste of 911 resources for a non-emergency.

Step 3: Ask passers-by if they have seen anything. Contact people who may have seen what happened, or contact your local store if they notice your car or anything unusual.

Part 2 of 3: Gather the information you need

Once you discover that your vehicle has been towed to the impound, find out what you need to do to get it out, how much the fine will cost, and when you can get it out.

Step 1. Ask when your car will be ready for pickup.. It may take some time for your vehicle to be processed, and penalty area opening hours may vary.

Find out the opening hours and what time your car can be picked up.

Step 2: Ask where you need to go. You may need to visit the office to fill out the paperwork required to get your car out of jail, but your car may be located elsewhere.

Step 3: Find out about the required documents. Ask what documents you need to bring in order to release the car from arrest.

You will most likely need a driver's license and valid insurance. If you are not the owner of the vehicle, you may also need an owner's driver's license or an impound lot.

Step 4: Find out your car release fee. If you are unable to come for a couple of days, ask what the fee will be on your estimated arrival date.

Be sure to specify which forms of payment are accepted.

Part 3 of 3: pick up the car from impound

Be prepared to queue. The impound lot is usually full of people with long lines full of frustrated people. It may be several hours before your turn at the window, so make sure you have all the necessary information and payment before you get there.

Functions: Bring the car keys to the car impound. They are easy to forget in confusion and disappointment.

Step 1: Complete the required paperwork with the forfeiture agent.. They deal with angry, frustrated people all day long, and your transaction can go more smoothly if you're kind and respectful.

Step 2: Pay the required fees. Bring the correct form of payment as you learned earlier.

Step 3: Pick up your car. The confiscation officer will drive you back to the car in the parking lot, from where you can leave.

Having your car impounded is not fun and can be a real pain. However, if you are armed with general knowledge of the process ahead of time, it can be a little smoother and less stressful. Be sure to check the traffic rules in the places you frequent and ask the mechanic if you have any questions about your vehicle and have the parking brake checked if necessary.