Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to Charge $500 Fee When Vehicle Is Seized

Article

Drivers in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, whose vehicles are seized for violations such as lack of insurance or a drivers license, or drunk driving, will soon be charged an additional seizure fee above and beyond the typical tow and impound fees.

Cedar Rapids police will begin charging a $500 vehicle-seizure fee onn Oct. 5,

The fee is part of a new city ordinance requiring police to seize and impound vehicles used in drug and weapons crimes as well as drunken driving and driving without a legal license or without insurance.

Police Chief Greg Graham says he expects the new fee to bring in at least $200,000 for the nine months left in the current budget year.

Those who are driving without required insurance can forgo the fee for a first offense if they subsequently buy a policy.

Information from: The Gazette, www.gazetteonline.com/