Under Ontario law, an impaired driving arrest triggers an automatic 7-day vehicle impoundment. In London, retrieving your car after the impound period generally costs between $700 and $1,000 CAD, which covers the initial tow, daily storage fees, and administrative charges.
When the London Police Service pulls you over and makes an arrest for impaired driving, you do not get to drive your car home. Even before you see a judge, Ontario’s strict roadside penalty system kicks in. Under the Highway Traffic Act, your vehicle is immediately seized and impounded for a mandatory 7-day period.
This administrative penalty applies whether the car belongs to you, a friend, or a rental company. Dealing with the impound lot adds a significant financial burden to an already stressful situation. This guide will walk you through exactly what it costs and the steps required to get your vehicle back in London, Ontario.
Step-by-Step Process in London
Retrieving your car requires patience and specific paperwork. You cannot simply walk onto the impound lot and drive away, especially since your own driver’s licence will be suspended. 📋
Step 1: The Initial Tow
At the time of your arrest, the London police will call a contracted local towing company (such as Ross Towing or City Wide) to remove your vehicle from the side of the road. The car is then transported to a secure, police-approved impound facility.
Step 2: The Mandatory 7-Day Wait
You must wait the full 7 days. There is virtually no way to appeal the roadside impoundment to get the car out early. If the car belongs to someone else, they are still subject to this 7-day waiting period, as the law targets the vehicle used in the offence.
Step 3: Gather Your Release Documents
Once the 7 days have passed, you must prove ownership to the towing company. You will need to bring the vehicle registration, proof of valid insurance, and government-issued photo ID. Since your driver’s licence was likely suspended for 90 days at the time of your arrest, you cannot legally drive the car off the lot yourself. 👤
Step 4: Pay the Impound Facility
You must pay the towing company in full before they release the vehicle. You will need to bring a licensed driver with you to drive the car home, or you will have to pay the towing company an additional fee to tow the vehicle to your driveway.
Breakdown of Impound Costs
Towing and storage rates in London are regulated by local municipal bylaws, but they still add up very quickly. Here is what you can expect to pay in Canadian dollars (CAD):
| Fee Type | Estimated Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Initial Towing Fee | $250 – $350 (depends on distance and time of day) |
| Daily Storage Fee | $60 – $90 per day (approx. $420 – $630 for 7 days) |
| Administrative/Release Fee | $50 – $100 |
| Secondary Tow (to your home) | $100 – $150 (if you have no valid driver) |
How Long Does the Process Take?
The vehicle is strictly held for exactly 7 days (168 hours) from the moment of the tow. Once you arrive at the impound facility on the 8th day with your payment and a licensed driver, the actual release process usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes. However, if you leave the car at the lot beyond the 7 days, the daily storage fees will continue to accumulate until you finally pay the bill. ⏱
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What if the car I was driving belongs to a friend?
The vehicle is still impounded for 7 days. Your friend (the registered owner) will have to pay the impound fees to get their car back, and it is up to you to reimburse them.
Does my auto insurance cover the tow and impound fees?
No. Standard Ontario auto insurance policies do not cover towing or storage fees related to an impaired driving arrest or a criminal code offence.
What happens if I cannot afford to pay the impound fees?
If you abandon the vehicle, the storage fees will continue to rise. Eventually, the towing company has the legal right to sell your vehicle at auction to recover their costs, and you may still be sued for any remaining balance.
What if I was driving a rental car?
The rental company will be notified. They will usually pay the impound fees to recover their vehicle, but they will immediately charge those fees to your credit card on file, plus hefty administrative penalties for breaching the rental agreement.
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