Towed Vehicles

20-Day Impounded Vehicles

If your vehicle was impounded by an officer of the Marana Police Department, pleasereview the information the officer gave you at the time of the impound for instructions.

Why was my vehicle impounded?

Arizona law requires law enforcement agencies to impound a motor vehicle when the driver is in violation of the following provisions:

  • The driver is in an accident, and is in violation of Arizona financial responsibility law, and their driver’s license is revoked or cancelled for any reason, or is unlicensed in any jurisdiction.
  • Driver has never been issued a license or permit in Arizona or issued a license in any other jurisdiction.
  • The driver’s license is cancelled or revoked for any reason.
  • The driver is arrested for Aggravated DUI or Extreme DUI.
  • The driver is under 21 years of age and has alcohol in their body.
  • The driver lacks a required ignition interlock device.
  • The driver transports, moves, conceals the illegal presence of a non-U.S. citizen in their vehicle.
  • The vehicle’s VIN is destroyed, removed, covered, altered, or defaced.
  • The driver is cited for reckless driving in accordance with ARS 28-3511 and ARS 28-693.
  • The driver is cited for any manner of street racing in accordance with ARS 28-3511 and ARS 28-708.
  • The driver is cited for obstructing a street in accordance with ARS 28-3511 and ARS 13-2906, and is subject to a 7-day impound.

Please Note:

  • If your vehicle was impounded as evidence of a crime, these procedures do not apply.
  • If your vehicle was impounded by another law enforcement agency, you must contact that agency for assistance in obtaining the release of your vehicle.            

How do I get my vehicle back? 

On or after the 20th day of impound you can make an appointment to release your vehicle. If your driver’s license is reinstated earlier, your vehicle will be eligible for release to you.

  • You must call and make an appointment before starting the release process. Please do not show up at the Marana Police Department without an appointment. Appointments are strongly encouraged to verify police personnel are available to assist you. On the day of your appointment, you must come to the Marana Police Department, 11555 W. Civic Center Dr, Bldg. D, Marana, AZ 85653.
  • You must bring a valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, and valid vehicle registration. It may be necessary for you to go to court, the Motor Vehicle Division, and/or the tow yard before your appointment to obtain the necessary documentation. The Marana Police Department cannot release your vehicle until current and valid documents are presented.
  • You must pay $150 to Town of Marana in accordance with ARS 28-3513. Preferred forms of payment are cash, credit, debit, or business check.
    • AMEX, personal checks, or mobile financial service platforms (Cash App, Zelle, etc.) are not accepted.

Once this is completed, police personnel will provide an “Authorization for Release of Impounded Vehicle” form to you which you must present to the tow company.

At the towing company, you must pay the towing and storage fees. Those payments are made directly to the towing company. You must also present proof of your identity and ownership to the tow company.

If your driving privilege cannot be restored by the end of the 20-day period (i.e. license has been revoked for one year) you may bring a fully licensed driver with you to drive the vehicle upon release. Valid vehicle registration and proof of insurance are still required.

If you are unable to provide a driver’s license, valid registration, and/or proof of insurance, you may have the vehicle towed off the lot at your own expense.

Who can obtain the vehicle?

At the time of impound, if a vehicle has a prior impoundment in the past 365 days the vehicle will not be eligible for early release.

All co-owners must be registered to the vehicle prior to the impound date.

Prior to the end of the 20-day period:

  • In certain situations, the spouse (proof of marriage required) or co-owner may enter into an agreement with the police department for early release (if there are no previous impounds within the year). The agreement stipulates if the spouse or co-owner allows any driver who does not have valid driving privileges or commits a violation that causes the vehicle to be impounded again, within 365 days after an agreement is signed with an immobilizing or impounding agency, the vehicle will not be eligible for early release.

What if someone other than the owner was driving the vehicle when it was impounded?

The owner of the vehicle is responsible for paying all fees and charges associated with the impound prior to having the vehicle released. The owner may seek civil action against the driver for any expenses incurred as a result of the immobilization. This applies except in the case of a vehicle reported as stolen.

If the vehicle was in the process of being sold, all applicable title and registration transfer requirements must be met before the vehicle can be returned to you.

Is early release possible?

Under certain circumstances, you may be able to have the vehicle returned to you prior to the end of the 20-days. This will require a hearing.

You may be eligible to have your vehicle released early only if you meet one (1) of the following conditions or circumstances:

  • If the vehicle was stolen at the time it was impounded.
  • If the owner presents satisfactory proof that the owner’s driving privilege has been reinstated.
  • If the vehicle is subject to bailment and was driven by an employee of a business establishment, including a parking service or repair garage, who is subject to ARS 28-3512(A)(2).
  • If ALL OF THE FOLLOWING APPLIES: the owner or owner’s agent was not the person driving in violation at that time of the impound, and the owner or the owner’s agent is in the business of renting motor vehicles without drivers, and the vehicle is registered pursuant to ARS 28-2166.

Would I still have to pay fees and charges if the vehicle is released early to me?

Yes, the owner is still liable for administrative charges and all towing and storage fees.

At the end of the 30 days, can I just go to the towing company and get my vehicle?

No. The tow company cannot release an impounded vehicle without an “Authorization for Release of Impounded Vehicle” form from the Marana Police Department. 

What will happen if I cannot claim my vehicle at the end of the 30 days?

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 from more than thirty (30) days. If you have difficulty in paying for the towing and storage, but wish to retain ownership of your vehicle, you should contact the towing company and discuss the matter with them. 

May I request a hearing about the impound of my vehicle?

Yes. Hearings are generally only needed if you are challenging the validity of the impound. If you are now in compliance with the law and are eligible to get your vehicle back, you do not need a hearing—simply contact the police department to make an appointment.

You may request a hearing in writing or by calling no later than ten (10) days from the date of the vehicle impoundment. The hearings are conducted by a member of the Crime Scene Unit and may be held over the telephone or in person. There is no fee for a hearing and an attorney is not needed. The hearing process is informal.

How much will it cost to have my vehicle released?

  • Town of Marana Administrative Fee: $150
  • Contact tow yard for current fees.

The administrative fee must be paid in full to Town of Marana Police Department. All other fees are paid to the tow company.

Additional Information

If your vehicle was impounded as evidence of a crime, these procedures do not apply. If your vehicle was impounded by another law enforcement agency, you must contact that agency for assistance in obtaining the release of your vehicle.

Mandatory Towed Vehicle Release Hours: By Appointment Only
Monday through Friday 8AM-4PM: By Appointment Only
Closed Weekends and Holidays

Requirements: The following documentation must be presented by the registered owner prior to release:

  • Valid driver's license
  • Valid vehicle registration
  • Proof of current insurance
  • $150 Administration Fee – payable by cash, credit, debit, or business check.

Contact

Marana Police Department
11555 W Civic Center Dr
Marana, Arizona 85653
Phone (520) 382-2000
Fax: (520) 382-2001

Eddie's Towing
13600 N Sandario Rd
Marana, Arizona 85653
Phone: (877) 503-3343
eddiesaztowing.com

Call 382-2000 to make an appointment for the release of your vehicle. 

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