Access to Impounded Vehicles

In a bonding year, it is difficult to increase program budgets, but there is room to negotiate policy changes that don’t require dollars. One positive step that can be taken is to develop a policy that would allow homeless and low-income people access to their cars when they have been impounded.

Under existing law, people have no right to retrieve personal belongings, not even medicine or legal documents, from their car if it is towed. Tow lot operators can withhold all belongings until the car owner pays all of the expensive towing and storage fees.

Low-income and homeless car owners around the state are especially affected because they often store their personal items in their cars. Items not accessible can include family photos and keepsakes, winter clothing, schoolbooks and homework and even wheelchairs.

Legislative Direction

Require tow lot operators to return all personal belongings to low-income and homeless car owners, and return a more limited set of essential items (e.g., medicine) to anyone, regardless of income.