Police Department Policy

173 - SEIZURE OF VEHICLE TAGS REVISED

Village of El Portal Police Department

Policy Text
C. Once it is established that the driver is the sole owner of the vehicle, the officer should: 1. Take steps to obtain a printout of the driver license status check. This printout will represent the agency's/officer's authority to remove the license plate from the vehicle (for court presentation purposes). 2. Remove the tag from the vehicle. 3. Issue a citation for driving with a suspended license and any other applicable violations. In the space provided for "OTHER VIOLATIONS OR COMMENTS PERTAINING TO OFFENSE" insert that the license plate was seized by writing "SEIZE TAG" together with the license plate number (e.g., SEIZE TAG #XYZ-123). Also, note that the DRIVER'S LICENSE was SEIZED. The citation thus documents the custody of the tag and driver's license and represents a receipt issued to the vehicle owner. NOTE: Simple proof of insurance presented by the owner shall not be sufficient to keep the officer from picking up the tag as the driver's license or motor vehicle registration could still be under suspension until the reinstatement fee is paid. However, proof of insurance along with a receipt showing payment of the reinstatement fee would be sufficient to keep the officer from picking up the tag.

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