Getting pulled over and arrested for drunk driving may feel like the lowest point in your life. However, it is after the initial arrest when you have to begin to put things back together in your life when things can become quite strained. In Florida, you face many penalities for driving under the influence. One such punishment may be having your car impounded.
According to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, you will have your vehicle impounded or at least immobilized in most cases if you get a DUI. The only exception from impoundment is if the vehicle is the only one your family has or if it is used by employees for business purposes. So, if you have one car and your wife would need it to take the kids to school and get to work, then the vehicle will be released to her or if the vehicle you were driving was a business vehicle, it will be released to an employee. In any other situation, you can expect to have your vehicle impounded for at least 10 days. Each time you get a DUI, the number of days increases. It can be as long as 90 days.
It is also important to note that if your vehicle is taken, it won’t happen while you are in jail. The impoundment must happen after your release for the number of days sentenced by the judge. Typically, you will be released from jail after a DUI arrest once eight hours have passed, you are no longer drunk, your blood alcohol content is back below legal limits and you are no longer showing signs of impairment. This information is only intended to educate and should not be interpreted as legal advice.