Vehicle impoundment in California involves daily storage charges levied by the towing company or storage facility. These fees vary considerably based on the vehicle’s size, the location of the impound lot, and the duration of storage. For example, a standard passenger car might incur a daily fee between $25 and $75, while larger vehicles like RVs or trucks could face significantly higher rates. Additional fees might include towing charges, administrative fees, and lien sale fees if the vehicle remains unclaimed.
Understanding these potential costs is crucial for vehicle owners. Unaddressed impoundment can quickly lead to mounting expenses, making retrieval increasingly difficult. The accumulation of fees can even result in the vehicle being sold at a lien sale to recoup the owed costs. Historically, regulations surrounding vehicle impoundment have evolved to balance the interests of property owners, law enforcement, and vehicle owners themselves. This framework aims to provide a clear process for reclaiming impounded vehicles while allowing storage facilities to recover their costs.
