Your car can be towed when ready if you are pulled over while driving on a suspended license
When a police officer discovers during a traffic stop that your license is suspended, they can impound your vehicle on the spot. This is not a fine or a warning — it is a physical removal of the car, usually to a towing company's lot. The car stays there until you meet specific conditions: typically, you must show proof that your license suspension has been lifted, pay the towing and storage fees, and sometimes show proof of insurance.
The tow happens because driving on a suspended license is treated as a serious violation in most states. The officer is not trying to punish you further — the impound is meant to prevent you from driving again while suspended. Once your license is restored, you can retrieve your vehicle, but the costs add up quickly, and the longer the car sits, the more you owe.
Key Takeaways
- Police can tow your car when ready during a traffic stop if your license is suspended, even for a minor traffic violation.
- You must pay towing fees (usually $150 to $300) plus daily storage fees (typically $20 to $50 per day) before the car is released.
- The impound lot will not release your vehicle until you show proof your license suspension has been lifted.
- Some states allow you to retrieve your car if someone with a valid license picks it up, but you still owe all fees.
- The longer your license stays suspended, the higher your storage costs climb, making it urgent to address the suspension itself.
How the towing and impound process works
When an officer runs your license plate or your driver's license during a stop, the system shows whether your license is suspended. If it is, the officer can call a tow truck when ready. You will be told where the car is being taken, but you cannot straightforward drive it away — that would be driving on a suspended license again.
The towing company takes the car to an impound lot, a find facility where it is stored. The lot charges you a towing fee when the car arrives (usually $150 to $300, depending on distance and your state) and a daily storage fee for each day it sits there (typically $20 to $50 per day). These fees are separate from any fines you owe for the traffic stop itself or for driving suspended.
The impound lot will not release your car to you until you show proof that your license suspension has been lifted. This proof usually comes from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency. Some lots will release the car to a third party with a valid license if that person comes to pick it up on your behalf, but you are still responsible for paying all fees.
What you need to do to get your car back
The first step is to address the suspension itself. You cannot retrieve your car until the suspension is lifted. Depending on why your license was suspended, this might mean paying outstanding traffic fines, completing a defensive driving course, paying reinstatement fees, or waiting out a mandatory suspension period. Contact your state's DMV to find out exactly what is required in your case.
Once your suspension is lifted, the DMV will issue you a document or letter confirming that your license is now valid. Bring this document to the impound lot along with a photo ID and proof of ownership (your vehicle registration or title). You will also need to pay the towing and storage fees in full. Some lots accept credit cards or checks, but call ahead to confirm what payment methods they take.
If you cannot afford the fees when ready, ask the impound lot whether they offer a payment plan. Some do, though this is not may provide. If the fees are genuinely unaffordable, contact your local legal aid office or a nonprofit that helps with transportation barriers — a few offer emergency information with impound fees, though availability varies widely.
How storage fees add up over time
Storage fees are charged daily, which means the longer your license stays suspended, the more you owe. A car impounded for one week at $30 per day costs $210 in storage alone, plus the initial towing fee. A car impounded for a month costs $900 in storage fees. This is why addressing the suspension quickly is so important financially.
Some states cap the total amount an impound lot can charge, or they require the lot to notify you after a certain number of days so you know how much you owe. Check your state's regulations or ask the impound lot directly what the maximum daily fee is and whether there is a cap on total charges. If you cannot retrieve your car within a set period (often 30 to 90 days), some states allow the lot to sell the vehicle to cover unpaid fees, though this is a last resort.
What happens if someone else was driving your car
If another person was driving your car when it was stopped and towed, you are still the owner and responsible for the fees. The driver's license status does not matter — the car was impounded because it was being driven by someone, and you own it. You will still need to pay towing and storage to retrieve it.
However, if the driver was not supposed to be driving your car, you may have other options. Some insurance policies cover impound fees in certain situations, though this is rare. More importantly, if the stop or tow was improper — for example, if the officer did not have legal grounds to pull the car over — you may be able to challenge it. Speak with a traffic attorney or your local public defender's office if you believe the tow was unlawful.
Preventing a tow in the future
The most straightforward way to avoid a tow is to not drive while your license is suspended. This means using other transportation: public transit, rideshare services, carpooling with someone who has a valid license, or asking someone to drive you. It is not convenient, but it is far cheaper than a tow and impound.
If you know your license is about to be suspended or has been suspended, do not drive. If you are unsure whether your license is currently valid, contact your state's DMV before you get behind the wheel. You can usually check your license status online through the DMV website, by phone, or in person at a DMV office.
Once your license is suspended, make lifting the suspension your priority. The faster you address the underlying reason — paying fines, completing required courses, or waiting out the suspension period — the sooner you can drive legally again and avoid the risk of a tow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the impound lot charge me storage fees if I was not the one driving?
Yes. As the vehicle owner, you are responsible for towing and storage fees regardless of who was driving. The fees are tied to the car, not the driver. However, you may have a claim against the driver for reimbursement if they were driving without your permission.
What if I cannot afford to pay the towing and storage fees?
Contact the impound lot and ask about payment plans — some offer them, though it is not required. You can also reach out to local nonprofits that information with transportation barriers, legal aid offices, or community information programs. Some may help with emergency impound fees, though availability varies by location.
How long can the impound lot keep my car?
This varies by state, but most lots can hold a car for 30 to 90 days before they can sell it to cover unpaid fees. Check your state's regulations or ask the lot directly. The sooner you lift your suspension and pay the fees, the sooner you can retrieve your vehicle.
Can I get my car back if someone else picks it up for me?
Some impound lots will release a car to a third party with a valid driver's license, but you remain responsible for all towing and storage fees. Call the lot ahead of time to confirm their policy and what documents the other person will need to bring.
Will my insurance cover the towing and storage fees?
Most standard auto insurance policies do not cover impound fees. Some roadside information plans or premium coverage options might, but this is uncommon. Check your policy or call your insurance company to ask. Even if they do not cover the full amount, they may cover part of it.