A vehicle used to solicit sex can be seized by law enforcement agencies. To retrieve it, a sex buyer must pay an impound or tow fee and/or a fine ranging from about $250 to $2000. In some communities, johns can’t recover their vehicles because seized vehicles can be forfeited and sold at auction as part of the penalty for the offense. This can also happen if the offenders fail to pay the fees and fines necessary to repossess their vehicles.

• Locate cities and counties that have used this tactic.

To learn more about this intervention, access the resources below.

Overview of Auto Seizure Practices in the U.S.

•  Vehicle Seizure Overview from National Assessment  (PDF, 49 KB)

City Council Motions and Ordinances Authorizing Seizing Autos of Arrested Sex Buyers

• Cincinnati City Council Motion (PDF, 82.2KB)
• Phoenix Ordinance

Statute Authorizing Seizing Autos of Arrested Sex Buyers

• California

Article About Honolulu Auto Impound Proposal, Including Critique

• Honolulu City Council Bill Proposes Car Impoundment of Prostitute Solicitors
  

News Reports on Auto Seizures for Arrested Sex Buyers

• Denver, CO: Denver Police Arrest 35 On Prostitution Charges
• Easton, PA: Easton prostitution law requiring seizure of cars remains in legal limbo
• Flint, MI: Neighbors fight prostitution on Flint’s east side

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