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5.7.1 - Authority

Impounding or seizing a vehicle requires a valid legal or operational basis and must follow current DPS/DOJ tow classifications. Officers shall distinguish an owner-requested/free tow, an administrative tow, and a criminal evidence seizure. A citation or arrest does not automatically authorize every impound category.

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5.7.2 - Tow and Impound Selection

The officer shall select the correct available category, verify its authorized fee/hold, and record the reason. The previously discussed DPS schedule is reproduced below for command verification before activation:
These fee/hold values come from a previously discussed DPS working schedule, not from the Section 6 text supplied in this batch. Confirm against the live impound configuration and current DOJ rule before publishing them as enforceable amounts; otherwise remove the table and link to the authoritative rate schedule.

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5.7.3 - Processing

  • Document the vehicle, plate, registered owner when known, and location.
  • State the authority and specific reason for towing or seizure.
  • Inventory or secure accessible property consistent with authorized procedures; an impound is not a pretext for an otherwise unlawful investigative search.
  • Notify towing/dispatch as required; do not leave unsafe abandoned vehicles or property unattended.
  • Record vehicle condition, involved officers, impound category, fee, hold, and destination in the MDT or approved system.

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5.7.4 - Release, Review & Evidence Holds

Evidence-related seizures and extended holds require the proper case reference and approval under controlling policies. Officers shall not promise release outside authorized procedures. Disputed classifications and fees should be referred for supervisor review.