CA AB2147

Motor vehicles used in the commission of prostitution crimes by persons buying or attempting to buy sexual services are subject to seizure and impoundment for up to 30 days if the driver has a prior conviction for the same offense within the past 3 years.

Impoundment requires a valid arrest by law enforcement for violating Penal Code Section 647(b) (buying or attempting to buy sexual services) and does not require a local ordinance to be adopted.

The impounding agency must notify the legal owner within two working days of impoundment by certified mail and provide notice of the right to request a poststorage hearing within 10 calendar days.

Vehicles must be released early if the driver was arrested without probable cause, the vehicle is stolen, the owner was unaware of the illegal use, or release is necessary to prevent substantial hardship to a household with no other vehicle.

Legal owners (such as banks, credit unions, or financing institutions) may retrieve the vehicle before the impoundment period ends by paying towing and storage fees and providing proof of legal ownership.