An expired registration alone usually does not trigger an Arizona impound. The chain that does: a lapsed insurance policy under ARS 28-4135 leads to a suspended privilege, and driving on a suspended privilege in Phoenix triggers the ARS 28-3511 impound.

The ARS 28-4135 chain

  • Arizona requires mandatory auto insurance (ARS 28-4135 A) and evidence in the vehicle (B).
  • First lapse: $500 minimum fine and a 3 month privilege suspension.
  • Second lapse within 36 months: $750 minimum fine and a 6 month suspension of license, registration, and plates.
  • Third or later lapse: $1,000 minimum fine and a one year suspension.
  • Driving while the suspension is in place, or driving without insurance during an accident, is what trips the ARS 28-3511 impound.

The 20 day impound

  • The officer removes the vehicle under ARS 28-3511.
  • The mandatory hold is 20 days, not 30. People call it the “30 day impound,” but the statute is 20.
  • Storage is capped at $25 per day. The state administrative fee is $150 paid to the impounding police department under ARS 28-3513 B.
  • Release paperwork counter for Phoenix: 100 W. Washington St., (602) 495-2096, business hours roughly 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Reinstating your privilege

  • After you reinstate insurance, ADOT processes the SR-22 and lifts the suspension.
  • Get the SR-22 from your insurer, pay the reinstatement fee to ADOT, and keep proof of insurance in the vehicle.
  • The exact reinstatement fee was not confirmed in our research. Confirm the current amount with ADOT MVD before you pay.

For the release path and yard location, see our Phoenix impound guide. For your options at the hearing, see know your rights when towed.

Frequently asked questions

Will my car be towed just for expired tags?

In Arizona, an expired registration alone usually does not trigger an impound. It becomes a problem if the lapse turned into an insurance lapse and a suspended privilege under ARS 28-4135. A Phoenix officer can also impound on other ARS 28-3511 triggers like no license, an Extreme DUI (ARS 28-1382), or an interlock violation.

How long will Phoenix hold my car?

At least 20 days under ARS 28-3511. Storage is capped at $25 per day. After 20 days the yard moves to lien or sale.

Can I get my car back without paying the full storage?

The $150 state admin fee (ARS 28-3513 B) and storage at $25 per day are set by statute. The yard cannot waive them. A post storage hearing under ARS 28-3514 may be requested within 10 days of the notice and held within 5 business days.

What does it cost to reinstate?

The reinstatement fee was not confirmed in our research. Confirm the current amount with ADOT MVD before you pay.

Do I still owe the tow and storage if the impound was wrong?

If the impound was unlawful, ARS 28-4836 forfeits all towing and storage charges. That is a strong remedy. See was my car towed illegally.