Post Storage Hearing FAQ

A post-storage hearing provides an opportunity to review the validity of a vehicle impound and to consider any mitigating circumstances related to the impound, storage, or possible early release of the vehicle.

A post-storage hearing does not guarantee that a vehicle will be released early. Eligibility for release is determined based on the circumstances of the impound and the requirements of Arizona law.

Under A.R.S. § 28-3514, a post-storage hearing must be requested within 10 days after the date on the Notice of Storage.

If a timely request is received, the hearing must be conducted within five business days, excluding weekends and holidays, after the request is received.

Failure to request a hearing within the 10-day period or failure to attend a scheduled hearing satisfies the post-storage hearing requirement.

Post-storage hearings are by appointment only. Walk-in hearings are not available.

To request and schedule a hearing, contact the Page Police Department at (928) 645-4107. When calling, please have information regarding the impounded vehicle available.

Under A.R.S. § 28-3514, a hearing may be requested by:

• The vehicle owner
• The spouse of the vehicle owner
• The owner’s agent
• A person identified in the Arizona Department of Transportation records as having an interest in the vehicle
• A person who can provide documentation showing an ownership or other legal interest in the vehicle that existed immediately before the impound

The person requesting the hearing may be required to provide identification and documentation establishing their relationship, authority, ownership, or legal interest in the vehicle.

The documents required will depend on who is requesting the hearing and the circumstances of the requested vehicle release.

For a vehicle release to the registered owner or qualifying spouse, the following current and valid documents are generally required:

• Valid Driver License – A current and valid driver license issued by Arizona or the person’s state of domicile.
• Current Vehicle Registration – Current registration for the impounded vehicle or other qualifying title documentation permitted by Arizona law.
• Current Proof of Insurance – Proof that the vehicle meets Arizona financial responsibility requirements.
• Ignition Interlock Documentation, if applicable – If an ignition interlock device is required, proof of installation of a functioning certified ignition interlock device must be provided.

All required documentation must be current and valid.

Arizona law allows a registered owner’s spouse to request a post-storage hearing.

A spouse requesting early release of the vehicle may qualify if the spouse was not the driver of the vehicle at the time it was impounded and meets the applicable requirements of A.R.S. § 28-3512.

The spouse should be prepared to provide a current valid driver license and the required vehicle registration and insurance documentation. A qualifying spouse may also be required to sign an agreement concerning who will be permitted to operate the vehicle following its release.

An owner’s agent or another person with a qualifying ownership or legal interest may be eligible to request a post-storage hearing.

You should be prepared to provide documentation establishing your authority or legal interest in the vehicle.

Under A.R.S. § 28-3514, documentation showing ownership may include:

• Certificate of title
• Manufacturer-issued certificate
• Statement of origin
• Other similar documentation establishing an ownership or legal interest in the vehicle

Because documentation requirements may vary depending on the circumstances, please contact the Page Police Department at (928) 645-4107 before your appointment if you are not the registered owner.

Arizona law provides several circumstances in which a vehicle may qualify for release before the end of the required impound period. These may include:

• The vehicle was stolen and properly reported stolen.
• The registered owner’s driving privilege has been reinstated.
• A qualifying spouse or other person identified as an owner was not driving the vehicle at the time of impound and meets the requirements for early release.
• The vehicle was being operated under qualifying circumstances involving a rental company, motor vehicle dealer, parking service, or repair garage.
• A qualifying lienholder or other person with a legal interest in the vehicle satisfies the applicable statutory requirements.
• Other circumstances are established during the post-storage hearing that affect the validity of the impound or eligibility for release.

Each request is reviewed based on the specific circumstances of the impound and applicable Arizona law.

No. Providing all required documents does not automatically qualify a vehicle for early release.

The circumstances surrounding the impound and the applicable requirements of Arizona law must be reviewed before a vehicle release can be authorized.

Yes. A $150 administrative fee is required for the release of an impounded vehicle.

THE $150 ADMINISTRATIVE FEE IS NON-REFUNDABLE.

The administrative fee is separate from towing and storage charges assessed by the towing company. Payment of the $150 administrative fee does not satisfy or waive any towing or storage charges that may also be due.

Generally, yes. The owner or other qualifying person may be responsible for applicable towing and storage charges in addition to the $150 administrative fee.

Towing and storage fees are handled separately from the Page Police Department administrative fee.

If a post-storage hearing determines that reasonable grounds for the impound and storage were not established, responsibility for applicable towing and storage costs will be handled as required by Arizona law. Special provisions apply to vehicles that were stolen and properly reported stolen.

If the vehicle is approved for release, the Page Police Department will provide the appropriate release authorization.

The person obtaining the vehicle will then need to contact the towing company or storage facility where the vehicle is being held and satisfy any applicable towing and storage requirements.

Authorization from the Page Police Department does not mean towing or storage charges have been paid.

If the vehicle does not qualify for early release, the vehicle will generally remain impounded for the period required by Arizona law.

Under A.R.S. § 28-3514, an eligible person is entitled to one post-storage hearing for release of the vehicle through either the impounding agency or a justice court, but not both.

• R.S. § 28-3511 – Removal and immobilization or impoundment of vehicle
• R.S. § 28-3512 – Release of vehicle; civil penalties
• R.S. § 28-3513 – Administrative charges
• R.S. § 28-3514 – Hearings; notice of immobilization or storage