When a car is impounded, time immediately starts counting down. The exact deadline before destruction varies, but in most police-operated pounds the vehicle may be disposed of after around two weeks if it’s not claimed. Some local authorities or contractors allow slightly longer, but once the statutory period has expired, the vehicle can be sold, broken for parts, or scrapped entirely. Acting quickly is essential — not only to avoid permanent loss, but also to limit the daily storage charges that accumulate from day one.

The typical 14-day rule

Most police forces hold unclaimed vehicles for 14 days from the date on the seizure notice. If no one attends with the correct documents and fees by then, the car is classed as unclaimed and can legally be disposed of. This time limit is set out in the Road Traffic Act and supporting regulations, which give authorities the right to sell or scrap the vehicle once reasonable notice has been given to the registered keeper.

Some forces, especially in large urban areas, use shorter practical limits because of storage pressure. Others — typically rural or council-run sites — may hold vehicles for up to 21 or 28 days, particularly if letters to the keeper have been delayed. Either way, the safe assumption is that the car could be destroyed within two weeks unless reclaimed promptly.

When the clock starts

The countdown begins from the date printed on the seizure notice or the first formal letter sent to the registered keeper. If you received the notice late or never saw it, that doesn’t stop the disposal deadline running. That’s why contacting the pound as soon as you realise the car has been taken is so important. Even one missed weekend can add extra storage costs or push you beyond the recovery window.

What happens after the deadline

Once the statutory period ends, the pound may:

• sell the vehicle at a public auction,
• release it to an authorised dismantler for scrapping, or
• use it for police training or parts recycling under contract.

If the car has little market value or is not roadworthy, it’s usually scrapped immediately. Any sale proceeds are used to offset towing and storage costs, but these rarely cover the full amount owed. After disposal, ownership and entitlement to the vehicle end completely — you cannot later reclaim it or recover personal belongings unless they were removed before disposal.

How to prevent destruction

To stop disposal, you must contact the pound immediately and confirm your intention to collect the car. Bring or send the required items:

• photo ID (such as a passport or driving licence),
• the V5C logbook or new keeper slip,
• a valid insurance certificate that covers impound release, and
• payment for recovery and storage fees.

If you can’t attend personally, you can authorise someone else in writing to collect the vehicle on your behalf. They’ll need to bring your signed letter of authority, their own ID, and suitable insurance. Most pounds won’t accept digital-only proof — printed copies are usually required.

Special circumstances

Different rules apply if the vehicle is evidence in a criminal investigation or is subject to finance, leasing, or a hire agreement. In those cases, the pound may hold the car longer, or require written consent from the owner or finance company before release. If the car is unroadworthy or damaged, you can instruct an authorised recovery firm to collect and transport it instead of driving it away.

If you’ve missed the deadline

If the car has already been destroyed or sold, ask the pound for written confirmation of disposal, including the date and method. Notify the DVLA to close your keeper record and avoid future tax or penalty notices. If you believe the disposal was premature or unlawful, you can submit a written complaint or seek legal advice — but once a car has been sent for scrapping, recovery is rarely possible.

Final note

Most impounded cars are destroyed or sold after about two weeks if they’re not reclaimed. Some are kept longer, but none are held indefinitely. The only reliable way to stop disposal is to act fast — contact the pound, prove ownership, arrange proper insurance, and pay the fees. Every day of delay increases the risk that the car will be gone for good.

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.