If you are arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) the police will search your vehicle and then have the vehicle towed.
The police are allowed to search your vehicle because it is known as a “search incident to arrest.” This means that they can search the interior as well as the trunk.
The police have your car towed for two reasons: first the city where your arrested will charge you an “administrative fee” before the vehicle is released. This fee can be from a few hundred dollars all the way to a few thousand dollars. The City of Chicago charges $2,130.00, (and your the one charged with a crime). Most cities charge $500.00. If they did not tow your vehicle, they could not hold the vehicle hostage for the money.
The second reason is to limit the police department’s liability. For example, if the car is left on the street, it might be broken into or stolen. If this were to occur you could sue the police department for not protecting your property.