Arizona will tow your car if you drive with a suspended license, and you will pay towing and storage fees on top of any court fines

When your Arizona license is suspended and you are caught driving, law enforcement can impound your vehicle when ready. The car goes to an authorized towing facility, and you become responsible for all towing costs, daily storage fees, and any administrative charges the facility charges. These fees start accumulating the moment the car arrives and continue until you retrieve it — even if you are not the one who can legally drive it away.

The suspension itself comes from the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), usually because of unpaid traffic tickets, DUI convictions, accumulating points, or failure to pay child support or court-ordered fines. Driving during suspension is a separate criminal offense in Arizona, distinct from whatever caused the suspension in the first place. This means you face both the original penalty and new charges for the act of driving suspended.

Key Takeaways

  • Your vehicle will be towed to an authorized facility, and you pay towing fees plus daily storage charges until you retrieve it.
  • Driving with a suspended license in Arizona is a criminal offense that carries jail time, fines, and a longer suspension period.
  • You must resolve the original suspension reason with ADOT before your license can be reinstated, which often requires paying outstanding fines or fees.
  • If you cannot retrieve your car yourself because your license is suspended, a licensed driver can pick it up for you, but the facility will still require proof of ownership and payment of all fees.
  • Some suspensions can be lifted early through payment plans or reinstatement programs, but you must contact ADOT or the relevant court directly to learn your options.

How Arizona suspends a license and what triggers impound

ADOT suspends licenses for specific reasons: unpaid traffic fines, DUI or reckless driving convictions, accumulating too many points in a short time, failure to maintain car insurance, or non-payment of child support or court-ordered restitution. When your license is suspended, you are legally prohibited from driving. If a police officer stops you and discovers the suspension, they can arrest you on the spot.

The officer does not have to wait for a second offense or a pattern. A single instance of driving with a suspended license gives law enforcement the authority to impound your vehicle. Some jurisdictions in Arizona use discretion, but many automatically tow any car driven by a suspended-license holder. The vehicle is taken to a facility contracted with the city or county, and a hold is placed on it.

Towing and storage fees you will owe

Towing fees in Arizona range depending on the distance and the towing company contracted by your city or county. A typical tow can cost between $150 and $300. After the vehicle arrives at the impound lot, daily storage fees begin — these usually run $25 to $50 per day, though some facilities charge more. If your car sits for two weeks before you retrieve it, storage alone could exceed $350.

You are also responsible for any administrative fees the impound facility charges, which may include a release fee, paperwork processing, or lot fees. These vary by facility. The total bill can easily reach $500 to $800 or more depending on how long the car remains impounded. You must pay all fees in full before the facility will release the vehicle to you.

Criminal charges for driving with a suspended license

Driving with a suspended license in Arizona is classified as a criminal offense. A first offense is typically charged as a Class 3 misdemeanor, which carries up to 30 days in jail and fines up to $500. A second offense within seven years is a Class 2 misdemeanor with up to four months in jail and fines up to $750. A third or subsequent offense within ten years becomes a Class 1 misdemeanor with up to six months in jail and fines up to $1,000.

Beyond jail and fines, a conviction for driving suspended results in an automatic additional suspension period added to your existing one. If your license was already suspended for six months, a conviction could extend that to nine months or longer. You will also face court costs and may be ordered to complete a defensive driving course at your own expense.

How to retrieve your impounded vehicle

To get your car back, you must first pay all towing and storage fees to the impound facility. You will need proof of ownership — your vehicle registration or title — and a valid ID. If your license is suspended, you cannot legally drive the car away yourself, but another person with a valid, non-suspended license can retrieve it on your behalf if they have your permission and proof of ownership.

Contact the impound facility directly to confirm the exact fees owed and their payment methods. Most facilities accept cash, credit cards, or checks. Some allow payment over the phone or online, while others require you to pay in person. Ask about their hours and whether they have any payment plan options, though most do not. Once you pay, the facility will release the vehicle to you or to an authorized driver you designate.

Steps to get your license reinstated

Before you can legally drive again, you must resolve the reason your license was suspended in the first place. Contact ADOT directly at 602-255-0072 or visit their website to find out exactly why your license is suspended and what you need to do. Common requirements include paying outstanding fines, completing a DUI education program, providing proof of insurance, or paying child support arrears.

Once you have completed all requirements, ADOT will reinstate your license. Some suspensions can be lifted early if you pay the full amount owed or set up a payment plan with the court or ADOT. Others require you to wait out a mandatory suspension period. After reinstatement, you may also be required to file an SR-22 form with your insurance company, which certifies that you carry the minimum required coverage.

What happens if you cannot pay the impound fees right away

If you cannot afford the towing and storage fees when ready, contact the impound facility and explain your situation. Some facilities will negotiate or allow you to pay in installments, though this is not may provide. The longer your car remains in impound, the higher your storage fees climb, so even a small payment can help reduce the total cost.

If the vehicle is worth less than the accumulated fees, you may be able to surrender it to the facility or sell it to cover the debt. Ask the facility about their policies on vehicle surrender or sale. Some impound lots will hold a vehicle for a set period — often 30 to 60 days — before taking ownership and selling it at auction. If this happens, you may still owe the difference between what the vehicle sells for and the total fees owed.

Preventing suspension and impound in the future

Pay traffic tickets and court-ordered fines on time. If you cannot pay the full amount, contact the court when ready and ask about payment plans or traffic school options that might reduce the fine. Keep your car insurance active and current — lapsed coverage is a common reason for suspension. If you receive a notice of suspension from ADOT, do not ignore it; contact them right away to understand your options.

If you are facing a DUI charge or accumulating points, consider hiring an attorney who can negotiate with the court or explore options like deferred prosecution or traffic school. Some violations can be reduced or dismissed with proper legal representation. The cost of an attorney is often far less than the combined cost of towing, storage, criminal fines, and a longer suspension period.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone else drive my car if my license is suspended?

No. Your suspension is tied to you as a driver, not to the vehicle. If you allow someone else to drive your car and you are in it, you can still be charged with driving suspended. If you are not in the car, the other driver is not breaking the law — but you should not be the one directing them to do so or knowingly allowing it.

Will my insurance cover the towing and storage fees?

Typically, no. Towing and storage fees resulting from a criminal offense like driving suspended are usually not covered by auto insurance. Your insurance may cover a tow if your car breaks down on the road, but not if it is impounded by law enforcement. Check your policy or call your insurance company to be certain.

How long does ADOT take to reinstate my license after I pay what I owe?

Reinstatement timelines vary. If you pay all outstanding fines and fees, ADOT can reinstate your license within a few business days, sometimes the same day. If your suspension includes a mandatory waiting period, you must wait that period even after paying. Contact ADOT directly with your case details to get an accurate timeline for your situation.

What if I was not the one driving when my car was towed?

You are still responsible for towing and storage fees because you own the vehicle. However, if someone else was driving without your permission, you may have a civil claim against them. Report the unauthorized use to police and keep documentation. This does not eliminate your obligation to pay the impound fees, but it may help you recover costs later.

Can I get my license suspension reduced or lifted early?

It depends on the reason for suspension. Some suspensions allow early reinstatement if you pay all fines and fees. Others have a mandatory waiting period that cannot be shortened. Contact ADOT or the court that issued the suspension to ask about your specific options. Some people are also may be able to access for a hardship license that allows limited driving for work or medical reasons.