Vehicle and Traffic Law 511 Impounds

Impound Home

Vehicles impounded under the NY State Vehicle and Traffic Law (VTL) for violations of Section 511.2 and 511.3, Aggravated Unlicensed Operation are NOT County Law Seizures. Vehicles impounded solely under these sections of the NY State VTL are subject to different release procedures.

If YOU were arrested for one of the above VTL Sections AND are the OWNER of the vehicle the following conditions must be met before you can claim your vehicle from the impound yard.

1. Show proof of payment of all fines and a court disposition concerning the 511 charge.
   OR
   Have a Court Order for the release of the vehicle prior to final disposition of the case.
   OR
   Have a release from the District Attorney’s Office prior to final disposition of the case.
2. Pay all towing and storage fees.
3. The vehicle MUST be currently registered and insured – EVEN IF THE VEHICLE IS BEING TOWED.
4. The person claiming/driving the vehicle must have a valid license.

If you are the owner, but not the person arrested you may claim your vehicle at any time after the vehicle impound. You must still pay the towing/storage fees; however, you do not need to wait for a disposition from the court concerning the 511 charge. The VTL requires you to pay these fees even if you were not the operator of the vehicle at the time of the vehicle impound. The VTL also states you are entitled to recoup these fees through civil action from the operator of the vehicle.

The vehicle must still be registered and insured.
You must produce a valid license for yourself and the person who drove you to the impound yard.

No license plates or plate letters will be provided without a Court or DA release for vehicles impounded for 511.2 or 511.3, Aggravated Unlicensed Operation.