Vehicle impounds and holds are necessary when a driver with a suspended or revoked driver’s license has been ordered by a court not to drive because of previous driving violations. Furthermore, California Vehicle Code Section 14604(a) states that the owner of a vehicle has a duty to ensure that the person driving their vehicle possesses a valid license. The registered owner may be cited if an officer determines that he or she allowed an unlicensed driver to drive their vehicle.
To reinforce law enforcement’s efforts to provide safer roads for California motorists, the State enacted CVC Section 14602.6 which authorizes local agencies to tow and impound vehicles for 30 days when driven by unlicensed, suspended or revoked drivers. Also, CVC Section 23109.2 authorizes the removal and seizure of a motor vehicle used in a speed contest.