Your car was towed because your license is suspended, and you need it back
When a police officer stops you and discovers your license is suspended, they can impound your vehicle on the spot. The car goes to a tow lot, and you cannot retrieve it until three things happen: your license suspension is lifted, you pay the tow and storage fees, and you show proof of both to the tow company. The timeline depends on why your license was suspended and how quickly you can resolve that issue.
The suspension itself is the barrier. You cannot drive the car out of the lot legally, and the tow company will not release it to you without evidence that the suspension has ended. Some suspensions lift automatically once you pay what you owe; others require you to file paperwork with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency.
Key Takeaways
- Your license suspension must be lifted before the tow lot will release your car, regardless of whether you pay towing and storage fees.
- Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, unpaid child support, DUI convictions, and failure to maintain insurance — each has a different path to reinstatement.
- Tow and storage fees accumulate daily, so the longer your car sits, the more you owe; some lots charge $150 to $300 for the tow plus $25 to $50 per day for storage.
- You can request a hearing to challenge the tow if the officer lacked legal grounds, but this must happen within a narrow window — usually 10 to 30 days depending on your state.
- Once your suspension is lifted, bring proof of reinstatement to the tow lot along with payment, and the lot will release your vehicle.
Find out why your license was suspended
Your first step is to contact your state's DMV or licensing agency and ask for the specific reason your license is suspended. You can usually do this online through your state's DMV website, by phone, or in person. Have your driver's license number and date of birth ready.
The most common reasons are unpaid traffic fines, unpaid child support, failure to maintain auto insurance, DUI-related convictions, and failure to pay court-ordered restitution. Each suspension type has different requirements to lift it. For example, if your suspension is due to unpaid fines, you must pay those fines. If it is due to unpaid child support, the child support agency must confirm that your account is current. If it is due to a lapsed insurance policy, you must show proof of active coverage.
Write down the exact reason and any case or citation numbers the DMV gives you. You will need this information to resolve the suspension and to show the tow lot that it has been lifted.
Resolve the underlying issue that caused the suspension
Once you know why your license is suspended, you must address that issue directly. The suspension will not lift until you do.
If unpaid fines are the reason, contact the court or traffic violations bureau listed on your citation and pay the balance in full. Ask for a receipt or confirmation number. If child support is the reason, contact your state's child support enforcement agency and bring your account current. If insurance lapsed, purchase a policy when ready and request proof of active coverage from your insurer. If a DUI conviction caused the suspension, you may need to complete a substance abuse program, pay a reinstatement fee, or wait out a mandatory suspension period — contact your DMV to learn what applies to you.
Some suspensions have a waiting period even after you resolve the underlying issue. For instance, a DUI suspension may require you to wait 6 to 12 months after paying fines and completing a program before you can request reinstatement. Ask the DMV or the relevant agency whether your suspension has a waiting period and when you become may be able to access to request reinstatement.
Request reinstatement of your license
After you have resolved the underlying issue, contact your DMV and request that your license be reinstated. Some states do this automatically once they confirm payment or compliance; others require you to file a formal reinstatement request and pay a reinstatement fee (typically $50 to $200, depending on your state).
Ask the DMV how long reinstatement takes. Some states process it the same day; others take 5 to 10 business days. Request written confirmation of the reinstatement — either a letter, an email, or a document you can print — because you will need to show this to the tow lot before they release your car.
If your state's DMV has an online portal, you may be able to check your license status there and print a reinstatement confirmation when ready. If not, ask whether the DMV can email you a confirmation letter or provide a reference number you can cite when you contact the tow lot.
Gather proof of reinstatement and contact the tow lot
Once your license is reinstated, contact the tow lot where your car is being held. You will need the lot's phone number or address; this information should have been provided to you when the car was towed, or you can search online for the tow lot name and location.
Tell the lot that your license suspension has been lifted and ask what documents they need to release your vehicle. Bring or send proof of reinstatement (a letter from the DMV, a printed confirmation from the DMV website, or an email confirmation). The lot will also require payment for towing and storage fees. Ask for an itemized bill so you know exactly what you owe.
Towing fees typically range from $150 to $300, and daily storage fees range from $25 to $50, though these vary by state and lot. If your car has been in storage for weeks, the total can be substantial. Some tow lots accept payment by credit card, debit card, or cash; ask which methods they take. Once you pay, the lot will release your vehicle to you.
Challenge the tow if the officer lacked legal grounds
If you believe your car was towed illegally — for instance, if the officer did not actually verify that your license was suspended, or if the suspension was later found to be in error — you may be able to challenge the tow and recover your fees.
Most states allow you to request a hearing within 10 to 30 days of the tow. Contact the police department or the city/county agency that authorized the tow and ask how to file a challenge. You will need to explain why the tow was improper and provide any evidence you have (such as a DMV letter stating the suspension was in error, or a police report that contradicts the officer's account).
A hearing officer will review your case and decide whether the tow was lawful. If they find it was not, you may recover the towing and storage fees. However, this process takes time — typically several weeks to a few months — and you will still need to retrieve your car and pay the fees upfront while the challenge is pending. Consult with a local attorney if you believe you have a strong case, as some offer free initial consultations.
Prevent future suspensions
Once your car is back and your license is reinstated, take steps to prevent another suspension. Pay traffic fines on time, maintain current auto insurance, keep child support payments current if they explore to you, and follow any court orders related to your license.
If you receive a notice that your license will be suspended, contact the relevant agency when ready and ask what you need to do to prevent it. Many suspensions can be avoided or delayed if you act before the suspension takes effect. Set phone reminders for insurance renewal dates and court-ordered payment important date so you do not miss them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the tow lot keep my car if I do not pay the fees?
Yes. Tow lots have a legal right to hold your vehicle until you pay towing and storage fees, even if your license is reinstated. However, most states have a limit on how long a lot can hold a car before they must sell it to recover their fees — typically 30 to 90 days. Contact your state's Attorney General or consumer protection office if you believe a lot is holding your car beyond the legal limit.
What if I cannot afford the towing and storage fees?
Some tow lots will negotiate a payment plan if you ask. Call the lot and explain your situation; they may allow you to pay in installments. Some community legal aid organizations also help people recover impounded vehicles. Search online for "legal aid" plus your county name, or call 211 to find local resources that may information with towing fees.
Do I need a lawyer to get my car back?
No. You can retrieve your car yourself once your license is reinstated and you pay the fees. A lawyer is only necessary if you want to challenge the tow as illegal or if you are facing criminal charges related to the suspension.
Will my insurance rates go up because my car was towed?
The tow itself will not affect your rates, but the underlying reason for the suspension might. For example, if your license was suspended due to a DUI conviction, your insurance rates will likely increase. If it was suspended due to unpaid fines or lapsed insurance, the rates may not change unless you had a lapse in coverage.
How long does it take to get my license reinstated?
It depends on your state and the reason for the suspension. Some states reinstate licenses the same day you resolve the underlying issue; others take 5 to 10 business days. Contact your DMV to ask about the timeline for your specific situation.