Arizona 30-Day Vehicle Impound Laws & Early Release Guide
Everything you need to know about Arizona's mandatory 30-day impound after DUI arrest, including early release exemptions for spouses, rental cars, and employers.
Last verified: January 2026
Arizona's 30-Day Mandatory Impound
Under Arizona Revised Statute § 28-3511, if you're arrested for DUI while driving on a suspended, revoked, or restricted license, your vehicle must be impounded for 30 days. This is mandatory - the officer has no discretion.
When the 30-Day Impound Applies
- •DUI arrest while driving on suspended license
- •DUI arrest while driving on revoked license
- •DUI arrest while violating restricted license terms
- •Subsequent DUI offenses (may have extended impound)
Good news: There ARE exemptions under ARS § 28-3512 that allow early release in specific situations. See below to find out if you qualify.
Cost warning: The 30-day impound typically costs $1,350-$2,200 in total fees. This is why it's critical to check if you qualify for early release.
Early Release Exemptions (ARS § 28-3512)
You may be able to get your vehicle released before the 30 days if you meet one of these exemptions:
1. Spouse or Co-Owner Exemption
If your spouse or another registered co-owner (on the title/registration) was NOT driving at the time of arrest and has a valid driver's license, they can retrieve the vehicle immediately.
Required: Proof of co-ownership (title/registration), valid driver's license, payment of fees incurred to date
2. Rental Car Exemption
Rental vehicles are exempt from the 30-day impound. The rental company can retrieve the vehicle at any time.
Required: Rental agreement, rental company authorization, company representative ID
3. Employer Vehicle Exemption
If you were driving a vehicle owned by your employer (not leased to you), the employer can retrieve it immediately.
Required: Proof of employer ownership (title/registration), employment verification letter, company representative authorization
4. License Reinstatement During Impound
If you successfully reinstate your driver's license during the 30-day period (by resolving the suspension/revocation), you can petition to have the vehicle released early.
Required: Proof of valid, reinstated driver's license from MVD, petition to impound authority
10-Day Impound Hearing Deadline
You have 10 days from the date of impound to request a hearing to contest the impound. The hearing is held in the jurisdiction where the vehicle was impounded.
What You Can Challenge at Hearing
- Whether your license was actually suspended/revoked
- Whether you qualified for an exemption
- Procedural errors in the impound process
- Reasonableness of fees charged
What You Cannot Challenge
- The underlying DUI arrest itself
- Whether the 30-day law is fair
- Financial hardship (not a valid legal defense)
Arizona's Dual Fee Structure
Unlike most states, Arizona has a two-part fee structure: you pay administrative fees to the city/police department AND storage fees to the tow company.
City/Police Administrative Fees
Paid to city/police department before vehicle release authorization
Tow Company Fees
Paid to tow company when picking up vehicle
30-Day Impound Total Cost Estimate
This is why early release exemptions can save you over $1,000 in fees.
Documents Needed to Release Your Vehicle
Standard Release (After 30 Days)
- Valid driver's license (must be reinstated, not suspended)
- Vehicle registration or title
- Proof of insurance
- Payment for administrative fees (to city)
- Payment for tow/storage fees (to tow company)
- Release authorization from police/city
Early Release (Using Exemption)
- Proof of exemption (see exemptions section above)
- Valid ID/license of person retrieving vehicle
- Vehicle registration or title showing co-ownership
- Payment for fees incurred to date
- Written authorization if required by jurisdiction
County-Specific Impound Information
Each county in Arizona has different impound lots, contact information, and specific procedures. Select your county below:
Frequently Asked Questions
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