What to do if…
you receive a notice that your vehicle has been impounded or seized

What to do now

1. Check the notice and identify who has the vehicle.

   • Find the vehicle registration, reference number, date, stated reason, location, and deadline.
   • If the notice came by text, social media, or looks suspicious, check the police force or authority through its official website or call 101 before using any payment route.

2. Ask exactly what deadline applies.

   • For many police seizures under section 165A of the Road Traffic Act 1988, force guidance says the owner or registered keeper must attend the required pound or police station within seven working days of the seizure notice or notice letter.
   • Some force guidance says the vehicle may be disposed of if it is not reclaimed, or if the legal requirements are not met, after a further period such as 14 days. Follow the dates on your notice and the instructions from the force or authority holding the vehicle.

3. Find out which process you are in.

   • Police seizure for insurance or licence issues: ask what proof of identity, ownership, driving licence, insurance, MOT, and tax position they need before release.
   • Parking, obstruction, abandoned-vehicle, or local-authority removal: ask which authority ordered the removal, where the vehicle is held, what must be paid now, and how to make any representations later.
   • Held for investigation or evidence: ask for the crime or case reference and which officer, unit, or authority must authorise release.

4. Ask whether you must go to a police station before the pound.

   • Some forces require you to take documents to a specified police station, or to have a seizure form stamped or a release notice issued, before the pound can release the vehicle.
   • Ask: “Do I need police-station authorisation before the pound will release it?”

5. Gather a release pack before you travel.

   • Ask the force, pound, or authority what they will accept. Commonly requested items include:
     • photo ID
     • the seizure, impound, or removal notice
     • proof that you are the registered keeper or owner, such as the V5C, new keeper supplement, bill of sale, or other accepted evidence
     • valid driving licence, if you or a nominated driver will drive it away
     • valid insurance evidence that covers release of an impounded vehicle, if required
     • MOT evidence or recovery arrangements if the vehicle cannot legally or safely be driven away
   • If you are not the registered keeper or owner, ask what written authority, identity documents, and attendance rules apply.

6. If a document is missing, ask about substitutes immediately.

   • Tell them what you do have, such as a purchase receipt, DVLA keeper evidence, digital or emailed insurance evidence, or proof of address.
   • Ask what exact wording they need on any insurance certificate, especially if insurance was arranged after the seizure or if a nominated driver will collect the vehicle.

7. Call ahead before travelling.

   • Confirm the address, opening hours, whether an appointment is needed, payment methods, who must attend in person, and whether property can be collected if the vehicle cannot yet be released.
   • Ask whether repairs are allowed at the pound; many police pounds do not allow repairs there, so you may need an insured recovery operator.

8. Get the costs in writing or on a receipt.

   • Ask for the current removal, storage, and any disposal-related charges.
   • Ask what keeps increasing daily and from when. Keep the itemised receipt.

9. If the notice is wrong, split release from dispute.

   • Say clearly if it is not your vehicle, the plate may be cloned, you sold it before the date on the notice, you were not the driver, or the keeper details are wrong.
   • Ask two separate questions: “What is needed to stop fees and disposal risk now?” and “What is the route to challenge the seizure, removal, or charges?”