đźš— DUI Vehicle Impoundment in Florida: What You Need to Know
If you’ve been arrested for DUI in Florida, the criminal charges aren’t the only thing to worry about. In many cases, your vehicle may be impounded as part of your DUI penalties.
This guide explains what vehicle impoundment is, how it works in Florida DUI cases, and what steps you can take to fight back or minimize the impact.
đź”’ What Is Vehicle Impoundment?
Vehicle impoundment means law enforcement takes and holds your car for a period of time, typically as part of a criminal penalty.
Under Florida Statute § 316.193(6), vehicle impoundment is a mandatory administrative penalty in many DUI convictions. The vehicle is not just held at the time of arrest—it may be held again after sentencing as a court-ordered sanction.
⏳ How Long Is Your Car Impounded After a DUI in Florida?
The impoundment period depends on your DUI history:
| Offense | Mandatory Vehicle Impoundment |
|---|---|
| First DUI | 10 days |
| Second DUI (within 5 years) | 30 days |
| Third DUI (within 10 years) | 90 days |
âś… Note: The impoundment happens after your jail sentence ends, not during it.
⚠️ Can You Challenge Vehicle Impoundment?
Yes. Your DUI defense attorney can request that the court waive or modify the impoundment order in certain situations. For example:
- The vehicle is used by another household member who was not involved in the offense
- The impoundment would create an undue hardship (e.g., for work or medical appointments)
- The vehicle is jointly owned and the co-owner relies on it
A strong motion filed early in your case may result in avoiding the impound altogether.
🚨 What If Police Impound Your Vehicle at the Time of Arrest?
The total cost depends on:
- The duration of the impound
- The local impound facility’s daily rate
- Any towing and administrative fees
Typical expenses range from $200 to $500+, and your vehicle may not be released until these fees are paid in full.
đź’° How Much Does DUI Vehicle Impoundment Cost in Florida?
The total cost depends on:
- The duration of the impound
- The local impound facility’s daily rate
- Any towing and administrative fees
Typical expenses range from $200 to $500+, and your vehicle may not be released until these fees are paid in full.
🛡️ How a DUI Defense Attorney Can Help
At Michael White, P.A., we work to:
- Challenge unnecessary impoundments
- File motions to waive or reduce impound time
- Ensure any inventory search was conducted lawfully
- Protect your rights and minimize penalties
📲 Call (954) 270-0769 or schedule your free consultation online if you’re facing DUI charges in Fort Lauderdale or South Florida.
We’ll help you understand your options, fight unjust penalties, and defend your future.
đź’¬ FAQs: DUI Vehicle Impoundment in Florida
Q: Is vehicle impoundment mandatory after a DUI conviction in Florida?
A: Yes, under Florida law, impoundment is a mandatory part of sentencing for many DUI convictions unless waived by the court.
Q: When does the impoundment period begin?
A: It begins after you’ve served any jail time ordered as part of your DUI sentence.
Q: Can my vehicle be impounded if someone else in the household uses it?
A: In some cases, yes—but your attorney can argue to have the impound waived if it would burden an innocent household member.
Q: Can evidence found in my car during impound be used against me?
A: Potentially, yes—if the inventory search was conducted properly under Florida law.
Q: What if I can’t afford the impound fees?
A: You may not be able to retrieve your vehicle until all fees are paid, but your attorney can ask the court to consider fee waivers in certain hardship cases.
