By law, your vehicle may be held for up to 30 days while an investigation is conducted. If the investigation results in your vehicle going to forfeiture, the vehicle will be held until a final disposition is determined by a Court.
Police Department
Vehicle Impounds
CCPD will release impounded vehicles back to the registered owners or their representatives who meet release criteria. Please note that this criteria was recently amended by City Council and became effective October 1, 2022.
Location, Hours, and Contact
CCPD Vehicle Impound Lot
5485 Greenwood Dr.
Corpus Christi, TX 78417
Hours: Open 24/7 to accept impounded vehicles. CCPD will release property from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (7 days a week).
Phone: (361) 857-1996
Fax: (361) 857-1696
Procedure for Releasing Impounded Vehicles
It is the policy of the Corpus Christi Vehicle Impound to release impounded vehicles back to the registered owners or their representatives who meet release criteria.
To Release an Impounded Vehicle:
-
- The vehicle can be released only to the registered owner.
- The registered owner must show a picture I.D. This can be a driver's license, a T.D.P.S. I.D. card, a passport or a current military I.D. card.
- Owner/authorized agent must present proof of current insurance prior to vehicle release from Impound
- Vehicle can be released with a notarized letter from the registered owner, along with a copy of the registered owners DL or TDPS ID card, authorizing someone else to pick up the vehicle.
- Vehicle can be released if the front and back of the title have been properly signed by the owner, and the buyers name is on the title. All signatures must be in the proper place.
- Vehicle must have a current registration sticker before it can be released.
- If vehicle registration in NOT current, a 1 trip permit and the receipt for the paid 1 trip permit must be brought to the impound lot to retrieve the vehicle.
To release Vehicle to a Lien Holder:
-
- Lien holder or agent must show copy of original title, front and back.
- Lien holder must have a notarized repo-affidavit, or a hold harmless letter.
- Person picking up vehicle must have a business card and a copy of drivers license, with a letter authorizing agent to pick up vehicle.
- Lien holder can tow vehicle out, or use dealer tag if registration is expired.
Have essential information available
When you call, make sure you have the following information:
-
- The case number or vehicle's license plate number
- Name of the person arrested in the vehicle.
- Phone number where you may be reached during the hours of 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays.
Provide this information to the investigator so that you may be contacted if and when needed.
Impound Fees
Class A Auto Wreckers
(Vehicle Weight of 10,000 lbs or less)
-
- $180.00 - Normal rotation list nonconsent tow
- $155.00 - Private property impounds (PPI)
- $55.00 - Drop fee
- $75.00 - Four-wheel drive tow
- $50.00 - Unusual circumstances (add. Labor)
- $305.00 - Maximum fee, excluding time/distance
- $50.00 - Wait time fee on scene
- $50.00 - Distance fee
- $60.00 - Clean up fee
Class B Auto Wreckers
-
- Class B Tow Fees:
- $475.00 - Medium Duty Tow
For vehicles weighing from 10,001 lbs. to 24,999 - $400.00 - Heavy Duty Tow
For vehicles Weighing 25,000 lbs. or more per hour with a two-hour minimum, additional hour charge ever ¼ hour at a rate of $100.00 per ¼
- $475.00 - Medium Duty Tow
- $450.00 - Unusual circumstances not utilizing a rotator
- $520.00 - Private property impounds (PPI) includes double hookup tractor/trailer
- 25% upcharge - Specialized equipment owned (industry standard) rentals
- $850.00 per hour - Rotators will have a two-hour minimum
- Once the 3rd hour begins, additional charge applied every ¼ hour at a rate of $212.50 per ¼
- Used as a Class B heavy it falls under #1 and #2.
- Class B Tow Fees:
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will my vehicle be held?
What can I do to regain ownership of my vehicle?
If you are the rightful owner or lien holder of the impounded vehicle, you should call the Police Auto Pound at (361) 857-1996 and obtain the case number and/or license plate number assigned to your vehicle. You should then call the Asset Forfeiture Line at (361) 826-8301.
Will I be charged storage fees while my car is being held?
No, there are no storage fees accumulating while an investigative hold is preventing your car’s release.
Can I get personal property out of my car?
Yes, the Police Department is willing to work with you in the recovery of personal property from seized vehicles. Simply contact the Special Services Division at (361) 826-8300, and we will arrange to have your property released to you at the Police Auto Pound. Property will only be released with proof of vehicle ownership and proper identification. Additionally, property can only be released from the Police Auto Pound during the hours of 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. You will be supervised during the removal of the property.
The legal definition of “Forfeiture” is the act of losing or surrendering something as a penalty for violating a law.
Contraband is defined by state law as an asset which is either:
- Property that is used in the commission of a crime
- Proceeds gained from the commission of a crime
- Property acquired with proceeds gained from the commission of a crime, or
- Property used to facilitate or intended to be used to facilitate the commission of a crime.
Example: cars used to transport illegal narcotics
What will happen to my vehicle if it is determined to be "Contraband"?
State law says any property that is contraband is subject to forfeiture. If your vehicle is found to be contraband, the Corpus Christi Police Department will go forward with the forfeiture process. If active liens exist on the vehicle it may be released to the lien holder for repossession. You will be notified of the forfeiture hearing by the Nueces County District Attorney’s Office, Asset Forfeiture Division.
Why is there a Narcotic or J.E.T. Hold on my vehicle?
An investigative hold was placed on your vehicle by the impounding officer because it was involved in an offense where your vehicle may result in forfeiture. An investigator must now review your case to determine if your vehicle is contraband.
About Us
The mission of the Corpus Christi Police Department (CCPD) is to work as an equal partner with the community to reduce crime, the fear of crime and enhance public safety. CCPD strives to utilize community involvement that links new, innovative crime fighting methods and technology to develop a Community Policing Organization where officers and the public operate together.
Contact Information
DIAL 911 FOR EMERGENCIES
OR CRIMES IN PROGRESS
Address:
321 John Sartain Street
Corpus Christi, TX 78401
Non-Emergency Phone:
(361) 886-2600
Get Social
