What happens when a vehicle is seized
A seized vehicle can be held for 15 working days whilst it is being investigated. Where a prosecution has been started, the vehicle will be retained for the duration of the prosecution.
To claim a seized vehicle you must be the legal owner of the vehicle and be able to provide the following documents to prove this:
- V5C Vehicle registration document in your name with your correct address and;
- Current certificate of motor insurance in your name with your correct address.
If we require further proof of legal ownership we would notify you within one working day. Any further proof must be received within two working days from receipt of the request. We will then notify you of a decision within three working days.
Where a vehicle has been claimed the owner will have 10 working days to collect the vehicle, unless we need to keep the vehicle for further investigation or are prosecuting the owner. If a claimed vehicle is to be released and is not collected within 10 working days it can be sold or destroyed. If a vehicle is not claimed within 15 working days, it will be sold or destroyed.