Once the release fees are paid and the paperwork is signed, most people just want to get their car home. But the moment after collection can be confusing — is it actually legal to drive straight away? In many cases, yes, you can drive home from the pound, but only if every legal requirement is met before leaving the gate.

Insurance Comes First

Valid insurance is essential, and it must specifically cover driving a vehicle out of an impound. Not all policies do. If the certificate shown to the pound was an impound-specific policy, then driving home is fine as long as the policy is still active. Many impound insurance policies last for 30 days, giving time to arrange standard cover later.

If the certificate was temporary or limited to release only, check the small print before starting the engine. A few policies expire as soon as the car leaves the pound, meaning the vehicle would be uninsured on the road. It’s worth confirming with the insurer in writing or by email that you’re covered to drive away immediately after collection.

Tax and MOT Must Be Up to Date

Driving an untaxed or untested car from the pound can lead to another penalty. The vehicle must be taxed and have a valid MOT (or a pre-booked MOT appointment) before you drive it. The pound won’t usually check these details, but police officers can scan registration plates on the road, and automatic cameras record any lapses instantly.

If tax has expired, you can renew it online before collection, provided the insurance is already active. That online update registers almost instantly with DVLA systems, so it’s safe to drive as soon as payment is confirmed.

Number Plates and Roadworthiness

Check that both number plates are securely fitted and legible. Vehicles are sometimes stored roughly, and plates can come loose or crack. A missing or damaged plate can result in a stop before you reach home. Also make sure tyres, lights and brakes are in safe working condition — police and DVSA staff occasionally inspect vehicles leaving pounds, and driving a car with obvious faults could lead to another seizure.

Driving Without Insurance or Tax

Even a short journey without valid cover is treated as a serious offence. If stopped, the police can impound the car again on the spot. Storage and release fees could then double within days. It’s far cheaper and less stressful to spend a few extra minutes confirming that everything is legally in place.

When You Should Use Recovery Transport Instead

If the car has no MOT, no tax, or needs mechanical work before being safe to drive, arrange recovery transport or a low-loader. Most pounds allow licensed recovery firms to collect vehicles once the paperwork is complete. It costs more than driving away, but it avoids fines or another seizure for driving illegally.

Practical Tips Before Leaving the Pound

• Keep printed copies of your insurance certificate and receipt for release fees.
• Make sure the car is taxed or that you’ve booked an MOT if applicable.
• Check lights, tyres and windscreen wipers before starting the journey.
• Drive cautiously for the first few miles — cars left idle for days often develop small faults.

Final Word

It is legal to drive home after a car has been released from an impound, but only if insurance, tax and MOT are in place and the vehicle is roadworthy. The moment those conditions aren’t met, the risk of another seizure returns. Spending ten minutes double-checking documents and the car itself can save hundreds of pounds and a repeat trip to the pound gate.

Check here for more useful information about impounded cars!

Please note: impound rules, collection windows and fee structures are set locally and can change at any time. Details on this site offer a broad outline only and are not guaranteed to match the requirements of any individual pound or authority.