Vehicle Towing 510

Question 1

When may a vehicle be impounded?

Answer 1

1. For further investigation/evidence (i.e. the vehicle itself constitutes evidence in a crime, to secure while obtaining search warrant, VIN discrepancy, etc.)
2. Pursuant to VC 23109.2 when vehicle involved in
   A) reckless driving on highway [VC 23103(a]
   B) reckless driving in any off-street parking [VC3103(b)]
   C) speed contest [VC 23109(a)]
   D) exhibition of speed on highway [VC 3109(c)]
3. Expired reg over 6 months or evidence of false reg [VC 22651(o)]
4. Driver cited for VC 12500 w/ no active suspension. Only impound if pursuant to CCD leaving vehicle would:
   A) jeopardize public safety
   B) jeopardize efficient movement of traffic
   C) subject vehicle to vandalism/theft

Question 2

When shall a vehicle be impounded?

Answer 2

1. Driver cited for VC 12500 and DMV citation data/ RMS records indicate same prior offense. (This indicates prior knowledge/proof offense will continue)
   A) impound pursuant to VC 22651 (p)
2. When driver cited for VC 12500, and has an active suspension on license. Vehicle shall be impounded regardless of knowledge of suspension [VC 22651(p)]
3. When driver arrested/cited for any VC 14601 violation. Violations require prior knowledge of suspension/revocation, established by valid service code indicated in DMV record.
4. When driver has been arrested/cited for VC 23140, 23152, or 23153
   A) DUI impounds for above VC’s shall follow guidelines of VC 22651(h)(1) & (2)
   B) Officers shall check DMV Record of all DUI offenders to determine repeat offenders.
   C) Officer shall check DMV record to determine requirements for ignition interlock devices. Any vehicle of DUI offender in violation shall be impounded pursuant to VC 14602.6(a)

Question 3

VC 14601 Violations

Answer 3

A) Service codes that establish knowledge are A, B, D ,H, J, L, M, P
B) When knowledge of suspension can’t be established through codes officer shall issue a DL310 verbal notice, site driver with VC 12500(a), and impound vehicle.

Question 4

Vehicles of repeat DUI offenders shall be impounded as follows:

Answer 4

1. impounded for 5 days when driver has one prior violation of VC 23140, 23152, and 23153 within last 10 years per VC 14602.8(a)(1); and at least one of following:
   * BAC of .10% or more
   * Refuses to submit to or complete chemical test
2. Impound for 15 days when driver has been convicted 2+ times of violating any combination of VC 23140, 23152, or 23153, and attest one of following:
   * BAC of .10% or more
   * Refuses to submit to or complete chemical test
3. Officer shall indicate length of hold on CHP 180 form

Question 5

Officer shall make reasonable attempts to secure transportation for occupants when their vehicle is impounded when:1.

Answer 5

1. They are unable to arrange own transportation
2. They request assistance in arranging transportation (includes calling taxi at their expense, phoning family/friend to pick them up). With supervisor approval, officer may transport occupants to safe location within reasonable distance.