Reclaiming an impounded vehicle means retrieving your car or motorcycle that has been seized by the authorities due to traffic or regulatory violations. It involves following specific steps like paying all necessary fines, towing and storage fees, and presenting complete documents such as your driver’s license, and OR/CR. Once all requirements are settled and a release order from the LTO, MMDA, or local traffic office was issued, the vehicle can be officially released and returned to its rightful owner.
If your car or motorcycle gets impounded and you wish to reclaim it, this guide can tell you exactly how to reclaim your impounded vehicle, what to bring, where to go, and how to save money along the way.
Why Vehicles Get Impounded
Your vehicle can be towed or impounded for several reasons, depending on the agency involved (LTO, MMDA, LGU, or PNP-HPG). You may also check this list of impoundable violations.
Each agency follows its own fee schedule, but all must follow the same due process—meaning you should receive an apprehension report and know where your vehicle is being held.
Fees You Need to Settle
Reclaiming your impounded vehicle means paying all accumulated fees. These usually include:
- Violation fines and penalties based on your traffic offense (set by LTO, MMDA, or LGU)
- Towing fee depends on your vehicle type, size, and the towing company’s rate
- Storage fee charged per day until you claim your vehicle (₱60–₱200/day on average)
- Administrative or incidental fees for processing, notarization, or documentation
Note: The longer your vehicle stays impounded, the higher your bill grows. Settle your case and claim your vehicle as soon as possible to avoid piling storage fees.
Step-by-Step: How to Reclaim an Impounded Vehicle
To help you reclaim your impounded vehicle, here are the steps you can follow:
Step 1. Confirm where your vehicle is
- Check your ticket or towing notice for details.
- Call the MMDA, LGU traffic office, or LTO hotline to confirm the exact impound yard and requirements.
Step 2. Pay the violation fines
- Go to the office that issued your ticket (MMDA, city traffic office, or LTO).
- Settle your fines or contest them through adjudication.
- Secure a Payment Receipt and a Release Order/Clearance addressed to the impounding yard.
Step 3. Prepare the required documents
Bring both originals and photocopies of:
- Driver’s License
- OR/CR (Official Receipt and Certificate of Registration)
- Valid government ID
If you’re not the registered owner, also bring: - Authorization Letter or Special Power of Attorney (SPA)
- Owner’s ID (photocopy, both sides)
- Company Authorization Letter (for company vehicles)
Note: If your OR/CR is missing, prepare an Affidavit of Loss and any digital proof or LTO printout.
Step 4. Go to the impound yard
- Present your Release Order, IDs, and OR/CR.
- Pay the towing, storage, and other charges directly at the yard (some accept cash only).
- Get official receipts for every payment made.
Step 5. Vehicle inspection and release
- The yard staff will inspect your vehicle and ask you to sign an acknowledgment form.
- Check for any damage or missing items—take photos before driving away.
- Once cleared, you can finally take your car or motorcycle home.
If You’re Claiming Through an Affidavit
Some cases require a notarized affidavit, such as when:
- You lost your OR/CR (Affidavit of Loss)
- You renewed your registration after impoundment (Affidavit of Undertaking)
- You’re sending someone else to claim the vehicle (SPA or Authorization Letter)
Prepare two valid IDs and have the affidavit notarized. Bring it to the impounding office along with your other documents.
Special Cases
In some cases, the reclaiming of an impounded vehicle may not so easy:
- If the vehicle is evidence in a crime: Coordinate with the police or prosecutor for a release clearance.
- For colorum or unregistered vehicles: Expect higher penalties and longer impound periods.
- If you think the impound was improper: Take photos, get copies of the towing job order, and file a complaint or protest for refund after release.
Amnesty Programs
Some cities offer amnesty programs to help owners reclaim long-impounded vehicles at reduced fees. For example, Mandaue City allowed vehicle owners to pay only ₱1,000 storage fee (plus towing and violation fees) for vehicles impounded between January 2020 and December 2022. Always check your local government’s official website or Facebook page for similar programs.
Money-Saving Tips
To help you save some money while reclaiming your impounded vehicle, you may want to keep these tips in mind:
- Identify the agency and yard holding your vehicle immediately.
- Ask about daily storage rates and payment cut-off times.
- Settle fines and claim your car the same day to avoid extra storage fees.
- Bring all required IDs and documents to avoid multiple trips.
- Take photos before and after release for your records.
For guidance, contact the LTO, MMDA, or your city traffic office to confirm requirements specific to your case.