Every month, numerous vehicles face the unfortunate fate of being towed from public roads. This often happens when a car is perceived as abandoned, illegally parked, or posing a safety hazard. Understanding why your car might be towed and what happens next is crucial to prevent your vehicle from becoming just another piece of “Junk In Car” in the impound lot.
Vehicles are typically towed for several reasons, including:
- Abandonment: Leaving your vehicle parked in the same spot for over 24 hours without moving it can lead to towing, as it’s considered abandoned.
- Illegal Parking: Parking in restricted zones or in ways that obstruct traffic flow or pedestrian safety is a common cause for towing.
- Registration and Insurance Issues: Driving with expired registration, without a valid safety check, or lacking insurance can result in your vehicle being towed.
- Connection to Crime: If your vehicle is used in a crime, such as driving under the influence (DUI), it may be towed as part of legal procedures.
- Post-Accident Impairment: Vehicles that are not operational after an accident are often towed for safety and to clear roadways.
- Theft and Vandalism: Stolen vehicles that are recovered stripped down or discarded are also towed and processed.
If your vehicle is towed, the city’s Unclaimed Vehicle Program comes into play. This program manages vehicles that are towed and remain unclaimed by their owners. After a period specified in the Notification of Unclaimed Vehicle in Custody letter, the city can auction off these vehicles. However, there’s a special consideration for active-duty service members, who are allowed 60 days to claim their vehicle before auction proceedings begin.
To reclaim your towed vehicle and prevent it from being considered “junk in car”, you need to act promptly:
- Respond to the Notification Letter: If you receive a Notification of Unclaimed Vehicle in Custody, immediately call the phone number provided in the letter to locate your vehicle and start the claim process.
- Settle Towing and Storage Fees: You will need to pay all associated towing and storage charges to get your vehicle back.
- Representation for Deployed Personnel: If you are a service member deployed or reassigned, you can authorize a representative with a power of attorney to claim your vehicle on your behalf. Ensure your representative has a copy of the power of attorney, identification, and sufficient funds for the fees.
- Contact for Assistance: If you have questions or face any issues claiming your vehicle, reach out to Motor Vehicle Control at (808) 768-2530 or via email at mvc@honolulu.gov for guidance.
Sometimes, you might decide that you no longer want your towed vehicle, or perhaps you’ve sold it but it’s still registered in your name. In such cases, you have options to avoid further complications and prevent the vehicle from becoming “junk in car” that is tied to your name:
- Execute an SCRA Waiver: If you don’t want to reclaim your vehicle, you can fill out a Waiver of Rights and Protections Afforded under the Service members Civil Relief Act (SCRA Waiver). This form is usually available online from the city’s website.
- Submit the Waiver: Email the completed SCRA Waiver to mvc@honolulu.gov.
Finally, if you’re looking to responsibly dispose of a vehicle that you no longer need or want, consider exploring the city’s free Junk Vehicle Program. This program offers a way to properly dispose of unwanted vehicles, preventing them from ending up as “junk in car” and potentially causing further issues down the line. Taking proactive steps, whether reclaiming your towed vehicle or responsibly disposing of an unwanted one, is key to managing your vehicle ownership effectively.
