Las Cruces Vehicle Impound Ordinance Approved

The Las Cruces, N.M., City Council has approved an ordinance that will allow Las Cruces police officers to impound vehicles that are uninsured, and those that are driven by drivers who are unlicensed, or whose license to drive has been suspended.

Drivers who are properly licensed or insured, but do not have it in their possession at the time of stop will not have their vehicles impounded; they will be cited and released.

The ordinance will become effective May 15 to provide needing motorists ample opportunity to acquire necessary documentation, the city council said in a statement.

The ordinance is aimed at preventing illegal use of motor vehicles within Las Cruces city limits.

Vehicles towed under the ordinance will be impounded by a private, on-call towing company. Vehicles may be released after their owners provide proof of insurance and valid driver’s licenses, and by paying applicable towing fees.

Source: Las Cruces City Council