How Long Can Police Hold A Vehicle Under Investigation?

When the police impound a vehicle as part of an investigation, it can be a confusing and stressful experience. Unlike impounding for reasons like illegal parking or unpaid fines, when a car is held as part of a criminal investigation, the timeline for its return becomes far more uncertain.

If you're wondering, "How long can police hold a vehicle under investigation?" the answer depends on several factors, such as the severity of the investigation and legal requirements.

In this blog, we'll explain what happens when a car is impounded under investigation, how long it can be held, and what it might cost you to get it back, including details on the car impounded by police cost.

Why Do Police Impound Vehicles for Investigation?

There are many reasons why a car might be held as evidence in an ongoing investigation, including:

• Criminal activity: If the vehicle is involved in a crime, like a hit-and-run, DUI, or drug-related offense, it may be impounded as evidence.
• Stolen property: If the car itself is stolen or contains stolen items, the police will keep it until the legal process determines ownership.
• Search for evidence: If the police believe the vehicle contains evidence of a crime, such as drugs, weapons, or documents, they will hold it for investigation purposes.

How Long Can the Police Hold a Vehicle?

Unfortunately, there’s no simple answer to how long the police can hold a car under investigation because it varies depending on the situation. Here are some key factors that affect the timeline:

1. Nature of the investigation: If the vehicle is involved in a minor investigation, like a routine traffic violation, it might be held for a few days to a week. In more serious cases, such as a criminal investigation, the vehicle can be held for months or even longer.

2. Completion of evidence gathering: The police need to thoroughly inspect the vehicle to collect all the necessary evidence. Once the investigation or the collection of evidence is complete, they may release the car back to the owner.

3. Court orders: In some cases, the police will hold onto a vehicle until they receive a court order to release it. If the case goes to trial, this could take months, depending on the legal process.

4. Legal challenges: If the vehicle owner or involved parties dispute the police's right to hold the vehicle, legal challenges may arise. This can extend the time the car is kept in impound.

Can You Get Your Car Back Sooner?

If your car has been impounded under investigation, you might be able to take certain steps to speed up its release. Here are some ways to do that:

• Cooperate with authorities: Providing the police with necessary information or cooperating with the investigation may lead to quicker release.
• Hire a lawyer: Legal assistance can help you navigate the situation and potentially get your vehicle released sooner if it’s being held for an extended period.
• Request a hearing: In some cases, you may be able to request a court hearing to argue for the return of your vehicle, especially if it's being held for an unreasonable amount of time.

What Are the Costs Involved?

While your vehicle is impounded under investigation, certain fees may accumulate, which you will be responsible for paying once the car is released. Here’s a breakdown of the car impounded by police cost:

1. Towing Fees: This is the initial cost to tow the vehicle to the impound lot. Towing fees generally range from $100 to $300, depending on the distance and the size of the vehicle.

2. Storage Fees: For every day the car remains in the impound lot, daily storage fees accrue. These fees typically range between $20 and $50 per day, though they can be higher in some areas or for larger vehicles. Over time, this cost can add up significantly, especially if the investigation is prolonged.

3. Administrative Fees: There are often administrative fees associated with processing the impoundment, which can range from $50 to $200, depending on the city and the circumstances of the investigation.

Steps to Take If Your Car Is Impounded Under Investigation

If your vehicle is being held by the police as part of an investigation, here’s what you can do:

• Contact the police department: Find out why your vehicle is being held, how long it might take, and if there are any steps you can take to get it back sooner.
• Gather documentation: Ensure you have proof of ownership, insurance, and any other paperwork the police might need before releasing the car.
• Stay informed: Keep track of the investigation and regularly follow up with authorities to check on the status of your vehicle.

Final Thoughts

Having your car impounded by police as part of an investigation can be a long and frustrating process. There’s no set timeline for how long the police can hold a vehicle under investigation—it depends on the case’s complexity, the legal process, and the time it takes to gather evidence.

While your car is held, daily storage fees and other costs will accumulate, potentially adding hundreds or even thousands of dollars to the final car impounded by police cost.