Vehicle Impound
Impounded Vehicle Information
How do I go about picking up my impounded vehicle?
There are a variety of reasons why a vehicle is impounded including it being abandoned, a hazard, driving without insurance, driving under the influence of intoxicants, driving while suspended, etc.
There are a few items you will need to bring with you to the Sheriff's Office in order to obtain a release to get it out of a tow lot. These include:
- Proof of insurance on the vehicle in question. This must contain the Full Vehicle Identification Number and your vehicle's license plate number. This must also have beginning and ending effective dates. Your insurance company can fax us the information if you have left it in the vehicle. The insurance does not have to be in your name.
- A valid driver's license. This can be anyone with a valid driver's license who will be driving the vehicle.
- Proof of ownership. The vehicle is releasable ONLY to the registered owner. You must either show documentation from the DMV showing change of ownership, a title for the vehicle, the registration for the vehicle, or a bill of sale from within the last 30 days.
- $100.00 cash or credit card only for the impounded vehicle processing fee. If your vehicle has been used in a case for prosecution or has been preserved for processing then the vehicle may be released only under written authority from the District Attorney's office, the Sheriff or his designee.
What happens if I disagree with the impound?
You can request a hearing, but you must make your request in writing within five business days after the vehicle was towed. The request must state what grounds upon which the tow is being contested. We will forward your request to the Sheriff who will hold the hearing within four (4) working days. This only applies to vehicles taken into custody under ORS 819.110 or ORS 891.120.
