Dealing with a vehicle that was towed is stressful, but knowing the City Impound Lot Process can make things a whole lot easier. There are a number of legal and safety reasons why vehicles are impounded in Calgary. Understanding why it occurs and what to do about it can save you time, money and headaches.
Here’s everything you need to know about it.
What Is a City Impound Lot?
Instead, you mean a city impound lot, a secure vehicle storage site for cars that were towed legally. These lots in Calgary are full of vehicles that are contraventions of the Traffic Safety Act, enforcement action or pose a risk or danger to the public.
They are regulated and monitored as impound facilities. When a vehicle is subject to any impounding, it is documented and examined, then jetted until the owner bounces their way through the necessary avenues to retrieve it.
There are many reasons why vehicles are impounded in Calgary.
Why Vehicles are Impounded: What you will take away from: Understanding the City Impound Lot Process
Consider the following most common reasons:
Parking Violations
Parking in red—like in fire lanes, handicap spaces without the right permits, or blocking driveways—might get someone towed right away. Failure to comply with snow routes and street cleaning restrictions can also result in law enforcement towing vehicles, as well.
Driving Without Insurance
In Alberta, valid auto insurance is required by law. Not able to show the evidence in a traffic stop, and the diagnostic vehicle will be seized and impounded.
Suspended License or DUI
It is a criminal offense to drive with a suspended license or to drive under the influence of alcohol; although such acts are often only cited as misdemeanors. In those instances, officers are permitted to impound right there and then.
Expired Registration
Fines can be imposed for not having a valid registration, and furthermore, vehicles are often impounded when they have other violations.
Abandoned Vehicles
Vehicles that sit unattended on public property for long periods of time can be tagged and eventually taken away.
How the Towing Process Works
A police officer or peace officer approves the tow when a violation occurs. They then call a licensed towing company to tow it.
It documents specific information about the vehicle, including license plate number, manufacturer, and make and model, before the removal of a car. After the car is at the impound lot, employees make a condition report documenting its condition.
This protects the owner of the car and the operator of the store frequently.
Now, what goes down at the Impound lot
At the lot, your vehicle is parked in a protected area. Most facilities implement fencing, a gated entrance with swipe cards, and video surveillance.
An intake inspection is performed. Staff will log mileage and damage that is visible. All personal items remain in the vehicle unless they are a safety hazard.
If you are then released, you may be permitted to visit the home in a supervised setting to collect your personal items.
What Kind of Fees and Costs To Expect
Impoundment can become expensive quickly. Acting fast is key.
Towing Fees
The first fee covers the cost of holding your vehicle. Prices are based on distance and time of day.
Daily Storage Fees
Storage fees are added daily for each day your vehicle is left at the impound lot. These daily fees accumulate rapidly.
Administrative Fees
Any processing or release fees that need to be put in place before you are given back your vehicle.
The total cost will vary based on how long the vehicle is in storage and what the violation was.
How to Retrieve Your Vehicle
There are a few steps you need to follow to get your vehicle back.
To start, contact the authorities to determine where your vehicle is located. Then gather the required documents:
- Valid government-issued ID
- Proof of ownership (registration)
- Valid driver’s license
- Proof of insurance
If someone other than you is gathering the vehicle, then it is likely that a written authorization is needed.
Before you can reclaim the vehicle, a full payment of the towing and storage fees is typically required. After payment is processed, you will be free to get the car off-site.
Your Rights and Responsibilities
In most cases, however, the driver has a right to know why their vehicle was impounded. Depending on local laws, you can also appeal the tow or request a hearing if you think it was improper.
However, it’s your responsibility to:
- Maintain active insurance
- Keep registration current
- Follow parking regulations
- Resolve traffic tickets promptly
As for recovering, it is certainly better to prevent things than to recover.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did my vehicle get towed in Calgary?
Contact local police non-emergency services. Enter your license plate number to get assistance quickly.
But can I get personal items without paying all fees?
In many cases, yes. You may be allowed to retrieve personal items considered essential, but only under supervision.
How long can they hold my car?
Vehicles not claimed for a long time can be auctioned or scrapped in accordance with the law.
What if: I am not able to pay the fees now?
To inquire about payment options, you must contact the impound facility directly. Policies vary.
Will the impoundment show up on my record?
Your record may be affected by the violation leading to the tow, but the impounding itself is just a part of the storage process.
Stay up-to-date with any documents, have insurance, follow the rules of the road and pay tickets on time.
Conclusion
It doesn’t necessarily have to seem daunting to learn about the City Impound Lot process in Calgary. Impounding is meant to enforce safety and traffic laws, not to punish people. If you know the reasons why vehicles are impounded and how the system operates, you can be in the best position to take quick and appropriate action.
Remain calm, collect your paperwork, and be quick to take action if your car has been towed. The sooner you react, the less your expenses – and the more timely you will return to driving.