Your car can be towed in most states if someone with a suspended license is caught driving it, even if you are not in the vehicle

Whether your car gets towed depends on the state, the reason for the suspension, and whether you knew the person was driving with a suspended license. In most states, the car itself can be impounded as a penalty — not because you broke the law, but because the vehicle was used to commit a traffic violation. The tow happens at the scene or shortly after, and you will have to pay towing and storage fees to get it back, even if you were not the one driving.

The key question is whether you knowingly allowed someone with a suspended license to drive your car. If you did, you may face your own penalties. If you did not know, you still lose the car temporarily, but you have a stronger case for getting fees reduced or waived.

Key Takeaways

  • Most states allow police to impound a vehicle when a suspended-license driver is caught operating it, regardless of who owns the car.
  • You will owe towing fees and daily storage charges even if you did not know the person was driving, though some states allow you to recover these costs from the driver.
  • Knowingly letting someone with a suspended license drive your car can result in your own criminal or civil penalties in addition to the tow.
  • The length of impound varies by state and reason for suspension, ranging from a few days to 30 days or longer.
  • You can retrieve your car by paying fees and providing proof of ownership and valid insurance, but the driver may need to resolve their license suspension first.

When police can tow your car for a suspended-license driver

Police have the authority to impound your vehicle when they stop a driver with a suspended or revoked license in most U.S. states. The suspension itself — whether for unpaid tickets, DUI, points accumulation, or other reasons — makes the person ineligible to operate a vehicle legally. When that person is caught driving, the car becomes evidence of the violation and is towed on the spot or within hours.

The impound is considered an administrative action, not a criminal charge against you as the owner. This means the police do not need to prove you knew about the suspension or that you gave permission. The vehicle was used to break the law, so it can be held. Some states have what is called an "owner liability" rule, which means you can be held responsible for allowing an unlicensed driver to use your car, but the tow itself happens regardless.

A few states have narrower rules. For example, some require that the owner either knew or should have known about the suspension before impounding the vehicle. Check your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website or call your local police non-emergency line to learn your state's specific rules.

How much you will pay to get your car back

Towing fees typically range from $150 to $300 depending on distance and the towing company, though some urban areas charge more. Storage fees are charged daily — usually $20 to $50 per day — and begin accumulating when ready after the tow. If your car sits for two weeks, you could owe $280 to $700 in storage alone, plus the initial tow charge.

To retrieve your car, you will need to go to the impound lot with proof of ownership (title or registration), a valid driver's license, and proof of current insurance. Some impound lots require payment in full before release; others allow payment plans. You do not need to be the driver to pick up the car, but the person who retrieves it must have a valid license.

In some states, you can recover towing and storage costs from the driver who caused the impound by taking them to small claims court or by filing a claim through your insurance. However, this requires proving the driver was responsible and actually collecting the judgment, which can be difficult. Many owners straightforward absorb the cost.

If you knowingly let someone with a suspended license drive your car

Knowingly allowing someone with a suspended license to operate your vehicle is illegal in all 50 states, though the penalties vary. You could face a misdemeanor charge, a fine (typically $500 to $1,500), or both. Some states also impose points on your own driving record, which can raise your insurance rates or lead to your own license suspension if you accumulate too many points.

In addition to criminal penalties, you may be held liable for any accidents, injuries, or property damage caused by that driver. Your insurance company could deny a claim if they discover you knowingly allowed an unlicensed driver to use the vehicle, leaving you personally responsible for damages. This liability can be substantial — medical bills, vehicle repairs, and legal fees can easily exceed $10,000.

If you are facing charges for knowingly allowing an unlicensed driver to use your car, speak with a criminal defense attorney in your area. Many offer free initial consultations and can explain the specific penalties in your state.

How long your car stays impounded

The impound period depends on the state and the reason for the suspension. In many states, a vehicle impounded for a suspended-license violation is held for 10 to 30 days. Some states release it sooner if you pay the fees and provide proof of ownership. A few states hold the car longer — up to 60 or 90 days — if the suspension was for DUI or if the driver has multiple violations.

You can sometimes shorten the impound by paying the fees and retrieving the car early, but you cannot remove it from the lot until the hold is officially lifted. Contact the impound lot directly to ask about early release options. Some lots will release a vehicle to the owner even if the driver's license issue is not yet resolved, as long as fees are paid.

What happens if you did not know the person had a suspended license

If you can demonstrate that you did not know the driver's license was suspended, you have a stronger position to challenge the impound or recover fees. Document what you knew at the time — for example, if the driver told you their license was valid, or if you had no reason to suspect otherwise. Some states allow owners to file a petition to release the vehicle or reduce fees if they can show they were unaware of the suspension.

Contact the impound lot and ask about the process for disputing the hold or requesting a fee waiver. You may need to provide a written statement explaining that you did not know about the suspension. Some jurisdictions have a formal hearing process; others handle it informally. Having documentation — text messages, emails, or witness statements — that show you were misled or unaware strengthens your case.

Even if you succeed in reducing fees, you will likely still owe something. The goal is to minimize what you pay and get your car back as quickly as possible.

Steps to retrieve your impounded car

First, contact the police department or the towing company to confirm where your car is being held and what fees have accumulated. Ask for an itemized breakdown of towing and storage charges. Request the specific reason for the impound and the name of the driver who was stopped.

Next, gather your documents: vehicle title or registration, a valid driver's license, and proof of current insurance. If you do not have proof of insurance, contact your insurance company when ready and ask them to provide a current declaration page or proof of coverage letter.

Go to the impound lot during business hours with these documents and payment. Most lots accept cash, credit cards, or checks. Ask for a receipt and keep it for your records. Once you pay, the lot will release the vehicle to you or to a licensed driver you authorize to pick it up. Do not attempt to retrieve the car without paying — impound lots are find facilities and will not release vehicles without full payment or a court order.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my car back if the driver's license suspension is not yet lifted?

Yes, in most states. The vehicle is impounded because it was used in a traffic violation, not because the driver's license issue is unresolved. You can retrieve your car by paying fees and providing proof of ownership and insurance. The driver will need to resolve their suspension separately through the DMV.

What if the suspended-license driver was a family member or friend I trusted?

You still owe towing and storage fees, but you may have a case to recover them from that person through small claims court. Document the situation — when you lent the car, what they told you about their license, and any communications about it. You can also report the incident to your insurance company, though this may affect your rates.

Does my insurance cover towing and storage fees from an impound?

Most standard auto insurance policies do not cover impound fees. Some comprehensive or roadside information plans may cover towing, but not storage. Check your policy or call your insurance agent to confirm what is covered. Even if towing is covered, storage fees are typically your responsibility.

Can I be charged with a crime if someone borrowed my car without permission and had a suspended license?

Unlikely, but it depends on the circumstances. If you can show you did not know the person took the car or that their license was suspended, you have a strong defense. However, if you lent the car knowingly, you could face charges. Consult a criminal defense attorney if you are contacted by police.

What if I need my car back when ready for work or medical reasons?

Contact the impound lot and explain your situation. Some lots have expedited release processes or may waive or reduce storage fees in hardship cases. You can also ask the police department or district attorney's office if they can authorize early release. There is no may provide, but it is worth asking — the worst they can say is no.