A Phoenix impound under ARS 28-3511 holds the car for at least 20 days. After that, the yard can move to lien and sale. ARS 28-4802 sets owner liability for private property abandonment at $500.

What the timeline looks like

  • Day 0: the officer removes the vehicle. ARS 28-3511 starts the 20 day hold.
  • Day 1 to 20: storage accrues at $25 per day. The state admin fee of $150 (ARS 28-3513 B) is paid to Phoenix PD.
  • Day 20 and after: the yard can move to lien and sale. Specific lien sale timelines depend on the impound type and the lien paperwork.

Why ARS 28-4802 matters

  • Registered owner liability for private property abandonment is $500 (ARS 28-4802 A).
  • Federal or state park abandonment is $600.
  • The liability is waivable with proof of sale or a police report showing the vehicle was taken without the owner’s consent.

What you can do right now

  • Pay the $150 state admin fee to Phoenix PD and the tow and storage to the yard to recover the car.
  • File a post storage hearing under ARS 28-3514 within 10 days of the impound notice. The hearing is held within 5 business days.
  • If the impound was unlawful, ARS 28-4836 forfeits all charges.

If you cannot afford to recover the car

  • The yard will eventually sell the car at lien sale to cover storage and tow.
  • You remain liable for any deficiency plus the ARS 28-4802 fee if the car was on private property.
  • A junk title is a separate process through ADOT MVD.

For the full release path and the yard location, see our Phoenix impound guide.

Frequently asked questions

How long will Phoenix hold my car before it is sold?

At least 20 days under ARS 28-3511. After that, the yard can begin the lien sale process. Specific timelines depend on the impound type.

Will I owe the storage if the car is sold?

Yes, for any deficiency. If the sale price does not cover tow and storage, the registered owner is on the hook for the rest, plus the ARS 28-4802 fee on a private property impound.

What is the ARS 28-4802 fee?

$500 for registered owner liability on a private property abandonment. Federal or state park is $600. Waivable with proof of sale or a police report.

Can I get the car back after the lien sale?

Generally no. The lien sale transfers title. To buy the car back you would have to outbid the lien buyer at sale or buy it back after the sale.

Can I file for bankruptcy to stop a lien sale?

Bankruptcy can stay some collection actions but does not usually cancel a valid lien sale already in process. Talk to a bankruptcy attorney about your specific situation.