Vehicles: removal and impoundment.

Assembly Member Macedo's vehicle impoundment legislation expands peace officers' authority to seize vehicles driven at speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour through a magistrate-issued warrant. The measure adds excessive speeding to the existing list of violations that can trigger impoundment, which currently includes engaging in speed contests and evading police officers.

Under the proposal, impounding agencies must notify vehicle owners within two business days of seizure via certified mail or electronic service, providing warrant documentation and information about contesting the impoundment. Vehicles may be held for up to 30 days, though owners can request a hearing within 10 days to challenge the seizure's validity. The bill maintains current provisions allowing early release in specific circumstances, such as when the vehicle was stolen or when the registered owner can demonstrate they were not the driver who committed the violation.

The legislation delineates financial responsibilities between registered owners and legal owners like banks and rental agencies. While registered owners remain liable for towing, storage and administrative fees, certain legal owners can retrieve vehicles before the impoundment period ends without incurring additional charges if they meet specified documentation requirements. The measure also establishes misdemeanor penalties for legal owners who improperly release vehicles before the hold period expires.