RELEASE OF IMPOUNDED MOTOR VEHICLE.
Austin City Code § 12-5-89
in effect§ 12-5-89 - RELEASE OF IMPOUNDED MOTOR VEHICLE.
(A) A person in actual possession of the impounded motor vehicle shall release the motor vehicle to a person named in the release order if the person named in the order presents the signed release order and proof of identity.
(B) A person releasing the motor vehicle shall indicate the date and time that a motor vehicle was released on the release order, or on a paper attached to it.
(C) A release order shall be signed by the person reclaiming the motor vehicle and the person releasing the motor vehicle.
(D) After the release order is signed, the person releasing the motor vehicle shall return the order to the municipal court.
(E) A person in possession of an impounded motor vehicle may not request or require the person reclaiming the motor vehicle to sign a release from liability for damages or loss until the person authorized to reclaim the motor vehicle has been provided a meaningful opportunity to inspect the motor vehicle and its contents.
(F) A release from liability shall:
(1) Indicate whether the person reclaiming the motor vehicle has made an inspection of the motor vehicle;
(2) An enumeration of the damages, if any, allegedly the result of impounding the motor vehicle; and
(3) A list of the items, if any, allegedly missing from the motor vehicle.
(G) A copy or duplicate of the original release shall be provided to the person that reclaims an impounded motor vehicle.
Source: Ord. No. 20250213-026, Pt. 2, 2-24-25.
Source: City of Austin, City Code and City Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/tx/austin/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT12TRRE_CH12-5STSTPA_ART4IMIMMOVEUNPACI_S12-5-89REIMMOVEFetched: 10/27/2026