If a vehicle is being impounded with an ORS hold (DWS, DUII, No Ins, No Op), what can the citizen remove from the vehicle prior to tow?
The current Washington County contract with towing companies defines personal effects as property within a vehicle that is not bolted, fastened, snapped into place or otherwise attached to the vehicle. This means that installed batteries, stereos, stereo face plates, speakers, speaker boxes and spare tires in a tire carrier are not to be removed. However anything loose can be removed. Also, please keep in mind that the longer the tow truck driver is on scene with the citizen removing their property, the more difficult it is for the tow company to dispatch to other calls. ORS 819.160 and our contract allow for the citizen to obtain their personal property within 15 days of the tow, free of charge during normal business hours, from the towing company. This information might also make it easier for the deputy to leave the scene more quickly in order to respond to other calls for service. If the vehicle is being towed but not impounded, the deputy will decide what can be removed.
