How Do I Get My Car Back After a DWI?

When you are arrested for a DWI in New York, your vehicle may be impounded or subject to a forfeiture proceeding. Here are some general steps you might need to take to get your car back:

1. Locate your vehicle: Find out where your vehicle has been impounded. You may receive this information from the arresting officer, or you might need to contact the local police department or towing company to get the necessary details.
2. Gather required documentation: You may need to provide specific documents, such as proof of vehicle ownership, valid identification, and proof of insurance, when retrieving your car from the impound lot.
3. Pay fees: There may be fees associated with the towing, impound, and storage of your vehicle. Be prepared to pay these fees when you go to retrieve your car. The fees can vary depending on the jurisdiction and the length of time your car has been impounded.
4. Address any legal proceedings: In some cases, your vehicle may be subject to forfeiture proceedings, which means the government is attempting to seize your vehicle as a result of your DWI arrest. In this situation, you may need to hire an attorney  from our team at DWI Tom and go through the legal process to contest the forfeiture and try to get your car back.
5. Meet any additional requirements: Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may need to meet other requirements, such as installing an ignition interlock device on your vehicle, before you can retrieve your car.

In most DWI arrests, Officers impound vehicles operated in the arrest. In the absence of an accident, most vehicles are released the following day or shortly thereafter.

If there is an accident, with property damage or personal injury, Police Departments may hold your vehicle while they conduct a thorough investigation of the accident, which could take additional time.