What Will Happen to Your U-Haul If You Are Arrested While Driving It?

Driving a U-Haul can bring a sense of freedom and adventure as you prepare for a move or a long road trip. However, unforeseen circumstances, such as being arrested while driving, can leave you in a challenging and stressful situation. In this article, we will explore what happens to your U-Haul and the items inside it if you are arrested.

The Vehicle Impoundment Process

When you are arrested, it is standard procedure for the vehicle to be impounded. The primary reason behind impounding the vehicle is to ensure public safety and prevent the possibility of the person arrested driving the vehicle again while under arrest. The impounding process may vary depending on the situation, location, and the officer's discretion. However, most of the time, the following steps will be followed:

The officer will impound the vehicle and take it to the nearest impound yard or the police station. The vehicle will be registered in the impound system and stored until the case is resolved. You will be provided with information on retrieving your vehicle after the resolution of the case.

What Happens to Your Belongings?

During the impoundment process, all of your belongings inside the U-Haul will be treated differently based on various factors such as the severity of the arrest and the local laws. Here’s what you can expect:

Minor Offense

For minor offenses, such as traffic violations, the vehicle may be returned to you after the required fines and fees are paid. In this case, all your belongings will be stored with the U-Haul company or they may be held in the impound yard until you can retrieve them. The company usually takes reasonable measures to store your belongings safely until you can claim them.

Serious Offense

If you are arrested for a more serious offense, the situation can be more complex. The belongings inside the U-Haul may be seized by law enforcement. Depending on the laws of the jurisdiction, authorities might choose to hold the belongings for a certain period, after which they can sell them at auction or dispose of them.

Charges and Impounded Vehicle

Regardless of the type of offense, any charges, such as fines or repair costs, incurred during the impoundment period will be the responsibility of the person who was arrested. This applies even if the vehicle is rented. You will be responsible for any damages or repair costs as well as any storage fees or other charges.

Extended Impoundment

In some cases, the vehicle may remain impounded for an extended period, typically around 90 days. If the vehicle is held for this period, and you do not retrieve it, it may be considered abandoned, and the belongings inside it can be sold or disposed of.

The U-Haul company will notify you that the vehicle will be impounded for 90 days and provide instructions on how to claim back your belongings. If you do not claim your belongings within the stipulated time, they will be subject to auctioning off or disposal.

What You Can Do to Avoid Impoundment

To minimize the risk of having your U-Haul impounded and your belongings seized, consider the following tips:

Avoid driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Ensure you have valid vehicle registration, insurance, and all necessary driving documents. If you are involved in an accident, report it promptly and cooperate with law enforcement. Avoid driving while visibly intoxicated or displaying signs of impaired driving.

By taking these precautions, you can significantly reduce the chances of having your U-Haul impounded and your belongings seized.

Conclusion

The outcome of what happens to your U-Haul if you are arrested while driving can depend on the severity of the offense and local laws. It is essential to understand the process and potential ramifications in advance to protect your belongings and rights.