Vehicle impoundment
After
the impoundment ends |
Appealing an impoundment | Getting
your vehicle released early
Vehicle Impoundment
The Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor
General, Police Services Division, is responsible for the vehicle
impoundment program in B.C. ICBC provides some administrative services
for the Ministry.
In BC, your vehicle could be impounded, towed away and locked up :
- for 48 hours or longer - if you or someone else drives your vehicle while street racing
- for 30 days or longer - if you or someone else drives you vehicle without a valid driving licence and have been previously convicted in B.C. for driving without one
- for 60 days or longer - if you or someone else drives your vehicle while prohibited or suspended from driving
The provincial government website has fact
sheets on the Vehicle Impoundment Program and related matters.
Exceptions
Vehicle impoundment does not apply when:
- you've forgotten your valid B.C. driver's licence
at home, or misplaced it
- your licence has recently expired and you've
not yet renewed it
What if my vehicle was stolen?
If your vehicle was stolen and then impounded,
it will be released as soon as possible. You will not have to pay
for towing or storage.
You will need to complete a stolen vehicle report
with your local police. Call ICBC Customer Contact for further instructions.
(See sidebar for phone numbers.)
What happens when your vehicle is impounded?
At the roadside
- The police officer will give the driver
a Notice of Impoundment.
- The vehicle, no matter who owns it (the driver,
a relative, a friend, an employer) will be towed directly to an
impoundment lot.
- The police officer will ensure that the driver
and passengers are not left stranded in an unsafe area.
- The vehicle will be impounded for 48 hours
or 30 days (or 60 days, if the owner was subject to a previous
vehicle impoundment
within the last 2 years, or the driver was prohibited or unlicensed.)
- If your vehicle was impounded for street racing and you were
not driving the vehicle you may retrieve your vehicle immediately.
Next steps
- A copy of the Notice
of Impoundment will be mailed to
you, as vehicle owner.
- You can apply for reduced insurance coverage
while your vehicle is off the road.
Note that licence plates must stay on the vehicle
while it is impounded; however, you can remove personal effects
not affixed to the vehicle.
