In Ontario, if you are arrested for impaired driving, your vehicle is automatically impounded for 7 days under the Vehicle Impoundment Program. You will be responsible for all towing and storage fees at a local Brampton impound lot, which typically exceed $1,000 CAD.
Being pulled over and arrested for impaired driving in Brampton is an incredibly stressful situation that brings immediate consequences. One of the most shocking realizations for drivers is that their vehicle will be taken away on the spot. Under Ontario law, the Peel Regional Police have the authority to immediately impound your car, leaving you stranded on the side of the road. Understanding how the vehicle impoundment process works is essential for getting your car back as quickly as possible.
The province of Ontario enforces a strict zero-tolerance approach to impaired driving to protect public safety. 👮 When you blow over the legal limit or refuse to provide a breath sample, you are subject to the Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension (ADLS) program. This program mandates immediate penalties before you even step foot inside a courtroom for a summary conviction or indictable offence. Whether you are driving on Highway 410 or a quiet residential street in Brampton, the rules remain exactly the same.
The 7-Day Vehicle Impoundment Program in Ontario
If you are charged with a DUI, your vehicle is automatically impounded for a mandatory period of seven days. This administrative penalty applies regardless of who actually owns the vehicle. Even if you borrowed the car from a friend, rented it, or were driving a company vehicle, the Peel Regional Police will still have it towed to a local Brampton impound lot. The owner of the vehicle is ultimately responsible for all associated costs, which can create significant personal and professional conflicts.
Step-by-Step Process to Retrieve Your Vehicle in Brampton
Getting your vehicle out of the impound lot requires patience and coordination, as you will not be able to drive it yourself. Generally, you must follow a specific set of procedures once the seven-day period is over.
Step 1: Identifying the Impound Facility
At the time of your arrest, the arresting officer should provide you with a tow receipt indicating where your vehicle was taken. 📍 Brampton has several designated impound lots used by local law enforcement. If you lose this paperwork, your law firm can help you contact the Peel Regional Police non-emergency line to locate your vehicle.
Step 2: Waiting Out the Impoundment Period
There is no way to bypass the mandatory seven-day waiting period. Unlike some minor traffic offences, an impaired driving impoundment under the ADLS program cannot be appealed for early release. You must simply wait until the exact minute the seven days expire before you can initiate the retrieval process.
Step 3: Paying the Fees and Collecting the Vehicle
Because your driver’s licence is automatically suspended for 90 days following a DUI arrest, you cannot legally drive the car off the lot. 👥 You must attend the impound facility with valid identification, pay the accumulated fees in full, and bring a fully licensed driver to operate the vehicle. If you do not have someone to drive it for you, you will have to hire a private tow truck to move it to your home in Brampton.
How Much Does the Impoundment Cost in Brampton?
The financial burden of a vehicle impoundment falls entirely on the driver or the registered owner of the car. You should be prepared for substantial out-of-pocket expenses before the impound lot will release your vehicle:
- Towing Fees: The initial cost to tow your vehicle from the scene of the arrest typically ranges from $250 CAD to $400 CAD.
- Daily Storage Fees: Impound lots in Brampton charge daily storage rates, which usually fall between $70 CAD and $100 CAD per day.
- Administrative Fees: Some facilities charge additional processing fees, bringing the total cost for a seven-day impoundment to well over $1,000 CAD.
- Law Firm Fees: While not directly related to the impound, you will likely need to retain a lawyer to fight the underlying criminal charges, which can cost thousands more.
How Long Does the Impoundment Process Take?
The vehicle impoundment period in Ontario is exactly seven days. The clock starts ticking at the exact time your vehicle is towed. If your vehicle is left at the impound lot beyond the seven days, you will continue to accrue daily storage fees. It is highly recommended to arrange for the vehicle’s release on the exact day it becomes eligible to avoid unnecessary extra costs.
What if it Was Not My Car?
One of the most complex situations arises when the impounded vehicle belongs to a third party. Whether it is a rental car, a leased vehicle, or an employer’s truck, the owner will be notified of the impoundment. The owner has the right to retrieve the vehicle after the seven days by paying the fees, but they will likely seek reimbursement from you. In the case of rental companies, they may charge your credit card directly for the impound fees plus additional administrative penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I get my car out early if I need it for work?
No. Under the Highway Traffic Act, the 7-day impoundment for an impaired driving charge is mandatory and cannot be appealed or shortened for hardship or employment reasons.
Can I get my personal belongings out of the impounded car?
Generally, yes. Most Brampton impound lots will allow you to access the vehicle to retrieve essential personal items, such as house keys, medication, or your wallet. You should call the facility in advance to arrange a time.
What happens if I cannot afford the impound fees?
If you do not pay the towing and storage fees, the impound lot will not release the vehicle. Eventually, the facility may place a lien on the car and sell it at auction to recover their costs. You would still be legally responsible for any outstanding balance.
Does the 7-day impoundment mean I am guilty?
No. The impoundment is an administrative penalty that occurs immediately upon arrest. Your actual guilt or innocence regarding the criminal offence will be determined later in the Ontario Court of Justice.
Who notifies the registered owner of the vehicle?
The Ministry of Transportation (MTO) and the local police service are responsible for sending a formal notice of impoundment to the registered owner’s address on file.
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