As per RoadSafetyBC, vehicles must be impounded for the full duration of the impoundment period calculated using 24‑hour days (Full calendar day). Partial days, such as the date the vehicle is towed to the impound lot and the day the vehicle is claimed, do not count towards the impoundment period. However, storage fees are charged for every calendar day your vehicle remains in the custody and care of the impound yard, which typically results in being billed for two additional days beyond the official impoundment period.

You can also find this information noted on the Notice of Impoundment (MV2721) you received.

The vehicle is released only to the Registered Owner or someone authorized by them as per next steps.

To retrieve an impounded vehicle, the registered owner must:

1. Wait until the impoundment period has ended
2. Go to the impound lot in person, if you do not have a valid driver’s licence, you must bring someone who can legally drive the vehicle for you
3. Present valid government-issued photo ID (e.g., a valid driver’s licence)
4. Pay all outstanding fees, including towing and storage costs

If a vehicle is registered to a business, the owner must provide official documents proving they own the business.

Once these steps are completed, the vehicle will be released.

You only need this if you can’t go to the impound lot with a licensed driver to pick up your vehicle. Please note that the steps are different if you are requesting within the impoundment period or after the impoundment period has ended.

  Steps to authorize someone else to retrieve your impounded vehicle within the impoundment period.    

To authorize someone else to pick up your vehicle, you must complete the Owner’s Authorization Form (MV2712) mv2712_0226-030425.pdf and email it to Roadsafety BC at AR.Review@gov.bc.ca, along with a copy of both sides of your valid government-issued ID. The verification process may take up to 3 days, so please submit your request in advance. If approved, an order of release will be sent directly to Roadway Towing. The person you authorize must bring payment for towing and storage fees, as well as their valid driver’s licence.

  Steps to authorize someone else to retrieve or access your impounded vehicle after the impoundment period or for other impoundments.    

 Send an email to impounds@roadwaytowing.ca requesting a “Owner Authorization – Release Vehicle” form. The registered owner must complete the form and send the form to back along with both sides of the registered owner’s ID, Payment method. Once approved, the registered owner will be notified, and the authorized person may retrieve the vehicle. The person you authorize must bring payment for towing and storage fees, as well as their valid driver’s licence.  

If a vehicle is not claimed after the impoundment period ends, Roadway Towing  may apply to dispose of it.

If the vehicle’s owner owes outstanding fees to Roadway Towing, they may be unable to obtain a driver’s licence or vehicle insurance until the debt has been paid.

If you do not wish to claim your vehicle, please contact us to discuss a disposal agreement.

The registered owner of the vehicle may retrieve personal belongings that are not attached to, or used in connection with, the operation of the vehicle. A portion of the outstanding charges must be paid before access to the vehicle is granted, and this amount will be deducted from the final invoice. Access to the vehicle is available only during regular business hours. Government‑issued identification and proof of ownership are required.

If the vehicle owner wishes to authorize another person to access the vehicle on their behalf, they may email impounds@roadwaytowing.ca to request an Authorization Form.

For more information concerning this notice you may contact RoadSafetyBC at Toll free phone (Canada and USA): 1-855-387-7747. 

You can visit the RoadSafetyBC website and search for the Vehicle Impound Calculator, or access it directly using the following link: vehicle_impound_calculator_220126.pdf. You can also call or email us at impounds@roadwaytowing.ca if you need assistance.