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Towed Vehicles

If your vehicle was impounded by an officer of the Marana Police Department, please review 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 (“tow”) 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 has a revoked or cancelled driver’s license for any reason, or is unlicensed in any jurisdiction.
The driver has never been issued a license or permit in Arizona or issued a license in any other jurisdiction.
The driver’s license is 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 (except when the owner of the vehicle is the parent of guardian of the driver).
The driver lacks a required ignition interlock device.

How do I get my vehicle back?

On or after the 30th day of impound you can make an appointment to release your vehicle, If your driver’s license is reinstated earlier and your vehicle has not been impounded previously your vehicle will be eligible for release to you.

You must call and make an appointment before starting the release process. When a date and time is agreed upon you must come to the Marana Police Dept., 11555 W Civic Center Dr, Bldg B, Marana, AZ 85653. Do not show up at the police station without an appointment. Impound staff have other duties and will not service you without an appointment.
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 and/or the Motor Vehicle Division 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 the Town of Marana. Preferred forms of payment are cash, money order, Visa or MasterCard.

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 30-day period (e.g. license has been suspended 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.

Who can obtain the vehicle?

Prior to the end of the 30 day period:
According to MVD records at the time of the impound; only the registered owner, co-owner, owner’s spouse (proof required) or lien holder are eligible to obtain release of the vehicle. In certain situations, the spouse or co-owner must enter into an agreement with the police department that they will not let a driver operate the vehicle within one year. If the agreement is violated, there is no relief available from the 30 day impound period the next time a violation occurs.

The owner of the vehicle is responsible for paying 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.

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.

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

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 30 days. In some cases, this may 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 28-3511-A or B.
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.

In certain situations, a vehicle may be released to another person, but only if he or she is listed on the title and registration. The co-owner may enter into an agreement with the Marana Police Department in that he or she will not allow an individual who has been arrested for Extreme or Aggravated DUI or a minor in possession of alcohol, drive the vehicle within one year. If the agreement is violated, there is no relief from the 30 day impound period if the vehicle is impounded in the future.

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 paperwork 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 proceed with the required steps to obtain the authorized release from the police department.

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

How much will it cost to have my vehicle released?

Administrative Fee: $150 to the Marana Police Department
Tow Charges: $45 plus $2.50 per mile to the tow agency
Storage Charge: $15 per day to the towing agency
Gate Fee: $25 if requiring assistance after 5 pm to the towing agency

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

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

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: 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, debit card, visa or master card or check

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

For additional information: Towed Vehicle Download(PDF, 289KB)