La Paz County Vehicle Impound Guide
Impound Cost Calculator — La Paz County, Arizona
Calculate how much it will cost to retrieve your vehicle from Parker Towing & Storage.
*Estimated fees shown. Actual fees in La Paz County may vary. Contact the impound lot directly for exact costs.
Select a pickup date to
see cost estimate
The First 48 Hours Are Critical
After a arrest in La Paz County, your vehicle is likely towed to an impound lot. Storage fees accumulate daily, making time your biggest enemy.
What Happens Immediately After Arrest
- 1
Vehicle is towed (usually within 30 minutes of arrest)
- 2
Tow company notifies impound lot (charges start immediately)
- 3
Storage fees begin accruing at $25.0/day in La Paz County
- 4
Administrative fees added (varies by lot)
Documents You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle
- Valid photo ID (driver's license or state ID)
- Vehicle registration or title
- Proof of insurance
- Payment for all fees (see calculator above)
- Release authorization (if not the registered owner)
Can Someone Else Pick Up My Car?
Yes, but they'll need:
- • Written authorization from the registered owner
- • Copy of owner's ID
- • Their own valid ID
- • Proof of insurance in their name or the owner's name
Impound Lot Details
Parker Towing & Storage
Call Before You Go
Verify your vehicle is at this lot and confirm the exact amount owed before making the trip. Hours and fees may change without notice.
The Impound “Poverty Trap”
Many people can't afford to get their car out immediately, but waiting only makes it worse.
Here's the vicious cycle:
Can't afford the first 3 days of storage + admin fees
Wait a week to save money → fees double
Can't get to work without car → lose income
Wait 2 weeks → fees triple or quadruple
After 30 days → Car may be auctioned by the lot
What You Can Do
- • Borrow money from family/friends (pay them back later, cheaper than daily fees)
- • Use a credit card (even with interest, cheaper than impound fees)
- • Sell non-essential items quickly
- • Ask your employer for an advance
- • Check if your auto insurance covers towing/storage (some policies do)
Administrative offices in La Paz County often close for lunch from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, potentially delaying vehicle release. If you've been arrested for DUI in La Paz County, Arizona, and your vehicle has been impounded, understanding the retrieval process is crucial. Here's a breakdown of what you need to know to get your car back.
Impoundment Details in La Paz County
Vehicle impoundment in Arizona is governed by A.R.S. § 28-3511. This law mandates a 30-day impound for certain offenses, such as driving on a suspended license or extreme DUI. However, early release may be possible for eligible parties who were not the driver (e.g., a spouse, co-owner, or rental agency representative) and possess a valid driver's license.
La Paz County Towing and Storage Fees
Once the administrative release is secured, you'll need to settle the account with the private towing company. While fees are unregulated beyond contract maximums with the police department, expect the following:
- Towing Fee: $165.00 to $250.00 base rate, plus mileage charges. Keep in mind that La Paz County is large, so a tow from I-10 to Parker can significantly increase the mileage portion of the bill.
- Storage Rate: Typically $25.00 per day.
- After-Hours Gate Fee: If you arrange a release outside of standard business hours (8:00 AM – 5:00 PM), an additional "gate fee" may apply.
Example 3-Day Impound Scenario: Expect to pay an average of $425 to retrieve your vehicle.
La Paz County Impound Lots
One primary facility is:
- Parker Towing & Storage: 1217 Geronimo Ave, Parker, AZ 85344. Administrative releases are handled during standard business hours (e.g., 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday-Friday). Towing operations are 24 hours a day, but you can only retrieve the vehicle during business hours after you have obtained a release.
An alternative towing company is:
- A Toe Truck: (928) 669-5400.
Required Documents for Vehicle Release
You'll typically need the following documents to retrieve your impounded vehicle in La Paz County:
- Vehicle Release Form from the impounding agency (La Paz County Sheriff's Department)
- Valid driver's license (for early release by eligible parties)
- Proof of vehicle ownership/registration
- Notarized power of attorney or letter of authorization (if someone other than the registered owner is claiming the vehicle)
- Valid proof of insurance
Important Insurance Note: If your insurance policy is inside the impounded vehicle, the tow yard might charge a "personal property retrieval fee" or require a separate visit to get the document before they process the vehicle release. Modern digital insurance cards are generally accepted, but if your phone was seized or has a dead battery, you'll be stranded.
Payment Methods
Many rural government offices restrict payment methods for the administrative fee to cash, cashier's checks, or money orders. They often reject personal checks or credit cards due to the risk of chargebacks. This requirement can force you to scramble for liquid funds during business hours.
The "Owner Presence" Mandate
Arizona statutes and local policy dictate that only the registered owner can retrieve a vehicle. If the registered owner is incarcerated, hospitalized, or out-of-state, they must execute a notarized power of attorney or specific letter of authorization to allow a third party to claim the car.
Lunch Break Trap
Rural administrative offices in La Paz County, including the Parker and Quartzsite Justice Courts and likely the associated police records clerks, frequently observe strict closure periods for lunch, typically from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. A defendant arriving at the Sheriff’s office at 12:05 PM to pay their administrative fee will find the doors locked until 1:00 PM.
To start the release process, contact the La Paz County Sheriff's Office at 1109 Arizona Avenue, Parker, AZ 85344.
Sources
Arizona Transportation Code
La Paz County Towing Regulations
Arizona Department of Licensing and Regulation
Nearby Arizona Counties
24/7 Legal Support
Need a Attorney in La Paz County?
Get connected with experienced attorneys who know La Paz County courts and can fight for the best outcome.