Traffic Bureau FAQs
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If your vehicle has been impounded by the Riverside Police Department, you may find out where your vehicle is being stored by calling the Police Department at (951) 826-5700. Please allow 24 hours from the time of impound for processing. Please have your license plate number, vehicle identification number (VIN), or police report number available when you call. In order to remove property from the impounded vehicle, the registered owner must be present and possess a valid government-issued picture identification card. Please contact the tow company directly to make arrangements.
Vehicle information may be obtained at the Magnolia Police Station, 10540 Magnolia Avenue, Suite B, or at the Orange Police Station, 4102 Orange Street, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
The most common reasons a vehicle is towed and impounded are for offenses relating to:
- Driving under suspension/revocation of a drivers license.
- Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
- Parking violations where the registered owner cannot be found.
- Investigation and evidence.
- Officer's request (i.e. recovered stolen, traffic hazard, accident and abandonment).
If the conditions listed above are met, a Vehicle Release Form will be issued for a fee of $20 (for towed vehicles). If the vehicle was reported stolen, the $20 fee will be waived. After you have received a Vehicle Release Form, arrangements can be made with the tow company to pay their fees and have the vehicle released. For additional information regarding the release of a vehicle under the above circumstances, please contact the Records Bureau at (951) 826-5700.
If your vehicle has been impounded because it was being operated by an unlicensed driver or someone driving with a suspended license, the vehicle will be held for 30 days (California Vehicle Code Section 14602.6). In most cases, the 30-day holding period will not be waived. The registered owner, or lien holder, of an impounded vehicle is entitled to have an impound hearing to determine the validity of the tow within ten (10) business days of the date of impound. A vehicle hearing appointment can be made by calling (951) 351-6398. Hearings are held Monday through Thursday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. You have the option to request to have your hearing conducted over the phone.
After the 30 days have passed, the registered owner will need to obtain a Vehicle Release Form. In most cases, the 30-day holding period will not be waived. If the impound of the vehicle is upheld, the registered owner is responsible for the Vehicle Release Form fee even if the vehicle was released early.