The answer to this question depends on why your car was impounded. The following is a non-exhaustive list of reasons why cars are impounded:
- If you were driving a car which was used in the commission of a felony offense, such as violation of state drug law, your car may be considered a criminal tool, and can only be released by the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office.
- Defendants arrested and/or cited for either Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, or a drug of abuse, or Driving Under Suspension may have the vehicle they are driving at the time of the offense impounded by the Cleveland Police Department.
- Sometimes the police order a tow and impound so that a car is not left unattended on the street.
- Sometimes a car is towed and impounded because there is no person available to drive it home.
If your car has been towed, you can call the Cleveland Police Department Vehicle Impound Unit at (216) 664-5060 if you have any questions about the procedure, fees, hours of operation and paperwork required to regain possession of your car. If a car has a DUI hold, you must file a Motion to Release Vehicle in the Clerk’s Office requesting release and possession of the car. The motion will be decided by the magistrate presiding over the Traffic Arraignment docket. The magistrate will prepare an Order for you to take to the Vehicle Impound Unit.
The Cleveland Police Department Vehicle Impound Unit is located in the Police Headquarters attached to the Justice Center. However, you must exit the Justice Center Courts Tower and enter the Police Headquarters from Ontario Street. A uniformed Cleveland Police officer will direct you to the Impound Unit. Be prepared to have a ride to one of several lots throughout the city to retrieve your car. If your license is under suspension, you must take a licensed driver with you in order to retrieve your car.