If you are charged with an impaired driving offence in Markham, Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act mandates an automatic 7-day vehicle impoundment. To get your car back, you must wait out the full 7 days, pay the towing and storage fees (usually over $700 CAD), and bring a fully licensed driver with you, as your own licence is immediately suspended for 90 days.
Being pulled over by the York Regional Police on Highway 7 or local Markham roads for suspected impaired driving is a highly stressful experience. An arrest under the Criminal Code of Canada triggers immediate, severe administrative penalties before you even step foot inside a courtroom. One of the most immediate disruptions to your life is having your vehicle towed and impounded on the spot.
Many drivers are shocked to learn that they cannot simply pay a fine the next day to get their car back. Ontario law is incredibly strict regarding impaired driving, and the impoundment period is mandatory. Navigating the process to retrieve your vehicle requires careful coordination. Here is a clear, step-by-step guide on what you must do to get your vehicle released from a local impound lot.
Step-by-Step Process for Vehicle Release in Markham
Whether you were stopped near Main Street Unionville or getting off Highway 407, the York Regional Police will direct the towing company to take your vehicle to an authorized local impound facility. Follow these exact steps to ensure a smooth retrieval once your impoundment period ends.
Step 1: Wait Out the Mandatory 7-Day Period
There is virtually no way to reduce the 7-day impoundment. The clock starts ticking the moment the police officer orders the tow. You must wait exactly seven full 24-hour periods before the facility is legally permitted to release the vehicle to you. Calling the impound lot repeatedly or arguing with staff will not speed up this process.
Step 2: Locate Your Vehicle and the Impound Lot
The arresting officer should have provided you with a towing receipt or a Notice of Impoundment indicating exactly which facility has your car. If you lost this paperwork in the stress of the arrest, you can contact the York Regional Police non-emergency line to confirm where your vehicle is being stored. Call the impound lot ahead of time to confirm their operating hours and exact release procedures.
Step 3: Gather the Required Documents
Impound lots will not release a vehicle without strict proof of ownership. You must bring the original vehicle ownership (the green slip), valid proof of auto insurance, and government-issued photo identification. If your wallet was left inside the impounded car, you must ask the facility for permission to retrieve it before processing the release.
Step 4: Bring a Valid, Licensed Driver
This is the most critical step. Upon your arrest, your Ontario driver’s licence was automatically suspended for 90 days under the Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension (ADLS) program. Therefore, it is a serious criminal offence for you to drive the car off the lot. You must bring a friend or family member with a valid “G” class licence to drive the vehicle home for you.
How Much Does the Impound Cost?
The government does not pay for your towing or storage. You are personally responsible for all fees associated with the mandatory impoundment, which can add up very quickly.
| Expense Type | Description | Estimated Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Towing Fee | The initial cost of hooking up and towing your vehicle from the scene to the lot. | $250 to $400 |
| Daily Storage Fee | The impound lot charges a daily rate for storing the vehicle (calculated over 7 days). | $60 to $100 per day |
| Licence Reinstatement | Fee paid to ServiceOntario to get your physical card back after the 90-day suspension. | $281 CAD |
Be prepared to pay the impound lot by cash, debit, or credit card when you arrive. If you leave the car there longer than 7 days, daily storage fees will continue to accumulate. 💰
How Long Does the Overall Process Take?
While the vehicle impoundment lasts exactly 7 days, the ripple effects of the arrest last much longer. Your driver’s licence will remain suspended for a minimum of 90 days. Furthermore, fighting the actual impaired driving charges at the Newmarket Courthouse can take anywhere from six to twelve months to fully resolve with the assistance of a criminal defence lawyer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What if the impounded vehicle belongs to my spouse or a rental company?
The 7-day impound applies even if the vehicle belongs to someone else. The registered owner must go to the lot to retrieve it and pay the fees. Rental car companies will often retrieve the vehicle themselves and charge the heavy fees directly to your credit card.
Can I appeal the 7-day vehicle impoundment?
Appealing the impoundment is technically possible through the Licence Appeal Tribunal, but because the impound is only 7 days, the period usually expires long before a hearing can even be scheduled. It is generally not worth the legal fees to fight the administrative tow.
What happens if my charges are eventually dropped in court?
Unfortunately, you do not get a refund for the towing and impound fees even if a judge later finds you not guilty. The impoundment is an administrative penalty enforced by the Ministry of Transportation, completely separate from the criminal court process.
Can I leave my car at the impound lot until my 90-day suspension is over?
You could, but it would be financially ruinous. At $80 a day, leaving it for 90 days would cost over $7,200 CAD. It is much smarter to have a friend drive it home to your driveway in Markham.
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