Car impound question. Can I get my vehicle back?

Question

I live in CA. I sold a car to someone for $1000.00. They paid me half and skipped out on the rest. I never gave them the title. I am still legal and registered owner of the car. I did submitt a release of liability to the DMV. So...I got a letter today saying the car was impounded because of an unlicensed driver. I would like to get my car back since I was never fully paid for it. I called the CHP and told them the situation, they inturn told me that because I signed a release of liability, I could not pick the car up. Is this true? Its legally my car. What are my options?

Thank you for any help.

Answer 1

I used to work at an impound lot.  If you have the title and all that i would tell you to just go try.  alot of times you can pick up your car with just the proper paper work.  The release of liability is tricky, but if it's still registered in your name you should be able to pick it up.  is it on a 30day hold?  Most likely the other person can't pay and it will be auctioned off.  If you do not need a release from the chp i do not see a problem with you picking up the car.