Vehicle Impound Unit

Print Feedback

Font Size: + -

Vehicle Impound Unit Header

Our Vehicle Impound Hearing Specialists are available Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM, by appointment only. Please note, the office is closed on all City-recognized holidays.

How to Make an Appointment

📞 By Phone: Call the Post Storage Hearing Message Line at 480-350-8465.
This is a message line. Please leave your name, contact information, and case details, and a specialist will return your call within three (3) business days.

✉️ By Email: AZ3511impound@tempe.gov

📍 In Person:
Tempe Police Apache Substation
1855 E. Apache Blvd.
Tempe, AZ 85281

Vehicle Impound Administrative Fee

A $150.00 Administrative Fee is required for all vehicles lawfully impounded under the 20-Day Tow Law (A.R.S. 28-3511).

Accepted Payment Methods: Money Order payable to “The City of Tempe”, and credit or debit card.

⚠️ No other payment types are accepted.
⚠️ This fee is separate from towing and storage charges assessed by the tow company.

Examples of Letters

Under ARS 28-3511, Arizona State Law requires vehicles be impounded for 20 DAYS for any of the following violations:

Revoked Driver's License
No Driver's License & no record of ever having one
Cancelled Driver's License (Must also be involved in a collision and not provide insurance)
Extreme DUI & Aggravated DUI
Driver under 21 with any amount of alcohol in their system
Violation of an ignition interlock requirement
Reckless driving
Racing on highways

Under ARS 13-2906, Arizona State Law requires vehicles be impounded for 7 DAYS for any of the following violations:

Obstructing a highway
Public thoroughfare

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I allow someone else to get my vehicle out of impound BEFORE the 20 days has expired?

No. Only the registered owner(s) of the vehicle or the spouse of the registered owner (with an original marriage license or certified copy) can get out the vehicle before the 20 days. After the 20 days has expired, the registered owner may bring someone with a valid driver’s license to the appointment with all other required documentation. See the Claiming Your Vehicle information page for a list of documents.

What if the 20 days has expired and I own the car but my driver's license is not valid?

You may bring a licensed driver at the time of the scheduled appointment. They must present a valid driver’s license from their State of Domicile. You must still provide proof of registration and proof of insurance for the vehicle being requested. The owner of the vehicle must also be present and provide a valid government form of ID. An administrative fee of $150.00 will be collected at the time of release. The fee can only be paid by Money Order or Credit Card.

If I transfer ownership or add a new person or company onto the registration, can they get the car out early?

What if I own the vehicle but have not yet transferred the title into my name?

My car was involved in a collision and, due to damage, it is not drivable. Does it still have to have a valid registration before the police can release it?

What will happen if I cannot claim my vehicle?

AFTER THE 20 DAYS HAS EXPIRED under Arizona law the towing company may file for an abandoned title and seek ownership of the vehicle if it is left at the tow yard unclaimed for more than ten (10) days. On the 41st day of impound they may apply for abandoned title, and it will take some time for that to be granted by MVD. However, if you have difficulty in paying for the towing and storage, you should contact the towing company as soon as possible if you wish to retain ownership of your vehicle.

What if someone other than the owner was driving the vehicle when it was impounded?

Would I still have to pay fees and charges if the vehicle is released early to me?

At the end of the 20-days, can I just go to the towing company and get my vehicle?

If I am found "not guilty" on my criminal or traffic charges will that affect the impound of my vehicle?