Impounding and Towing Laws in Nevada

In Nevada, vehicles can be towed and impounded due to various reasons, such as:

• Car accidents
• Wrong parking
• Driving under the influence
• Other arrests

State law allows impound yards to impose daily storage fees and potentially auction off the vehicle if the owner fails to pay the fees within a specific timeframe and retrieve the vehicle.

Our Las Vegas criminal defense attorneys have provided an explanation of the laws concerning the towing of cars in Nevada, addressing the following questions:

1. Under what circumstances can a vehicle be towed and impounded in Nevada?
2. Is it mandatory to tow cars following an arrest involving DUI?
3. What is the process for reclaiming an impounded car in Nevada?
4. Are there any restrictions on impound and storage fees?
5. Is it possible for vehicles to be towed without prior warning?
6. Do apartment complexes have specific regulations regarding towing?
7. Are there any special provisions concerning the towing of trailers?

1. Under What Circumstances Can a Vehicle be Towed and Impounded in Nevada?

Cars are commonly towed and impounded in various situations in Nevada, including:

1. When the driver is arrested for driving under the influence (DUI).
2. In the event of a car accident.
3. When a vehicle is illegally parked, such as in handicap parking spaces or designated no-parking areas in public parking lots or garages.
4. If the driver is arrested for participating in an unauthorized speed contest, as defined by NRS 484B.653.
5. When contraband items like firearms or drugs are found inside the vehicle.

The decision to impound a vehicle is usually at the discretion of the police department. Sometimes, they may issue a ticket instead of calling a tow truck operator to remove the vehicle. However, if the motor vehicle is required as evidence, local law enforcement may need a tow truck.

Impounded vehicles are held in a designated lot until either the owner reclaims it or it is sold off at an auction. The impound lot has the right to hold on to the vehicle until all outstanding fees and charges have been settled.

2. Is it Mandatory to Tow Cars Following an Arrest Involving DUI?

Yes, they are towed in most cases. However, in certain cases, the officers may allow a passenger (non-intoxicated) to drive and take the vehicle away, or they may allow the driver to contact a family member or a friend to come and retrieve the car. However, the final decision lies with the discretion of the police.

If the driver is able to communicate, they can inform the arresting officer about their preferred towing company and impoundment lot. Officers will make an effort to comply with these instructions. However, if the driver is injured or heavily intoxicated and unable to provide guidance, the police will make the necessary decisions regarding the towing and impoundment of the vehicle.

3. What is The Process for Reclaiming an Impounded Car in Nevada?

To find a towed vehicle, you can contact 311, the police number for non-emergency situations, or you can search online. After locating the vehicle, it is advisable to call the specific impound lot for further instructions on how to retrieve it.

In Las Vegas, the main impound lots and their respective telephone numbers are as follows:

• Fast Towing located at 2201 North Commerce Street, Las Vegas, Nevada, with the ZIP code 89102.
• Ewing Brothers located at 1200 A Street, Las Vegas, Nevada, ZIP code 89106; contact number: (702) 382-9261.
• Quality Towing located at 4100 East Cheyenne, Las Vegas, NV, ZIP code: 89115; contact number: (702) 649-5711.

These impound lots accept various forms of payment, including debit and credit cards, money orders, cash, as well as electronic transfers.

It is important to note that only the registered owner of the vehicle, who can provide proof of legal title, is allowed to retrieve the car from the impound lot. It does not matter if the owner is not the primary driver of the vehicle. Generally, a photo ID accompanied by registration papers is sufficient proof of legal title.

4. Are there Any Restrictions on Impound and Storage Fees?

If the towing company has informed the owner that they have the vehicle at the impound lot, there are no restrictions or limits on the storage fees. However, if the owner is not informed, the towing company can only charge daily fees for a maximum of:

• 21 days in case of cars impounded through the police and those involved in a car crash
• 15 days for vehicles involved in all other cases

Towing companies are obligated to take vehicles to lots that are covered by the car owner’s insurance, if applicable. However, the car owner may agree to store the vehicle in a higher-cost lot, which would be an exception to this rule.

On average, the costs of impoundment and storage amount to around $30 per day, in addition to the towing fees. Car owners are advised to contact their insurance companies to verify the specific details of their policies, as some insurance policies cover towing expenses but not storage fees.

If the owner of the impounded vehicle does not retrieve it from the storage yard, the impound company has the right to auction it off. Occasionally, the money generated from the auction may be less than the accumulated impound fees. In such cases, the impound company may take legal action against the owner to recover the remaining balance.

5. Is it Possible for Vehicles to be Towed Without Prior Warning?

In general, yes. Vehicles parked in most areas are subject to towing if they violate parking regulations. Signs indicating illegal parking are typically displayed in parking areas, and these signs often include the name and contact information of the designated towing company.

When it comes to parking facilities, if the only violation is nonpayment of a fee, the facility must wait for 24 hours after the fee is due before initiating the towing process.

Impound companies usually store vehicles for a period ranging from 7 to 30 days before proceeding to auction them. However, if the owner contacts the company and arranges for a later pickup date, the car may be stored for a longer duration. It’s worth noting that if a vehicle remains impounded for an extended period, the accumulated daily fees may eventually surpass the car’s value.

In cases of unlawful towing in Las Vegas, individuals are advised to consult the Civil Law Self-Help Center for information and guidance regarding their rights and legal recourse.

6. Do Apartment Complexes Have Specific Regulations Regarding Towing?

Yes, there are specific rules regarding towing for residential complexes. The residential manager must provide a 48-hour notice to car owners before initiating towing in the following situations:

• Parking violations.
• Lack of registration on a vehicle.
• Expired registration for a period of sixty or more days (if the car owner resides in the complex).
• Registration expired for any duration (if the car owner does not reside in the complex).

This notice must be affixed to the vehicle in the form of a sticker, which will indicate the time and date when the vehicle will be towed.

However, there are exceptions where the residential manager is not required to provide notice before towing:

• The owner has received notice for the same or similar reasons previously.
• The owner has received a notice at least three times during the last six months for any reason.
• The vehicle is obstructing a fire lane or a fire hydrant.
• The vehicle is parked in a spot designated for a specific resident or unit.
• The vehicle is occupying a handicapped spot without proper handicapped tags.
• The vehicle poses an imminent threat to safety, health, or welfare.

7. Are there Any Special Regulations Concerning Towing Trailers?

Under Nevada law, trailers and regular cars are subject to the same towing rules. This means that they can be towed for various reasons, such as parking violations, lack of registration, or expired registration. It’s important to note that every county and city also has specific ordinances that govern the storage of mobile homes and trailers. If a trailer or RV is improperly stored, it may be subject to towing.

Contact a Criminal Defense Attorney in Nevada

Have you been arrested in Nevada and require legal assistance? Reach out to The Bourassa Law Group today for the help and expertise you deserve.