Or ring ☎ 0161 388 2552 (office hours)
Confirm that the pound actually allows a road release
Before anything else, check with the pound that they usually permit the vehicle to leave on the road. Some sites allow a drive-away only when the car is roadworthy, insured and fully compliant. Others restrict road release if the MOT has expired, the vehicle was marked as unsafe at the roadside or the tax situation is unclear.
If staff say the vehicle must leave on a recovery truck, that decision normally stands. Pounds follow their own procedures, and insurance alone does not override their rules.
Make sure your insurance genuinely supports impound release
A certificate that clearly supports the release of a seized vehicle is essential if you want to drive away. Standard temporary policies, driving-other-cars extensions and informal cover notes usually do not meet the requirement.
If you arranged new insurance for release, check the certificate carefully before leaving home. The name, registration mark and cover dates must match exactly. If the insurer cannot verify the policy electronically, the pound may ask for the PDF certificate on your phone or in print.
Check the MOT position and whether a direct test drive is permitted
If the vehicle has a valid MOT, driving away is straightforward. If it does not, the rules depend on the pound. Some sites usually allow a direct drive to a pre booked MOT test, provided:
- the booking can be shown on arrival,
- the insurer confirms the journey is covered,
- the vehicle is considered safe enough for that trip.
Other pounds do not permit any road release without an MOT, especially where the expiry is long-standing or the vehicle was marked as unsafe. In those cases, recovery is the only workable option.
Check tax status and any deposit requirements
Tax and insurance are separate, and visitors are treated exactly the same as UK residents. If the vehicle is untaxed and you plan to drive it away, some pounds ask for a tax deposit before release. Others decline road release entirely and allow removal by recovery only.
Because practices vary between authorities, the most reliable step is to ask the pound directly how they usually handle untaxed vehicles.
Inspect the vehicle for obvious safety issues
An impound does not check or guarantee the vehicle’s condition. Before starting the engine, look for anything that might make the car unsafe or attract further penalties:
- Lights working correctly.
- No flat tyres or severe tyre damage.
- No leaking fluids beneath the vehicle.
- Brakes and steering functioning normally.
- Battery secure and the engine bay free of loose components.
If the vehicle was noted as unroadworthy at the roadside, the pound may refuse a road release entirely. Even if they permit one, driving a dangerous car can still lead to enforcement action after you leave the site.
Check whether anything is missing or damaged
Pounds do not accept responsibility for items stored inside the car. Before driving away, check that the vehicle still contains everything it should, including the spare wheel, tools and any personal items. If something appears missing, raise it immediately.
If the car was difficult to recover at the roadside, it may have minor external marks from the loading process. Any concerns should be discussed with staff before leaving.
Confirm that you can legally drive the vehicle
If someone else is collecting the vehicle, the pound may require proof that the driver is entitled to use the vehicle on the road. This normally means producing their licence and showing they are named on the insurance.
If your licence is foreign, staff may ask to confirm that it is still valid for UK use. Procedures differ, so ask in advance if you are unsure.
Plan your route before leaving
Some pounds are located on busy roads or in industrial areas where it is awkward to rejoin traffic. Planning a simple, direct route home or to a garage can reduce stress. If the car is going for an MOT test, have the postcode ready in your sat nav and the booking confirmation to hand in case you are stopped again.
A practical way to keep everything on track
Most problems arise when drivers turn up without checking the conditions for road release. Confirm the pound’s requirements, ensure insurance is in place, gather the correct documents and inspect the vehicle before moving it.
If anything looks uncertain, arranging a recovery truck is usually the quickest way to avoid delays, prevent safety issues and keep the car within the statutory collection window.
Impound processes, time limits and costs vary widely across the UK, and authorities can amend their rules at any time. Information on this site is intended as a general overview and should not be relied on as definitive for any specific impound location.