Will My Car Be Impounded After a DUI Arrest in Michigan?

In Michigan, one of the potential consequences of being arrested for a DUI is having your vehicle impounded. DUI (Driving Under the Influence) is a serious crime and you can face a litany of legal penalties and repercussions even before a conviction. Your car may be impounded after a DUI arrest in Michigan so it is important that you understand your legal rights and options. Reach out to an experienced Marquette DUI lawyer today for experienced representation and skillful legal advice.

Why Do Police Impound Cars?

After a drunk or high driving offense, law enforcement may impound the offender’s vehicle as a way to protect the rest of the community and deter future drunk driving accidents. When an individual is arrested for driving under the influence they may be released or bailed out within a few hours. Depending on the person’s BAC (blood alcohol content) and metabolism, they could leave jail while still intoxicated.

If the offender was allowed to take control of their vehicle immediately they could get behind the wheel again while still drunk, posing a significant risk to other drivers and pedestrians. Impounding the vehicle ensures that the driver must wait until sufficient time has passed to allow them to sober up.

In general, having your car towed and impounded is an expensive inconvenience. The prospect of your vehicle being seized often strongly discourages drivers from participating in drunk driving or deters prior offenders from repeating the same offense.

Will My Car Be Impounded After a DUI Arrest in MI?

Your car could be impounded after a DUI arrest in Michigan. Under MCL – Section 474.132, police officers have the authority to seize and impound a vehicle that is operated by a driver who has violated the state’s drunk driving laws.

You, as the defendant and vehicle owner, will be responsible for retrieving the car and paying the associated towing, storage, and administrative fees. You have 30 days from the date you are notified to pick up the vehicle. The longer that the vehicle remains impounded, generally, the more expensive your required costs will be.

Although officers have the right to impound your vehicle, a seizure is discretionary for a first-time offender. You may be able to avoid having your car impounded depending on the details of your circumstances. For example, if you were pulled over in a way that left your car safely on the side of the road or in a parking lot, the police may allow you to leave it there. The officer may also allow a sober passenger, friend, or relative, to come and drive it home.

The decision whether to impound your vehicle is largely left to the discretion of the arresting officer. For more information consult with a skilled attorney today.