Has your vehicle been towed in Portland? Discovering your car is missing can be stressful, but the Portland Police Bureau (PPB) is leveraging technology to streamline the process of vehicle recovery. Partnering with AutoReturn and utilizing advanced tools like license plate scanners on police cars, the PPB aims to efficiently manage towed vehicles and help residents get back on the road. This guide will walk you through understanding how Portland police cars with license scanners play a role and, more importantly, how to locate and retrieve your towed vehicle.
License plate scanners, also known as Automatic License Plate Readers (ALPRs), are sophisticated systems mounted on Portland police cars. These scanners automatically capture and read license plates of vehicles they encounter, cross-referencing them with databases to identify vehicles associated with violations such as parking infractions, expired registrations, warrants, or even stolen vehicle reports. While the presence of these scanners doesn’t automatically mean your car will be towed, they enhance the PPB’s ability to identify vehicles that may be in violation of city ordinances or state laws, potentially leading to a tow.
If you suspect your vehicle has been towed in Portland, the first crucial step is to utilize the online AutoReturn system. This partnership between the PPB and AutoReturn is designed to expedite the vehicle recovery process.
Search for your Vehicle on AutoReturn
Step-by-Step Guide to Finding Your Towed Vehicle:
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Access the AutoReturn Website: Navigate to the AutoReturn website using your computer or mobile device. This user-friendly platform is your primary resource for determining if your vehicle has been towed and its current location.
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Utilize the Vehicle Search Tool: On the AutoReturn homepage, you will find a search interface. Enter your vehicle’s license plate number or Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) into the search field. Ensure you input the information accurately to get the most precise results.
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Review Search Results: After submitting your search query, AutoReturn will display information if your vehicle has been towed and processed into their system. The results will typically include:
- Vehicle Status: Confirmation if the vehicle is towed.
- Tow Location: The address of the towing facility where your vehicle is being held.
- Towing Agency: Confirmation that the tow was initiated by the Portland Police Bureau.
- Instructions for Retrieval: Guidance on the next steps to take to reclaim your vehicle.
Alt: Search interface on AutoReturn website for Portland towed vehicles, highlighting input fields for license plate and VIN search.
Important Note Regarding Investigative Holds:
If your vehicle was towed due to an ongoing investigation, it might not appear in the AutoReturn system immediately. In cases where an “investigative hold” is placed on your vehicle, you will need to directly contact the relevant investigative unit of the Portland Police Bureau.
To determine the correct investigative unit to contact, call Police Records at 503-823-0044. Police Records personnel can provide a referral to the appropriate unit handling your vehicle’s hold. It is important to note that Police Records will not have specific details about your vehicle’s situation or the reasons for the investigative hold.
Retrieving Your Towed Vehicle: Essential Steps and Requirements
Once you have located your vehicle via AutoReturn or through Police Records, the next crucial phase is understanding the requirements for vehicle release. The Portland Police Bureau has established a clear set of procedures to ensure the proper release of towed vehicles to rightful owners. Adhering to these steps is essential to avoid delays or refusal of service.
Mandatory Requirements for Vehicle Release:
Before heading to the tow lot, ensure you have gathered all the necessary documentation. Failure to provide these documents will result in the inability to retrieve your vehicle.
- Valid Photo Identification: You must present a current, government-issued photo ID with your signature. Acceptable forms of identification include a valid driver’s license, passport, or state-issued identification card.
- Proof of Ownership: Establishing ownership is paramount. The towed vehicle will only be released to the individual whose name is registered on the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) records. If your name is not on the DMV records, you must provide documented proof of your Right to Possession, as outlined in detail below.
- Valid Operator’s License: You are required to present a valid operator’s license to retrieve your vehicle. If your driver’s license is not valid, or if you do not possess one, you must be accompanied by a companion who has a valid operator’s license. This companion must be present at the tow lot and prepared to drive the vehicle off the premises.
COVID-19 Related Procedures:
Due to ongoing public health considerations, the Portland Police Bureau has implemented modifications to vehicle release procedures. The public counter at the Justice Center remains closed. Vehicle owners are required to email all necessary documents for vehicle release to: [email protected].
Insurance Requirements:
If your vehicle was towed due to a lack of mandatory liability insurance, you must provide proof of current insurance coverage in addition to the standard requirements. Acceptable forms of insurance verification that must be emailed to [email protected] include:
- A motor vehicle liability insurance policy specifically covering the impounded vehicle.
- A bond approved by a judge within the state of Oregon.
- A deposit with the Oregon State Treasurer.
- An Oregon DMV-issued self-insurance certificate.
Crucial details that must be present on your insurance proof:
- The registered owner’s full name.
- The complete name of the insurance company.
- The effective and expiration dates of the insurance policy.
- The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of the towed vehicle.
Detailed Explanation of Right to Possession (Ownership)
Portland Police Bureau policy specifies the individuals to whom a towed vehicle can be released, ensuring rightful ownership and preventing unauthorized retrieval. Besides the registered owner, the following individuals may also claim a towed vehicle, provided they have valid identification (and a licensed driver present if they lack a valid license themselves):
- Victim of Vehicle Theft: The reported victim or reporting party of a recovered stolen vehicle.
- Legal Owner/Lien Holder: The financial institution or entity holding a legal claim on the vehicle, provided they present a NOTARIZED Affidavit of Repossession Claiming Title/Hold Harmless.
- Bearer of DMV Transfer Title Receipt: Individuals holding a valid Transfer Title Receipt issued by the Oregon DMV.
- Bearer of a Signed Title (within 30 days): Possession of a vehicle title that has been signed over to them, but only if signed within the last 30 days. Titles signed longer than 30 days ago, signed after the tow date, or signed over more than once require DMV validation before vehicle release.
- Notarized Statement from Registered Owner: A notarized statement from the registered owner explicitly authorizing the vehicle’s release to a named individual.
- Notarized Bill of Sale (Private Party, within 30 days): A notarized bill of sale from a private seller, dated within the last 30 days.
- Bill of Sale from Car Dealership (within 60 days): A bill of sale from a licensed car dealership, presented on dealership letterhead/contract, and dated within 60 days.
- Hold Harmless Agreement (Incarcerated/Hospitalized Owner): A Hold Harmless Agreement signed by the registered owner who is incarcerated (witnessed by a corrections officer) or hospitalized (witnessed by a doctor or registered nurse).
- Death Certificate and Estate Documentation: In cases where the registered owner is deceased, the bearer of the death certificate and a NOTARIZED Will, Letter of Administration, or Power of Attorney conveying vehicle ownership. In the absence of these legal documents, claimants are directed to the DMV.
- Tow Company with Surrendered Title: A tow company presenting a surrendered title is considered to be taking ownership and does not require a release form.
- Out-of-State or Salvaged Titles (Signed Over): While accepted once for vehicle release, individuals with out-of-state or salvaged titles signed over to them will be advised to register the vehicle with the Oregon DMV immediately.
- Investigator-Authorized Release: If an investigator has lifted a hold and authorized vehicle release to a specific person, proof of ownership is waived, and only identification is needed.
- Business-Owned Vehicles: Employees retrieving a business-owned vehicle must provide a business card or a letter on company letterhead authorizing them to act on behalf of the business.
- Dealership Claiming Vehicle: Car dealerships claiming vehicles must be flagged as dealerships in the Oregon DMV system or provide dealership paperwork verifying the vehicle purchase.
Special Considerations Regarding Intoxication and Third-Party Towers:
- Intoxicated Claimants: If a claimant appears intoxicated but can provide proof of identity and right to possession, vehicle release may be granted only if they are accompanied by a sober companion with a valid driver’s license or a tow truck operator to remove the vehicle.
- Third-Party Towing for Business Vehicles: If a business-owned vehicle is to be released to a third-party towing company, the request must be emailed on company letterhead, specifying the name of the third-party towing company. The vehicle release instructions will be marked “TOW ONLY” with the designated towing company’s name.
Operator’s License and Specific License Requirements:
- Motorcycle Endorsement: To retrieve a towed motorcycle, the owner’s driver’s license must have a motorcycle endorsement. If not, a companion with a valid driver’s license and motorcycle endorsement or a tow truck operator must be present.
- Provisional Licenses: Oregon provisional driver’s licenses are accepted as valid licenses for vehicle retrieval.
- Foreign Driver’s Licenses: Licenses from countries within the Geneva Convention are valid for driving in the US for one year. After one year, an Oregon license is required.
- Implied Consent Form: An Implied Consent Form with the “YES” box checked by the officer indicates eligibility for a temporary driving permit.
Guild’s Lake Storage Facility and Vehicle Demolition:
Vehicles towed to the Guild’s Lake Storage Facility that exceed the statutory holding period for release are scheduled for demolition and will not be released.
- Community Caretaking RV Tows: Recreational Vehicles towed under the Community Caretaking provision are held for 60 days before becoming eligible for destruction.
- Abandoned Vehicle Tows: Abandoned vehicles are eligible for demolition after 30 days.
To inquire about personal property retrieval from a vehicle at Guild’s Lake, contact:
- Rapid Response: 503-387-1336
- Derelict RV Towing Program Coordinator: 503-823-5816
Contesting a Tow: Tow Appeal Hearings
If you believe your vehicle was wrongfully towed, you have the right to contest the tow’s validity. To initiate a tow appeal hearing, you must submit a Tow Hearing Request Form. This form is available in person at the Hearings Office or online at the Hearings Office Website.
Access the Tow Hearing Request Form Online
Hearing requests must be received by the Tow Hearings Officer within 10 days of the vehicle tow. Online submission of tow appeal hearings is available 24/7 through the Hearings Office Website’s case management system.
Send hearing requests to:
Tow Hearings Office
1900 SW 4th Avenue, Room 3100
Portland, OR 97201
Phone: 503-823-7307
Fax: 503-823-4347
Hearings are available for vehicles towed by the City of Portland or Tri-Met, excluding tows for unpaid parking tickets.
By understanding the role of Portland police cars with license scanners in identifying vehicles that may be subject to towing, and by following this comprehensive guide to locating and retrieving your towed vehicle, Portland residents can navigate this challenging situation more effectively. Remember to utilize the AutoReturn system first, prepare all required documentation, and understand your rights regarding tow appeals to ensure a smoother vehicle recovery process.
