If you are charged with impaired driving in Nova Scotia, your vehicle may be immediately towed and impounded. Towing fees in Halifax generally start around $150 CAD, with daily storage fees at the impound lot costing between $25 and $50 CAD per day.
Losing access to your vehicle is one of the most immediate and frustrating consequences of being stopped for an impaired driving offence in Nova Scotia. When Halifax Regional Police or the RCMP determine that a driver is operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the vehicle is often towed from the roadside to a local impound lot. This is done to ensure public safety and to comply with the Nova Scotia Motor Vehicle Act.
Navigating the release process can be confusing, especially when dealing with the stress of an impending criminal charge. In this guide, we will outline the steps required to locate your vehicle, the fees you can expect to pay, and the rules surrounding vehicle impoundment in the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM). We will also clarify the difference between temporary impoundment and the extremely rare process of civil forfeiture. 📍
Step-by-Step Process to Retrieve Your Vehicle in Halifax
Whether your car was towed from the Bedford Highway or downtown Halifax, the process of getting it back involves coordinating with law enforcement, the towing company, and the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV). Keep in mind that you cannot drive the vehicle yourself if your licence has been administratively suspended.
Step 1: Locate the Impound Lot
Before you can retrieve your car, you must find out where it was taken. The investigating officer will usually provide you with a slip containing the towing company’s information. In Halifax, several private towing companies handle police-ordered tows. If you misplaced the information, you can call the Halifax Regional Police non-emergency line to confirm the location of your vehicle. 📞
Step 2: Confirm the Mandatory Hold Period
In some circumstances, such as driving while suspended or specific stunt driving offences, vehicles are subject to a mandatory impoundment period of 7 days or more. However, for a standard impaired driving charge, the vehicle can often be released once a sober, licensed driver is available to claim it, provided no other holds have been placed on the vehicle by the police. Always verify with the impound lot before making the trip.
Step 3: Gather the Required Documentation
To release the vehicle, the impound lot will require proof of ownership (vehicle registration), valid insurance, and a piece of government-issued photo identification. Because your driver’s licence was likely seized and suspended for 90 days at the roadside, you must bring another valid form of ID, as well as a fully licensed driver who will physically drive the car off the lot. 🗂️
Step 4: Pay the Towing and Storage Fees
Impound lots will not release a vehicle until all outstanding fees are paid in full. Most lots in Halifax accept cash, debit, or credit cards, but it is always best to call ahead and confirm their accepted payment methods and operating hours. If you have personal items, house keys, or important documents inside the impounded vehicle, you are generally allowed to retrieve them without paying the towing bill upfront, provided you coordinate with the impound lot.
How Much Does Impoundment Cost in Nova Scotia?
The costs associated with a police-ordered tow can add up very quickly. Here is a breakdown of what you can expect to pay at a Halifax impound lot: 💵
| Fee Type | Estimated Cost (CAD) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Towing Fee | $150 – $200 | The base rate for hooking up and towing your vehicle to the lot. |
| Daily Storage Fee | $25 – $50 per day | Charged for every 24-hour period your car sits on the lot. |
| Administration / Release Fee | $30 – $50 | A processing fee charged by the towing company. |
| After-Hours Fee | $50+ | Applied if you retrieve the vehicle outside of regular business hours. |
If your vehicle is held for a week, your total bill could easily exceed $400 CAD. It is crucial to arrange for the vehicle’s release as soon as legally possible to minimize daily storage charges.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can my insurance cover the impound fees?
Typically, no. Most standard auto insurance policies in Nova Scotia do not cover towing and storage fees resulting from a criminal investigation or an impaired driving charge. You will be responsible for these costs out-of-pocket.
Can someone else pick up my car for me?
Yes. Since your licence is suspended, you must bring a fully licensed and sober driver to drive the vehicle off the lot. If you are the registered owner, you must still be present to authorize the release and provide proof of ownership, or provide a notarized letter of authorization.
What happens if I leave the car at the impound lot?
If you abandon the vehicle, the towing company will continue to charge daily storage fees. Eventually, under provincial law, they can place a lien on the vehicle and sell it at auction to recover the outstanding debt. The remaining balance may be sent to collections.
Is impoundment the same as forfeiture?
No. Impoundment is a temporary seizure of the vehicle. Forfeiture is a permanent loss of ownership to the Crown, which is incredibly rare for first-time impaired driving offences in Nova Scotia.
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