Question 1

When can a vehicle be towed and impounded in Nevada?

Accepted Answer

Cars typically get towed and impounded (stored) when either: The driver is arrested for DUI; the vehicle is involved in an accident; the car is parked illegally. Examples include handicap spots or no-parking zones; the driver is arrested for an unauthorized speed contest; and/or contraband (such as firearms or drugs) are discovered in the vehicle. Police have some discretion over whether to impound vehicles. After a DUI arrest for example, an officer may let a sober passenger take the vehicle home. But if the car is needed for evidence, the police may insist on impounding. Vehicles remain impounded in a lot until either the owner retrieves it or it is auctioned off. The impound yard will not release vehicles until all fees are paid.

Question 2

Are cars always towed after a DUI arrest?

Accepted Answer

Usually yes. Though some officers allow a non-intoxicated passenger of the vehicle to drive it away. Some may even permit the driver to call a friend or family member to come by and drive away the car. But it is up to the police's discretion. The driver can tell the arresting officer which towing company and impoundment lot to use. Officers try to comply. But if the driver is too intoxicated or injured to give the officer instructions, the police will make the decisions.

Question 3

How do you get an impounded car back in Nevada?

Accepted Answer

To locate the car, call 311 (the non-emergency police number) or search online. Then call the lot for instructions on how to retrieve the vehicle. The primary impound lots in Las Vegas are: Ewing Brothers at 1200 A Street, Las Vegas, NV 89106; (702) 382-9261; Quality Towing at 4100 East Cheyenne, Las Vegas, NV 89115; (702) 649-5711; and Fast Towing at 2201 N. Commerce St., Las Vegas, NV 89102; (702) 383-3278. These companies all accept cash, money orders, credit and debit cards, and electronic transfers. Only the registered owner with proof of legal title can retrieve a car from an impound lot. It is irrelevant if the owner is not the primary driver of the car. Owners must produce some proof of title, such as the registration papers with a photo ID.

Question 4

Are there limits on impound and storage fees?

Accepted Answer

No, not if the towing company notifies the car owner of the car's whereabouts. Otherwise, tow companies may charge daily fees for only: 21 days for cars impounded at the request of police. And the cars were involved in a crash; or 15 days for all other vehicles. Tow companies must take vehicles to lots covered by the car owner's insurance (if any). The only exception is if the car owner agrees to storing the vehicle in a higher-cost lot. Average impoundment and storage costs are $30 a day plus towing fees. Car owners should call their insurance companies to check the details of their policies. Some insurance policies cover towing but not storage. If the owner never picks up an impounded car, the impound company will auction it off. And if the money from the auction is less than the total impound fees that the car had been accruing, the impound company may sue the owner for the difference.

Question 5

Can vehicles be towed without warning?

Accepted Answer

Usually, yes. The main exception is in residential complexes. In most parking lots, there are signs warning against illegal parking. And these signs usually also provide the name and phone number of the designated towing company. Impound companies typically store cars for 7 to 30 days before auctioning them. But they may store the car longer if the owner calls the company and makes arrangements to pick it up at a later date. Note that if a car is impounded for too long, the accrued daily fees may soon exceed the value of the car.

Question 6

5. Are there special rules for apartment complexes?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The residential manager must give 48-hours notice to car owners before towing for: A parking violation; no registration; registration that has been expired for 60 days or longer (if the car owner lives in the complex); expired registration of any length (if the car owner does not live in the complex). The notice must be in the form of a sticker affixed to the vehicle. It will indicate the date and time the vehicle will be towed. But the residential manager does not have to give notice before towing if: The owner was previously given notice for the same or similar reason; the owner was previously given notice at least three times within the last six months for any reason; the vehicle is blocking a fire hydrant or fire lane; the vehicle is in a spot marked for a specific resident or unit; the vehicle is in a handicapped spot (and there are no handicapped tags); or the vehicle is posing an imminent health, safety, or welfare threat.

Question 7

Are there special rules for towing trailers?

Accepted Answer

Trailers are subject to the same towing rules as regular cars. In addition, every city and county has ordinances governing where mobile homes may be stored. Improperly stored trailers and RVs are subject to towing.

1. ¿Cuándo se puede remolcar y confiscar un vehículo en Nevada?

2. ¿Los autos siempre son remolcados después de un arresto por DUI?

3. ¿Cómo se recupera un automóvil confiscado en Nevada?

4. ¿Hay límites en las tarifas de depósito y almacenamiento?

5. ¿Pueden remolcarse vehículos sin previo aviso?

6. ¿Hay reglas especiales para complejos de apartamentos?

7. ¿Hay reglas especiales para remolcar remolques?

8. ¿Qué pasa si un auto está estacionado ilegalmente en mi propiedad?

Recursos adicionales

Referencias legales

Leyes de Remolque y Depósito en Nevada