Can San Diego Police Tow Your Car After a DUI Arrest — And How to Get It Back Faster
Being arrested for DUI in San Diego is overwhelming enough. Between the handcuffs, the breath test, and the sudden loss of your driver’s license, many people don’t realize there’s another immediate consequence waiting for them: their car can be towed and impounded on the spot.
For many drivers, the vehicle tow ends up being one of the most frustrating and expensive parts of a DUI arrest. Storage fees add up fast, and confusion about how to retrieve the car can leave it sitting in impound longer than necessary.
Can Police Tow Your Car After a DUI in San Diego?
Yes, San Diego law enforcement is legally allowed to tow your vehicle after a DUI arrest.
When you’re arrested for DUI, officers must decide what happens to your vehicle. If there is no sober, licensed driver immediately available to take custody of the car, towing is often the default option.
Even if your car is legally parked, officers may still order a tow depending on the circumstances. DUI arrests frequently happen late at night, and police are not required to wait around for someone to come pick up your car.
Common situations where towing happens include:
- You’re arrested and taken into custody
- There is no sober passenger who can legally drive
- Your vehicle is blocking traffic or considered a safety hazard
- The arrest occurs after midnight when alternatives are limited
How Long Can Your Car Be Impounded After a DUI?
This depends on why the car was towed.
In many DUI cases, the vehicle is simply towed for safekeeping and can be released as soon as the registered owner or authorized driver meets the requirements. However, there are situations where a mandatory impound period applies, especially if the DUI involves additional factors.
For example, if you were driving on a suspended or revoked license at the time of the DUI, San Diego police may impose a 30-day impound under California law. During that period, the vehicle cannot be released early, even to the registered owner, unless very specific hardship exceptions apply.
This is where people often get blindsided. They expect to retrieve the car the next day, only to learn it’s locked in impound for weeks.
Where Does Your Car Go After a San Diego DUI Tow?
After a DUI arrest, your vehicle is typically taken to a city-contracted tow yard or private impound lot. The location depends on whether the arrest was made by San Diego Police Department, the Sheriff’s Department, or another local agency.
You should receive a tow slip or vehicle storage notice, but if you were booked into jail, that paperwork can easily get lost in the chaos. If you don’t know where your car is, an attorney can quickly help locate it by contacting the arresting agency.
Time matters here, storage fees accumulate daily, and waiting too long can make retrieval far more expensive.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Your Car Back?
Impound fees vary, but most drivers are shocked by how fast the total grows.
Typical costs may include:
- Initial tow fee
- Daily storage fees
- Administrative or release fees
In San Diego, it’s not uncommon for total costs to reach hundreds or even thousands of dollars if the car sits for an extended period. That’s why acting quickly is critical.
How to Get Your Car Back Faster After a DUI Arrest
The fastest way to retrieve your vehicle depends on whether it’s subject to a mandatory impound.
If no mandatory impound applies, you or an authorized driver may be able to retrieve the vehicle by:
- Bringing valid photo ID
- Showing proof of ownership or authorization
- Providing current vehicle registration
- Providing valid insurance
- Paying all tow and storage fees
In the event your license was suspended or you’re not legally allowed to drive, a licensed third party may be able to retrieve the vehicle on your behalf.
If a mandatory impound does apply, options are more limited, but not nonexistent. In some cases, early release may be possible due to hardship, improper impound procedures, or legal errors made during the arrest.
This is one area where having a DUI lawyer involved early can save significant time and money.
Can a DUI Lawyer Help with a Vehicle Tow or Impound?
An experienced San Diego DUI attorney can:
- Determine whether the impound was legally justified
- Confirm whether a mandatory impound actually applies
- Identify procedural errors that could allow early release
- Communicate with tow yards and law enforcement on your behalf
- Help prevent unnecessary storage fees from piling up
Just as importantly, a lawyer can address the bigger picture. This includes your criminal case, DMV license suspension, and any related charges, while also helping you deal with immediate issues like your vehicle.
Don’t Let a DUI Tow Make a Bad Situation Worse
A DUI arrest is stressful, confusing, and expensive enough without your car being stuck in impound longer than necessary. Unfortunately, many people lose time and money simply because they don’t know their rights or options.
If your car was towed after a DUI arrest in San Diego, getting legal guidance early can make a real difference, not just for your vehicle, but for your entire case.
Rick Mueller, San Diego DUI Lawyer, has spent decades defending DUI cases in San Diego and understands how local police, prosecutors, and tow procedures actually work in the real world. If you’re dealing with a DUI arrest and the fallout that comes with it, speaking with an experienced local attorney sooner rather than later can help protect both your freedom and your wallet.
Sign up for a free consultation today.
Can San Diego Police Tow Your Car After a DUI Arrest — And How to Get It Back Faster