Maricopa County Vehicle Impound Guide
Impound Cost Calculator
Calculate how much it will cost to retrieve your vehicle from Priority Towing in Maricopa County, Arizona.
*Estimated fees shown for Maricopa County. Actual fees may vary.
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The First 48 Hours
After a DUI arrest in Maricopa County, your vehicle is likely towed to an impound lot. Storage fees accumulate daily, making time your biggest enemy.
Retrieval Timeline
- 1
Vehicle Towed
Usually within 30 minutes of your arrest.
- 2
Lot Notification
Fees and admin processing start immediately upon arrival.
- 3
Daily Accrual
Fees start at $25.0/day in Maricopa County.
- 4
Final Notice
After 30 days, the lot may begin the auction process.
Required Documents
- Valid Photo ID (License or State ID)
- Vehicle Registration or Title
- Current Proof of Insurance
- Full Payment (Cash/Credit)
- Release Authorization (if not owner)
Owner Not Present?
If the registered owner is in custody, you will need a notarized power of attorney or specific written authorization and a copy of their ID to retrieve the vehicle.
Lot Details & Map
Current storage facility information for Maricopa County. Verify your vehicle's location before traveling.
Priority Towing
Address
3420 West Lower Buckeye Road, Phoenix, AZ
Phone
602-232-6006Release Hours
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday
Accepted Payments
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)
Impound Recovery Action Steps
Call the impounding police department (NOT the tow yard) to request a Vehicle Release Order. The tow yard cannot release your vehicle without this order
Pay the $150 Admin Fee (A.R.S. § 28-3513) directly to the impounding agency by cash, cashier's check, or money order. Personal checks are universally refused
Request a Post-Storage Hearing within 10 days of impoundment (A.R.S. § 28-3514). Missing this deadline waives your right to contest impoundment
Be aware that storage fees accrue per calendar day. A vehicle towed at 11PM and released at 8AM the next day = 2 days of storage
After-hours/gate fees ($45-$150) may apply for retrieval outside standard business hours (generally 8AM-5PM Monday-Friday)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a county impound lot in Maricopa County?
No. "County Impound Lot" is a misnomer in Maricopa County. Law enforcement agencies use a decentralized network of private contractors. You must call the impounding agency to confirm which lot holds your vehicle.
How much does impound cost in Maricopa County?
Admin Fee: $150 (paid to impounding agency, not tow company). Storage: $25/day (accrues per calendar day). Tow fees vary by agency: MCSO ~$80/hr + $5/mile, Scottsdale PD $65 flat, Gilbert PD $75/hr + $6/mile. After-hours fees: $45-$150.
What is the 10-day Post-Storage Hearing deadline?
You have 10 days from impoundment to request a Post-Storage Hearing (A.R.S. § 28-3514). Missing this deadline waives your right to contest the impoundment and financial liability. This is separate from your MVD hearing deadline.
Can I use an open title to get my vehicle?
No. "Open titles" (signed over but not processed by MVD) are not accepted as proof of ownership. You must have proper documentation processed through the MVD.
Important Information
Personal checks are universally refused by tow companies and often by agencies for the Admin Fee. Storage fees accrue per calendar day; a vehicle towed at 11:00 PM and released at 8:00 AM the next day constitutes two days of storage in many contracts. Tow fees can be inflated by officer waiting time.
Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Maricopa County
Being arrested for DUI in Maricopa County is a stressful experience, and dealing with the aftermath can feel overwhelming. One immediate concern is often: what happens to my car? In Arizona, law enforcement officers routinely impound vehicles following a DUI arrest, leaving you without transportation and facing mounting fees. This guide provides the steps you need to take to locate and retrieve your vehicle as quickly as possible.
Where Is Your Car?
After a DUI arrest, your vehicle is typically towed to a private impound lot contracted by the arresting agency. Finding out exactly where your car was taken is the first crucial step. Don't delay — storage fees accumulate daily.
How to Find Your Vehicle
There are a few ways to determine where your vehicle is located:
- Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided you with documentation that includes the name and contact information for the towing company that took your vehicle. Look carefully through all the paperwork you received at the time of your arrest.
- Call the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: If you can't find the information on your paperwork, contact the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) non-emergency line to inquire about the location of your vehicle. They will likely ask for your name, date of birth, and the date of your arrest.
- Reference your booking number: When you call the MCSO, having your booking number readily available will help them locate your information more quickly.
What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle
Once you know where your car is impounded, gather the necessary documents to claim it. Missing paperwork will only delay the process and increase storage fees.
Required Documents
Generally, you will need the following:
- Valid driver's license: The person retrieving the vehicle must have a valid driver's license.
- Vehicle registration or title: Proof of ownership is essential. Bring your vehicle registration or title.
- Proof of insurance: You must demonstrate that the vehicle is currently insured.
- Payment for fees: Be prepared to pay all towing and storage fees.
If You Don't Have a Valid License
If your driver's license is suspended or revoked due to the DUI arrest, you cannot personally retrieve the vehicle. In this case, you have two options:
- Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it: A licensed individual can pick up the vehicle on your behalf.
- They need: Their valid driver's license, a signed authorization letter from you granting them permission to retrieve the vehicle, and the vehicle title or registration in your name.
Costs & Fees in Maricopa County
Towing and storage fees can add up quickly, creating a significant financial burden. Be aware of the potential costs involved.
Typical towing fees in Arizona generally range from $150 to $300. Daily storage fees typically run between $25 and $50 per day.
IMPORTANT: Storage fees are charged daily, starting the moment your vehicle is impounded. The longer you wait, the more expensive it becomes to retrieve your car. Call the specific impound lot to confirm their exact fees before you go.
Payment
Contact the impound lot in advance to confirm which payment methods they accept. Many accept cash and credit cards, but some may require a money order or certified check. Knowing this information ahead of time will prevent unnecessary delays.
Timeline
Time is of the essence when it comes to retrieving your vehicle. Understanding the timeline can help you avoid additional expenses and potential loss of your vehicle.
Act Immediately
As mentioned earlier, storage fees begin accruing the instant your vehicle is towed. Make arrangements to retrieve your vehicle as soon as possible to minimize these costs.
After 30 Days
In Arizona, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period (typically 30 days), the impound lot can initiate a lien sale. This means they can legally sell your vehicle to recover the outstanding towing and storage fees. Do everything you can to prevent this from happening.
If You Can't Afford the Fees
If you are struggling to afford the towing and storage fees, consider the following options:
- Contact a family member or friend: Ask for assistance in covering the costs.
- Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available: Some impound lots may offer payment plans to help you manage the expense. Inquire about this possibility.
- Consult with a DUI attorney: In some cases, a DUI attorney can negotiate or challenge the fees, potentially reducing the amount you owe.
After Retrieval
Before driving your vehicle off the impound lot, take the following precautions:
- Inspect the vehicle immediately: Carefully examine the vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.
- Document any damage with photos: Take detailed photographs of any damage you find.
- Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away: Notify the impound lot manager of the damage in writing before you leave the premises. This will help you pursue a claim for compensation if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does the impound lot have to keep my car?
A: In Arizona, impound lots can typically initiate a lien sale after about 30 days if the vehicle is unclaimed. Contact the specific lot to confirm their policy.
Q: What happens if I don't have the money to get my car out of impound in Maricopa County?
A: Try negotiating a payment plan with the lot, borrowing money from friends/family, or consulting with a DUI attorney to explore options for reducing or challenging the fees.
Q: Can I get a hearing to contest the impound in Maricopa County?
A: If you believe your vehicle was wrongfully impounded, you can request a tow hearing. You must request the hearing within 10 days. The request is usually made directly to the Impounding Agency's Hearing Unit first. If that agency does not provide a hearing officer, or if you wish to appeal the decision, the venue shifts to the Justice Courts.
Need Help Beyond Impound?
If you're dealing with a recent arrest, here are immediate resources for release and legal help: