Columbia Redemption of impounded vehicle ordinance (§ 14-310)
Chapter 14: Motor Vehicles and Traffic · Article V. Stopping, Standing and Parking
In short: The registered owner, or someone they authorize, can reclaim a vehicle impounded for unpaid parking tickets by showing proof of a right to possess it, presenting a municipal court statement allowing release, and paying all towing and storage charges. The court issues the statement once tickets are paid or bonded.
Our plain-English summary, not the official text or legal advice. The ordinance below is what counts.
A vehicle impounded for unpaid parking tickets may be redeemed by its registered owner or a person authorized by the registered owner subject to the following conditions:
(1) The person redeeming the vehicle shows adequate evidence of a right to possess the vehicle.
(2) The person redeeming the vehicle provides a written statement from the municipal court that the vehicle may be redeemed. The court shall provide this statement if all outstanding parking tickets have been paid or if a cash or surety bond has been posted for all unresolved parking tickets or if the court determines that for some other legal reason the vehicle must be allowed to be redeemed.
(3) All towing and storage charges have been paid.
Official source: City of Columbia official Code of Ordinances (online): look up Sec. 14-310
Text from Supplement 139 (September 3, 2026).
Last checked November 1, 2026. The city's official copy controls; this page is a reading copy, not legal advice.