Pennsylvania § 57A20 - Impoundment of vehicles.

Full text of Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 57A20 — Impoundment of vehicles., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 57A20. Impoundment of vehicles.

(a) Authority to impound.--The authority may confiscate and impound vehicles and equipment utilized to provide transportation network service originating in the city without proof of current affiliation with a transportation network company licensed by the authority.

(b) Return of vehicle and equipment.--Upon satisfaction of all terms of impoundment, including payment of all penalties imposed and all outstanding penalties assessed against the owner or operator of the confiscated vehicle and payment of the costs of the authority associated with confiscation and impoundment, the vehicle and equipment shall be returned to its registered owner or registered lienholder, unless the authority determines that the release would present a danger to the traveling public.

(c) Public auction.--The following shall apply:

(1) If the owner, lienholder or operator of the impounded vehicle or equipment does not act to secure possession of the impounded property within 45 days of the date of impoundment, the authority may publicly auction all confiscated property. The authority may not schedule the impounded vehicle or equipment for auction if the owner, lienholder or operator has initiated proceedings before the authority to contest the underlying violation or the propriety of the impoundment.

(2) At least 30 days before the date of the public auction, the authority shall provide notice by regular mail to the registered owner and any registered lienholder of the public auction of confiscated vehicles and equipment. The notice required under this paragraph may be provided within the period of 45 days of the date of impoundment.

(3) The authority shall apply the proceeds from the sale of all confiscated property in the following order:

(i) Except as provided under subparagraph (v), to satisfy any liens on the vehicle or, if the vehicle is subject to a lease, to pay the lessor damages due to the lessor upon default by the lessee as provided under 13 Pa.C.S. § 2A527 (relating to lessor's rights to dispose of goods).

(ii) To the costs of the authority associated with the confiscation, impoundment and auction.

(iii) To all penalties imposed and all outstanding penalties assessed against the owner and operator of the confiscated property.

(iv) Except as provided in subparagraph (v), to the registered owner of the confiscated property upon demand.

(v) When not claimed by any registered lienholder or registered owner within one year of the auction date, to the restricted account provided for under section 57A22 (relating to assessment).

(d) Uncompensated costs.--After application of the proceeds from the sale of confiscated property under subsection (c)(3), the uncompensated costs of the authority associated with the confiscation, impoundment and auction and all outstanding penalties imposed and all outstanding fines assessed against the registered owner or operator of the confiscated property may be assessed against the registered owner or operator of the confiscated property as the authority may prescribe by regulation.

Source: official Pennsylvania text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania § 57A20

What does Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 57A20 cover?

Section 57A20 ("Impoundment of vehicles.") is part of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, the codified statutory law of Pennsylvania. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Pennsylvania § 57A20?

A common citation format is "Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 57A20" (Pennsylvania). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Pennsylvania law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Pennsylvania official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Pennsylvania attorney.

How does Pennsylvania § 57A20 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania.