Vehicle Impound Information

PURSUANT TO
ARS28-3511
ARS28-3512
ARS28-3513
ARS28-3514
ARS28-3515

Sheriff Doug Schuster
600 W. Beale St
Kingman, Arizona 86401
928-753-0753 phone
928-718-4943 fax

Why was my vehicle impounded?

Arizona law requires law enforcement agencies to impound (“tow”) a motor vehicle when the driver is in violation of certain provisions. These are the most common:

The driver’s license is revoked or suspended for any reason.
OR
The driver has never had a driver’s license issued by Arizona or by any other jurisdiction.
OR
The driver is arrested for either Extreme DUI or Aggravated DUI.
OR
The driver is under legal drinking age and has any alcohol in their body.
OR
The driver was operating the vehicle without a certified ignition interlock device when he/she is subject to an ignition interlock device.
OR
The Transporting / Concealing an illegal alien in this state in a vehicle.

How long will my vehicle be impounded?

The law requires that vehicles impounded under these conditions be held for a period of thirty days before being released. In some cases you may be eligible to have the vehicle released earlier.

NOTE: If your vehicle was impounded by another law enforcement agency you must contact that agency directly for assistance in obtaining the release of your vehicle.

Can I get my vehicle back before the 30 day impoundment period is over?

Under certain limited circumstances, you may be able to have the vehicle returned to you prior to the end of the 30-day period. This will require a vehicle impound hearing.

A request for a vehicle impound hearing must be received by the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office by the owner, the spouse of the owner or any other person identified in the Motor Vehicle Department’s record as having an interest in the vehicle within (10) days after the date on the notice of impoundment. If your request is received after the ten day period, we will not grant you a hearing on this matter.

The vehicle impound hearing is solely for the purpose of determining the validity of the impoundment or to determine whether the vehicle may be released before the end of the 30- day period.

What do I need to bring to the vehicle impound hearing?

A valid Driver’s license
A current original or copy of vehicle registration or certificate
Proof of current insurance for the vehicle
Administrative fee of $150.00

Cash, cashier’s check, or money order made payable to Mohave County Sheriff’s Office. NO personal/
company check. A 2.5% fee on Credit /Debit Card.

Repossessed vehicles

To obtain a release for a repossessed vehicle prior to the end of the 30-day period, you must schedule a
vehicle impound hearing. You must bring the following:

An Affidavit of Repossession
A Copy of the vehicle title
A Valid Drivers’ License
Administrative fee of $150.00

Cash, cashier’s check, or money order made payable to Mohave County Sheriff’s Office. NO personal/
company check. A 2.5% fee on Credit/Debit Card.

Post 30 day release

To obtain a release after the completion of the thirty (30) day impoundment , you must come to the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office between the hours of 9:00a.m. and 4:00p.m. (excluding weekends and holidays).

You must bring with you:

A valid driver’s license/or a valid licensed driver
Your Identification (If your license is not valid)
Current original or copy of vehicle registration certificate
Proof of current insurance for the vehicle
Administrative fee of $150.00

Cash, cashier’s check or money order made payable Mohave County Sheriff’s Office. No personal/company
check. A 2.5% fee on Credit/Debit Card.

Unclaimed vehicles

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 past the mandatory thirty (30) day impoundment. If you have difficulty in paying for the towing and storage, you should contact the towing company if you wish to retain ownership of your vehicle.

Disclaimer…..
This brochure is intended as a public service in promoting understanding of a complex law. As such it cannot convey all the details of the Statute that officers are obligated to follow. Please refer to A.R.S. 28-3511, 3512, 3513, 3514, and 3515 for details.