Vehicle Immobilization/ Towed Vehicle Services

Immobilizing a vehicle means that a device called a "club" will be locked onto the steering wheel making the vehicle inoperable. Immobilization allows the vehicle to be towed to an alternate location rather than remain in the tow lot where it will continue to incur storage fees. Because every person's driving record is unique, the reasons for and the length of time a vehicle requires immobilization vary in accordance with the Ohio Revised Code.

If you receive a traffic ticket and your vehicle is towed, the first step toward getting the car back is to speak with the law enforcement agency that issued you the ticket to determine if the car is able to be released. If it is able to be released, you may report to the tow or impound lot to retrieve the vehicle. Please contact the tow lot prior to your visit to determine what documentation you will need to retrieve the vehicle.

If the vehicle cannot be released, you will need to report to the Toledo Municipal Court. Please go to the Clerk’s Office and request that your court file be sent upstairs to the Help Center. After that, you may report directly to the Help Center, which is located on the 4th floor of the Toledo Municipal Court (hours 8:30 a.m. to noon, and 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday). Alternatively, if you are coming directly from a court hearing, please inform the staff at the Help Center that you were just in court so they know your court file will soon be delivered. It is recommended that you arrive no later than 3:30 p.m. if you seek to conclude your business with the License Intervention & Immobilization Office before the close of business the same day.

The procedure from this point will depend solely on the nature of the charges and/or driving record. If your vehicle is required to be immobilized for a period of time, there is a mandatory $30.00 Immobilization Fee that must be paid in the Clerk’s Office. The vehicle will be clubbed at the tow lot and the plates will be removed. You may then have the vehicle towed to a location of your choice. Clubs are typically put on vehicles at the tow lot the next business day by the respective police department. The vehicle must be stored on private property, not a public street. The Help Center’s License Intervention & Immobilization Office phone number is (419) 245-1590. For more information about vehicle immobilization-related services offered, please see FAQs on the Driver's License Intervention Services page.