Brighton Impound: How to Get Your Vehicle Back
Everything you need to know about getting your vehicle back after being impounded in Brighton, including where to go, what documents you’ll need and how to avoid unnecessary delays.
Last updated: July 2026
Quick summary
Documents
You’ll need proof of identity, ownership, valid insurance and any other documents requested by Sussex Police.
Police process
Attend an approved Sussex Police station within seven working days to have the seizure notice authorised.
Police Impound Charges & Fees in Sussex
Removal fee: £192 Storage fee: £26 per day
Insurance
Your certificate must specifically permit the release of a vehicle seized by a government authority.
How to Get Your Vehicle Back
Arrange Impound Insurance
Arrange specialist impound insurance that meets Sussex Police requirements before collecting your vehicle.
Prepare Your Documents
Bring your photo ID, proof of ownership, insurance certificate, MOT (if required) and payment for the release fees.
Pay the Fees & Collect
Visit the approved police station, pay the required removal and storage charges, then collect your vehicle once authorised.
Documents Needed to Release Your Vehicle
Sussex Police may check your identity, ownership and insurance before authorising release.
Proof of ID
- Licence
- Passport
- EU ID card
Proof of Ownership
- V5C
- V5C/2
- Receipt
- Authority
Valid Impound Insurance
- Printed/e-copy
- May be verified
MOT status
Bring evidence of a valid MOT where required. If expired, you may need a pre-booked test or professional recovery.
Brighton Police Pound Information
Vehicle releases in Brighton are authorised through Sussex Police. Check opening times before travelling and ensure you have all required documents. You can call the Brighton impound lot phone number below if you need to.
Authorised Sussex Police Stations
Station name: Brighton
Full postal address:
John Street
Brighton and Hove
BN2 0LA
Opening hours:
8am to 8pm
Telephone number:
Here is a list of other accepted police stations in Sussex: Chichester, Crawley, Hastings, Eastbourne (1 Grove Road), and Worthing (Chatsworth Road)
Before travelling: Opening hours and release procedures may occasionally change. If you’re unsure, contact the police station before making your journey.
Use the Sussex Police Station Finder to confirm directions and opening hours.
Police Impound Charges & Fees in Sussex
For most cars (up to 3.5 tonnes):
- Removal fee: £192
- Storage fee: £26 per day
The fees above are accurate at the time of publishing. However, fees do change from time to time, so please double-check with the pound.
Fees are set nationally under The Removal, Storage and Disposal of Motor Vehicles Regulations and apply to all Sussex Police impound sites. Storage starts from midday the day after seizure, so collect your car promptly to avoid extra daily charges.
Special Situations
Can't collect your vehicle?
If you’re unable to attend the police station yourself because you’re in hospital, travelling or otherwise unavailable, you may be able to nominate another driver to collect the vehicle on your behalf.
Banned from driving?
If your licence has been suspended or revoked, you cannot drive the vehicle away yourself. A nominated driver with appropriate impound insurance may be able to collect it instead.
Expired MOT?
If the MOT has expired, you may still be able to drive directly to a pre-booked MOT test, provided the vehicle is insured and roadworthy.
Vehicle not roadworthy?
Vehicles with serious defects or a PG9 prohibition notice must usually be removed by a professional recovery company.
What To Do If You Can’t Collect Your Vehicle?
If you’re unable to attend the police station in person, for example, because you’re hospitalised, out of the country, or banned from driving. Sussex Police allow a nominated driver to collect your vehicle on your behalf, provided certain conditions are met.
Using a Nominated Driver
Your nominated driver must:
- Hold a valid driving licence.
- Have the correct impound insurance that specifically allows them to collect a seized vehicle (they can’t rely on their own comprehensive cover).
- Bring photo ID and attend with all required documentation for the vehicle.
As the registered keeper or owner, you’ll still need to provide:
- Proof of ownership (such as the V5C logbook or new keeper slip).
- A signed letter of authority naming your nominated driver and confirming they have permission to collect the vehicle.
- A copy of your photo ID (driving licence or passport).
Police officers will check and approve all documents before authorising the release.
If You’re Unable to attend
If you’re unable to attend due to hospitalisation, travel, or another serious reason, you must contact Sussex Police immediately to explain your situation and request permission for a nominated driver to collect your vehicle.
Provide any supporting evidence (such as hospital paperwork or travel proof) when possible.
If You’ve Been Banned from Driving
If your licence has been suspended or revoked, you cannot personally collect or drive the vehicle from the pound.
You’ll need to nominate another insured driver who meets all release requirements and has appropriate impound cover to legally remove the vehicle on your behalf.
Important: The vehicle must still be reclaimed by the registered keeper or owner. You can’t sell or transfer ownership while the vehicle is in police custody.
What To Do If Your MOT Is No Longer Valid
If your vehicle has been seized by Sussex Police and your MOT has expired, you normally cannot drive it on public roads until a new MOT test is completed.
However, UK law allows one important exception:
You can drive your vehicle directly to a pre-booked MOT test, as long as it is roadworthy, insured, and you can prove the appointment when collecting your vehicle from the recovery pound.
When collecting your car, bring:
- Proof of your pre-booked MOT appointment (email, text, or booking receipt).
- Valid impound insurance that covers the journey.
- A valid driving licence and photo ID.
You must drive straight to the MOT test centre without stopping. If the vehicle is stopped or used for any other purpose, you could be prosecuted for driving without a valid MOT.
If Your Vehicle Isn’t Roadworthy or Has a PG9 Notice
If your car has a PG9 prohibition notice or is unsafe to drive, you’ll need a professional, insured recovery operator to collect it. A PG9 means the vehicle has been deemed unsafe by police or DVSA and cannot be driven until repaired. In Sussex, you must use a qualified recovery operator with the correct equipment for safe collection.
If your vehicle isn’t roadworthy, doesn’t have a valid MOT, or has been issued a PG9 prohibition notice, you’ll need a professional, insured recovery operator to collect it from the pound.
Here are some local Brighton vehicle recovery companies.
Nearby MOT Test Centres in Brighton
If your vehicle has been released from the Sussex Police Pound and you need an MOT before driving it legally, here are some trusted DVSA-approved MOT test centres in the Brighton area.
Each of these garages offers reliable testing and convenient booking options.
MOTEST Brighton
Established MOT testing station known for quick, efficient inspections and clear pricing. Offers Class 4 MOTs for cars and small vans.
Address: Unit 7, Bell Tower Industries Estate, Roedean Road, Brighton, East Sussex, BN2 5RU
Patcham Garage
Long-standing local family business providing MOT testing, repairs, and servicing with a reputation for honest advice and professional care.
Address: 41 Old London Road, Patcham, Brighton, BN1 8XR
Brighton MOT Centre
Centrally located on Beaconsfield Road, this DVSA-approved test centre offers same-day MOT appointments and affordable testing for cars and light commercial vehicles.
Address: Brighton MOT Centre, 71-73 Beaconsfield Rd, Brighton, BN1 4QJ
Mr MOT Sussex
Based in Kemptown, this popular garage provides fast MOT testing and general repairs. Known locally for transparent pricing and reliable customer service.
Address: Mr MOT Sussex, 236 Eastern Road, Kemptown, Brighton, BN2 5JJ (located in Esso)
Group 1 Brighton BMW
Official BMW and MINI dealership offering full MOT testing and servicing using genuine manufacturer equipment — ideal for drivers with newer or premium vehicles.
Address: Victoria Road, Brighton, East Sussex, BN41 1YH
Need a recovery vehicle?
If your vehicle has been issued with a PG9 notice or isn’t safe to drive, you’ll need a professional recovery company to transport it. Below are some trusted local Brighton vehicle recovery companies experienced with police impound and accident recovery.
Brighton Recovery
Reliable 24-hour breakdown and recovery service covering Brighton and the wider Sussex area.
Specialists in accident recovery and impound collection for cars and light vans.
Street Move Transport & Recovery
Local company providing fast, affordable towing, impound release, and vehicle transport across Brighton, Hove, and East Sussex.
Fast Tow Recovery
Offering 24/7 roadside assistance, police pound collection, and long-distance transport. Known for rapid response and friendly, professional service.
BN1 Recovery
Based in central Brighton, BN1 Recovery provides quick local breakdown recovery, police pound vehicle collection, and nationwide transport options.
Sprinter Recovery
Experienced team offering vehicle recovery, roadside help, and impound release collection services throughout Brighton and nearby areas.
Why Drivers Choose Us
ImpoundRelease.co.uk is a specialist service operated by UK Sure Ltd, an FCA-authorised insurance intermediary. We focus on helping drivers arrange impound insurance quickly, with experienced support throughout the vehicle release process.
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Police-Accepted Insurance Across the Uk
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Same-Day Vehicle Collection
Get insured fast and collect your vehicle the same day — avoid costly £26+ daily storage fees.
Experts in Impound & Named Driver Cover
We deal with police impound cases every day. If you've been refused elsewhere, we can usually help.
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Real UK Support — No Bots
Call and speak to a trained specialist 9am–5pm, not a chatbot or foreign call centre.
Multilingual Team
Get help in English, Portuguese, Spanish, Romanian, Italian, or Moldovan — clear guidance in your language.
Fair & Transparent Pricing
No hidden extras, no surprises — just straightforward, short-term impound insurance.
Local & Community-Focused
We proudly support local community projects, including litter-picking teams that help keep our streets clean and safe.
Disclaimer: Impound Release is not affiliated with Sussex Police. All information provided is for guidance only and should be verified with the relevant police pound before attending.
Frequently Asked Questions – Brighton Impound Recovery
Here are answers to some of the questions we hear most often about Brighton impound procedures and releasing a vehicle from a Sussex Police pound.
How do I get my car back from the Police pound in Brighton?
You’ll need valid impound insurance, proof of ID, proof of ownership (V5C), MOT, and payment for pound fees. It’s best to call ahead to confirm availability and any time restrictions.
What documents do I need to release my vehicle?
You’ll need a UK or EU driving licence or passport, V5C logbook or new keeper slip with bill of sale, impound insurance, MOT (or recovery if unroadworthy), and payment for fees. Penalty ticket issued at the roadside (if applicable)
How much does impound insurance cost in Brighton
It depends on your age, driving history, and vehicle type. Most drivers take a 30‑day policy, which we can issue instantly online or by phone.
Can I pay the pound fees over the phone?
No the cardholder must attend in person. Payment is accepted by cash, Visa, MasterCard, or Maestro (no cheques or Amex).
Does the pound still charge daily storage fees when closed?
Yes. The standard charge of £26 applies every day the vehicle remains in the pound, even on weekends or bank holidays.
Can I sell my vehicle while it’s in the pound?
No. Sussex Police do not allow the sale of a vehicle while it’s in their custody, even though ownership transfer may be legal after release.
When is the best time to visit the police station?
Go right at opening on a weekday (Tue–Thu) for the quickest service. Call ahead to confirm the car is ready and bring all documents and payment.
Can I give up my vehicle instead of collecting it?
Yes. You can disclaim your vehicle by signing a form at the police station or recovery yard, allowing Sussex Police to dispose of it. Once disclaimed, storage fees stop, but you’ll still owe the recovery and storage costs up to that point.
Need specialist impound insurance?
We provide specialist cover accepted by UK pounds so you can get your vehicle released without unnecessary delays.