Bill > AB29

This bill establishes a new law allowing law enforcement officers to impound vehicles for 90 days when certain serious traffic violations occur, including: driving without a valid license (for a second or subsequent offense), driving with a revoked license, speeding more than 25 miles per hour over the limit, fleeing from a law enforcement officer, or racing on a highway. Local jurisdictions (cities, villages, towns, or counties) can set a shorter impoundment period for violations on their roads. Vehicle owners can request release if they can prove the vehicle was not being operated with their consent, and they may petition a court if they believe the impoundment was improper. If the driver is found not guilty of the violation, the vehicle must be immediately released. The law also requires the court to collect impoundment costs from the guilty party and pay those costs to the law enforcement agency. If the vehicle remains unclaimed for more than 90 days after the impoundment period, the law enforcement agency may dispose of it using abandoned vehicle procedures. The bill is designed to deter repeat traffic offenses and provide a mechanism for holding vehicle owners accountable for serious traffic violations.