Can the police really impound my car for 30 days?

Yes. Under ARS § 28-3511, Arizona law mandates a 30-day vehicle impound if you're arrested for DUI while driving on a suspended, revoked, or restricted license. The officer has no discretion - it's automatic. However, there are exemptions under ARS § 28-3512 that can allow early release.

What if my spouse has a valid license but isn't on the title?

If your spouse is not a co-owner but you are legally married, they may still be able to retrieve the vehicle. Bring proof of marriage (marriage certificate) and proof that you're the registered owner. Requirements can vary by jurisdiction, so call ahead to confirm.

How much does the 30-day impound cost if I can't get early release?

Typical total: $1,350-$2,200. This includes administrative fees ($150-$300), tow fee ($150-$250), and 30 days storage ($35-$55/day = $1,050-$1,650). Early release can save you $1,000+ in storage fees alone.

What if I was driving someone else's car?

The registered owner (not you) can retrieve their vehicle immediately if they have a valid license and weren't driving at the time. Contact the owner and have them go to the police station with their ID, registration, and license.

Can financial hardship get my car released early?

No. Arizona law does not provide a hardship exemption for the 30-day impound. The only ways to get early release are through the specific exemptions in ARS § 28-3512: co-owner release, rental/employer vehicle, or license reinstatement.

What's the 10-day hearing deadline?

You have 10 days from the impound date to request a 'post-storage hearing' to contest the legality of the impound. This is NOT for hardship claims - it's only to challenge whether the impound was legally justified (e.g., your license wasn't actually suspended).

Arizona 30-Day Impound: Can You Get Your Car Out Early?

The police say "30 days, no exceptions." They're wrong. Here are the legal exemptions under ARS § 28-3512 that can get your impounded car released today in Arizona.

Last verified: January 2026 | Based on ARS § 28-3511 and § 28-3512

Do You Qualify for Early Release?

Answer these questions to find out if you can get your car out before 30 days:

Is your spouse or a co-owner on the title?

Yes → They can get the car out TODAY with valid license + marriage certificate/title

Were you driving a rental car?

Yes → Call the rental company immediately - they can retrieve it today

Were you driving a company/employer-owned vehicle?

Yes → Call your employer's fleet manager - they can get it out today

Can you get your license reinstated quickly?

Yes → Reinstate at MVD, then petition for vehicle release

None of the above?

Unfortunately, you'll likely need to wait the full 30 days. Budget for $1,500+ in fees and explore payment options.

The Four Exemptions (ARS § 28-3512)

Spouse/Co-Owner Release

High Success Rate

Your spouse or a registered co-owner (someone on the title) can retrieve the vehicle immediately if they have a valid license and weren't driving when the arrest occurred.

What You Need

Valid driver's license of retrieving person
Proof of marriage (if spouse) or co-ownership (title/registration)
Photo ID
Payment of fees accrued to date

Pro Tip: This is the most common exemption. Send your spouse to the police station with marriage license and their driver's license.

Rental Car Release

High Success Rate

Rental vehicles are completely exempt from the 30-day impound. The rental company can retrieve the vehicle at any time.

What You Need

Rental agreement showing the company owns the vehicle
Company representative with authorization letter
Rep's valid ID and company credentials

Pro Tip: Call your rental company immediately. They deal with this regularly and know the process.

Employer Vehicle Release

High Success Rate

If you were driving a vehicle owned by your employer (not leased to you), the employer can retrieve it immediately.

What You Need

Proof vehicle is company-owned (title/registration in company name)
Employment verification letter
Authorized company representative
Payment of fees to date

Pro Tip: Call your fleet manager or HR department. They can usually handle this within a day.

License Reinstatement

Medium Success Rate

If you get your license reinstated during the 30-day period (by resolving the suspension issue), you can petition to have the vehicle released early.

What You Need

Proof of valid, reinstated license from MVD
Written petition to the impound authority
Payment of all fees
May require hearing depending on jurisdiction

Pro Tip: This takes more time but is possible if the suspension was for unpaid fines or correctable issues.

The Cost of Waiting 30 Days

Every day you wait costs money. Here's what you're looking at if you can't get early release:

Fee Breakdown

Administrative Fee (City)$150 - $300

Initial Tow$150 - $250

30 Days Storage$1,050 - $1,650

Total$1,350 - $2,200

Early Release Savings

Release Day 1Save ~$1,500

Release Day 5Save ~$1,300

Release Day 10Save ~$1,100

Release Day 15Save ~$800

Bottom line: Getting your car out on Day 1 instead of Day 30 can save you over $1,500 in storage fees alone. Check every exemption before giving up.

The 10-Day Hearing Deadline

You have 10 days from impound to request a "post-storage hearing" — but know what it's for.

You CAN Challenge

• Whether your license was actually suspended
• Whether you qualified for an exemption
• Procedural errors in the impound
• Reasonableness of fees

You CANNOT Challenge

• The underlying DUI arrest
• Whether the 30-day law is fair
• Financial hardship
• Need for transportation

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & Official Resources

Related Arizona Guides

Arizona Impound Overview Two-Fee Structure Interlock: No Employer Exemption

Need Help With Your DUI Case?

A DUI attorney can help you understand your exemption options, represent you at impound hearings, and navigate the complex Arizona DUI process.

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