Authority to impound vehicles
Wis. Stat. § 349.115
in effect(1) A political subdivision may, by ordinance, authorize a law enforcement officer, at the discretion of the officer, to impound any vehicle used in the commission of a violation of s. 346.62 or a local ordinance in strict conformity with s. 346.62 at the time of issuing a citation or making an arrest for the offense. The ordinance may provide for impoundment of the vehicle until the reasonable costs of impounding the vehicle, including towing or other transportation costs and storage costs, and any outstanding fine or forfeiture owed by the owner of the vehicle are fully paid.
(1m) Upon impounding a vehicle under sub. (1), a law enforcement officer shall make a reasonable effort to determine if the vehicle has been reported as stolen. If the officer determines that the vehicle has been reported as stolen, the officer or political subdivision shall make a reasonable attempt to contact the owner. Notwithstanding sub. (2), the political subdivision shall return to its owner a vehicle reported as stolen and impounded under sub. (1) without the payment of a fee or charge. If a vehicle reported as stolen remains unclaimed for more than 60 days after impoundment, the political subdivision may dispose of the vehicle following the same procedure as provided for disposing of an abandoned vehicle under s. 342.40.
(2) A political subdivision shall return to its owner a vehicle impounded under sub. (1) upon payment of the amount required under the ordinance.
(3) Subject to sub. (1m), a political subdivision that has impounded a vehicle under sub. (1) may dispose of the vehicle by following the same procedure as provided for disposing of an abandoned vehicle under s. 342.40 if the impounded vehicle remains unclaimed for more than 90 days after the disposition of the charge for which the vehicle was impounded.
Source: WI Statutes (Official Site)URL: https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/statutes/349.115Fetched: 10/7/2026