Yes, police can tow your vehicle if you are driving on a suspended license, and the car may be held until you resolve the suspension

If you are stopped while driving on a suspended license, the officer can impound your vehicle on the spot. The car goes to a tow lot, and you cannot retrieve it until your license is reinstated or you show proof that someone with a valid license will take possession. The tow itself is legal — it is not a punishment for the suspension, but a consequence of driving when you are not permitted to.

The rules vary slightly by state. Some states allow impound only if the suspension is for a serious reason (like a DUI or unpaid child support). Others impound for any suspension. A few states require the officer to give you a chance to call someone to pick up the car, but most do not. Once the car is towed, you will owe towing fees, storage fees, and sometimes an administrative release fee before you can get it back.

Key Takeaways

  • Police can tow your car during a traffic stop if your license is suspended, regardless of why the suspension happened.
  • You cannot retrieve the vehicle until your license is reinstated or you provide proof that a licensed driver will take it.
  • Towing fees, daily storage charges, and release fees are your responsibility and can total $300 to $1,000 or more depending on how long the car sits.
  • Some states impound only for certain suspension types (DUI, child support arrears), while others impound for any suspension — check your state's rules.
  • If someone else is driving your car on your suspended license, your vehicle can still be towed even though you were not behind the wheel.

When towing happens during a traffic stop

The moment an officer runs your license plate or your driver's license and sees the suspension flag, they have the legal authority to impound the vehicle. You do not have to be speeding or breaking any other law. The suspension alone is grounds for tow.

In most states, the officer will call a tow truck to the scene. You will be given a receipt with the tow lot's name, phone number, and the impound lot number for your vehicle. Some departments allow you to call a tow company of your choice, but many have a contracted vendor and you have no say in which company takes the car. The tow happens whether you are the driver or a passenger — if the registered owner's license is suspended and they are behind the wheel, the car gets towed.

A few states — including California and some others — require the officer to give you a reasonable opportunity to arrange for a licensed driver to take the vehicle instead. If you can call someone and they arrive with a valid license within a set time (usually 30 minutes to an hour), the car does not get towed. But this is not a may provide in every state, and many officers do not offer this option. Do not count on it.

What happens if someone else is driving your car

If your license is suspended and someone else is driving your vehicle, the car can still be towed. The suspension is tied to you as the registered owner, not to the person behind the wheel. An officer who stops the vehicle and discovers the owner's license is suspended will impound it.

This creates a difficult situation for the driver. They may have had no idea your license was suspended. They will be cited for driving a vehicle with a suspended-license owner, and your car will be towed. You are responsible for all towing and storage fees, even though you were not driving.

To avoid this, do not let anyone drive your vehicle while your license is suspended. If someone must use your car, wait until your license is reinstated. Some states allow a hardship license or restricted license that permits driving to work or medical appointments — if you have one of these, make sure the person driving knows the restrictions and stays within them.

Towing and storage fees you will owe

Towing fees are not set by the state — they vary by tow company and region. A typical tow ranges from $150 to $300. Storage fees are charged daily and usually run $20 to $50 per day, depending on the lot. If your car sits for two weeks, storage alone could be $280 to $700.

When you are ready to retrieve the vehicle, you will also owe an administrative release fee, which is often $50 to $150. Some impound lots require payment in full before they release the car. Others accept payment plans, but you have to ask. If you cannot pay, the lot may sell the vehicle at auction after a set period (usually 30 to 90 days) to cover the fees.

These costs are separate from any fines or court fees related to the suspended license itself. You will still owe those as well. The total cost of a suspension — including the tow, storage, court fines, and reinstatement fees — can easily exceed $1,000.

How to get your car back

To retrieve your vehicle, you must do one of two things: reinstate your license or provide proof that a licensed driver will take possession of the car. If you choose the second option, that person must show up with their valid license and sign paperwork taking responsibility for the vehicle.

To reinstate your license, contact your state's DMV. The steps depend on why your license was suspended. If it was suspended for unpaid traffic fines, you may need to pay those fines. If it was suspended for unpaid child support, you will need to contact the child support enforcement office and make a payment or arrange a payment plan. If it was suspended for a medical reason, you may need a doctor's clearance. Each state and each reason has different requirements.

Once your license is reinstated, take your reinstatement paperwork to the impound lot along with proof of payment for towing and storage fees. The lot will release the vehicle to you. If you cannot pay the fees when ready, call the lot and ask about payment plans before your car is sold at auction.

State-by-state differences in impound rules

Most states allow impound for any suspension, but some limit it to certain types. California, for example, impounds only if the suspension is for a serious violation like a DUI, reckless driving, or driving with a suspended license more than once. Other states impound for any suspension, including those for unpaid parking tickets or administrative reasons.

The length of time a vehicle can be held also varies. Some states require release within 30 days if fees are not paid; others allow 60 or 90 days. A few states have no set limit, and the lot can hold the car indefinitely until fees are paid or it is sold at auction.

To find your state's specific rules, contact your state DMV or search "[your state] vehicle impound suspended license" on the DMV website. The rules are usually posted under "Driver License Suspension" or "Vehicle Impound" sections. Knowing your state's rules now can help you understand what to expect if you are stopped.

How to avoid impound while your license is suspended

The simplest way to avoid impound is not to drive. If your license is suspended, do not get behind the wheel. Use public transportation, rideshare services, taxis, or ask friends and family for rides. This is not just about avoiding the tow — driving on a suspended license is a criminal offense in most states and can result in jail time, additional fines, and a longer suspension.

If you have a hardship or restricted license, follow the restrictions exactly. These licenses usually permit driving only to work, school, medical appointments, or court-ordered programs. Driving outside these purposes can result in impound just as easily as driving on a fully suspended license.

If you know your license is about to be suspended, take steps to reinstate it before you are stopped. Pay outstanding fines, contact child support enforcement, get medical clearance, or complete any other requirement your state has set. The cost of reinstatement is almost always less than the cost of a tow and storage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the tow lot sell my car if I cannot pay the fees?

Yes. After a set period — usually 30 to 90 days, depending on your state — the lot can sell your vehicle at auction to cover towing and storage fees. Once sold, you lose ownership. Contact the lot when ready if you cannot pay, and ask about payment plans or hardship options before the auction date.

What if I was not the one driving when my car got towed?

You are still responsible for towing and storage fees because the suspension is tied to the registered owner, not the driver. The driver may also face a citation for driving a vehicle with a suspended-license owner. You will need to reinstate your license to retrieve the car.

Do I have to use the tow company the police called?

In most states, no — you can request a different tow company, and you will pay the difference if your company charges more. However, some police departments have contracts with specific tow companies and will not use others. Ask the officer at the scene what your options are.

Can I get my car back before my license is reinstated?

Only if you provide proof that a licensed driver will take possession of the vehicle. That person must show up with a valid license and sign the release paperwork. The car cannot be driven by you or anyone else until your license is reinstated.

How long does reinstatement take after I pay my fines?

It depends on your state and the reason for suspension. Some states reinstate when ready after payment; others take one to five business days. Contact your DMV to confirm the timeline for your specific suspension before you go to the impound lot.