Support Operations Division - Traffic Section

Pasadena Police Impounds FAQ

• Why did the Police Impound my car?

• How do I get my car out of impound?

• What if my car was towed mistakenly?

• Can I get stuff from my impounded vehicle?

• What are impound fees going to cost?

1. It is illegal to leave your car parked on a city street for more than 72 hours without moving it. Generally, we will respond to a complaint about an abandoned vehicle and impound it after 72 hours.

2. If your vehicle was used in a crime, it is subject to impound for evidentiary purposes.  Also, if your car was stolen, and we recover it, we will impound it if we cannot get a hold of you.

3. If the vehicle registration is more than 6 months overdue, or if there is an excessive amount of parking citations that are unpaid, it is subject to impound.

4. All vehicles are subject to impound FOR 30 DAYS if the driver of the vehicle is found to be unlicensed or for driving with a suspended license.  Hence, before you loan your car to anyone, it is YOUR responsibility to make sure he/she is properly licensed.

How do I get my car out of impound?

1. Generally, your car is available for release almost immediately, once it is processed for evidence. You only need to get a vehicle release form from our Records Division.

2. All registration fees must be current, with no outstanding parking citations.

3. If your car was impounded due to an improperly licensed driver, you must request a hearing from a Traffic Supervisor (626) 744-4590 and explain why an improperly licensed person was driving your vehicle.  Generally, only if your car was stolen, hence you were unable to determine if the driver was properly licensed, will be a legitimate excuse to get your car out of impound prior to the 30 days.  This is a matter of law and the police department does not have discretion in this area..  

What if my car was towed mistakenly?

If any mistakes are made by the police department, or if you discover new damage or missing property, please be aware that a report and an inventory was taken of your vehicle was made prior to the tow yard taking possession of your vehicle.  If there are discrepancies, you may file a claim with the City Clerk's Office located in City Hall, at 100 North Garfield Avenue, Pasadena, California, 91101, (626) 744-4141.

Can I get stuff from my impounded vehicle?

Yes.  But you must make an appointment to do so (626) 744-4590, and there must be a compelling reason.  In no circumstance, will you be able to remove anything that is connected (i.e., bolted, screwed, snapped into place or otherwise attached).

What are impound fees going to cost?

The Basic Tow fee is broken down as follows: