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Compassionate or economic grounds to have your vehicle released early

Get your impounded vehicle back if you have compassionate or economic needs.

If . . . Then . . .
a co-habitant of a vehicle owner requests a release of the vehicle because the impoundment of the vehicle causes hardship to the co-habitant by:
  • imposing a loss or curtailment of employment or educational opportunities and where no reasonable alternative form of transportation, including public transportation is available; or
  • preventing the co-habitant or someone under that person’s care from obtaining medical treatment and no reasonable alternative form of transportation, including public transportation is available.
Compassionate Release may occur if
  • the co-habitant has a valid driver’s licence in order to apply for early release of the vehicle, and
  • pays a $100 release fee.
Note: Because someone cannot co-habit with a company, company-owned vehicles are not eligible for a compassionate release.
you are an owner or authorized representative of an owner of an active business can demonstrate that:
  • The impounded motor vehicle is used in an active/functioning sole proprietorship, partnership or company (business).
  • The business has a reasonable prospect for generating income that is dependent on the impounded vehicle and the prospective income.
In some circumstances, it is possible to have your vehicle released from impoundment early.
your car was impounded because
  • you were driving it without a valid licence, and
  • you have since obtained one
you may qualify to have your vehicle released.
you can show that being without your vehicle will cause you economic hardship you may qualify to have your vehicle released.
the vehicle of someone you live with has been impounded because of an offence you can apply to have it released and use it to help them if you are able to show that
  • the vehicle is needed for work, education or medical treatment, and
  • there is no other suitable transport available.
you are a business owner that can demonstrate that you need an early release on the grounds of economic hardship. you must be able to show evidence of this hardship

Was your vehicle impounded because you did not have your licence?

If you are the vehicle owner and you now have a valid licence, here’s how to get your vehicle back:

  1. Visit an ICBC driver licensing office.
  2. Bring required ID and the Notice of Impoundment.
  3. Complete the Request for Vehicle Release form at the driver licensing office. Licensing staff will check the driver's licence and, if valid, will contact the impound lot.
  4. Collect the vehicle from the impound lot when you are ready.

Not the owner of the vehicle? Both you and the owner must complete the all of the above steps.

Do you live with the vehicle owner or are you a business owner in economic hardship?

If either of these situations apply to you, both you and the owner must follow these steps to get the vehicle released:

  1. Visit an ICBC driver licensing office.
  2. Bring required ID and the Notice of Impoundment.
  3. Complete the Request for Vehicle Release form and pay the $100 application fee at the driver licensing office.

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