If you are arrested for Impaired Driving in Ontario, your vehicle is automatically seized under the 7-day Vehicle Impoundment Program (VIP). You are completely responsible for all towing and storage fees, which frequently exceed $500 CAD.
Being arrested for impaired driving in Mississauga is a terrifying experience that brings immediate administrative penalties. The moment Peel Regional Police charge you with an impaired driving offence, the province acts swiftly to remove your vehicle from the road. This happens regardless of who actually owns the car.
Under Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act, this automatic seizure is known as the Vehicle Impoundment Program (VIP). 📍 Whether you are stopped near Square One or on the QEW, the process is mandatory. Let us break down exactly what happens to your vehicle and how you can get it back.
Step-by-Step Process in Mississauga
The impoundment process is an administrative penalty, meaning it happens before you ever see a judge at the Brampton courthouse. Here is the exact sequence of events following a roadside arrest.
Step 1: The Roadside Tow
Once you are arrested and blow over the legal limit (or refuse a breathalyzer), the police officer will immediately call a tow truck. 🚗 Your vehicle will be towed directly from the scene of the arrest to a local Mississauga impound facility contracted by the police.
Step 2: Serving the 7-Day Term
Your vehicle must sit in the impound lot for exactly 7 days. During this time, you cannot access the car to drive it. However, you can usually contact the impound facility to retrieve personal belongings, such as your house keys or wallet, during their regular business hours.
Step 3: Paying the Impound Fees
The Ontario government does not cover the cost of the tow or the daily storage. 💵 Before the impound lot will release the vehicle, you must pay all accumulated fees in full. It is highly recommended to call the facility ahead of time to confirm the exact amount and their accepted payment methods.
Step 4: Retrieving the Vehicle
After the 7 days have passed and the fees are paid, the car can be released. Because your own driver’s licence will be suspended for 90 days under the ADLS program, you cannot legally drive the car off the lot. You must bring a fully licensed driver with you to drive the car home.
How Much Does it Cost in Mississauga?
Towing and storage costs in the Peel Region add up incredibly fast. 💰 While specific rates depend on the towing company, here is a general estimate of what you can expect to pay for a standard 7-day impoundment.
| Service Type | Estimated Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Police-Initiated Towing Fee | $250 – $350 CAD |
| Daily Storage Fee | $60 – $80 CAD per day |
| Total Estimated Cost | $670 – $910 CAD |
These fees must be paid directly to the impound lot, not to the police or the courts.
How Long Does the Process Take?
The mandatory impoundment period for a first-time impaired driving charge is strictly 7 days. ⏱ If you are caught driving while your licence is already suspended for a previous Criminal Code offence, the impoundment period increases dramatically to 45 days. There are virtually no exceptions for early release.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happens if the impounded car belongs to my spouse or a friend?
The vehicle is impounded regardless of who the registered owner is. The owner will be responsible for paying the impound fees to get the car back, though they may pursue you privately to recover those costs.
What if I was driving a rental car?
The rental car will still be impounded for 7 days. The rental company will eventually recover the vehicle, pay the impound fees, and aggressively bill you for the tow, storage, and loss of rental income.
Can I appeal the 7-day impoundment?
Appeals are extremely rare and difficult. You can only appeal if you can prove the vehicle was stolen at the time of the arrest. You cannot appeal simply because you or your family need the car for work.
What happens if I abandon the car at the lot?
If you fail to claim the vehicle and pay the fees, the towing company can legally sell your car to cover the outstanding debt under the Repair and Storage Liens Act. They may also send any remaining balance to a collections agency.
Leave a Reply