Louisville Metro Council appears poised to approve an ordinance expanding tow lot fee amnesty for people who’s vehicles are stolen and impounded.
People typically have to pay a base fee to get their car out of the city’s impound lot, plus additional penalties for each day it sits there. But there’s a 21-day grace period for anyone who can show their vehicle was reported stolen. The proposed ordinance would extend that period for people who can’t claim their car within 21 days.
The Louisville Metro Police Department, which operates the impound lot on Frankfort Avenue, is supporting the change. Assistant Chief Steve Healy said at a committee meeting last week that it may cost the city a bit of lost revenue, but it’s worth the price.
“These individuals that have had their car stolen, they’ve already been victimized and it’s already a traumatic event for them,” Healy said. “If they have situations that are out of their control, I think we should have the autonomy to waive those fees.”
The proposed ordinance would allow LMPD to waive fees, no matter how long the car has been impounded, for people with “special circumstances,” which include: