Traffic and Tow Vehicle Enforcement

 How do I obtain release of impounded vehicles?

Registered owners of impounded vehicles must FIRST obtain an impound release prior to going to the contract tow service storage facility. Releases can be obtained at the Marshals and Fire Public Safety Building located at 2650 Calle de Parian.

To obtain a release on a vehicle that has been impounded as a result of an arrest other than DUI, the registered owner of the vehicle must contact the Marshal office. It is advisable to call the Mesilla Marshals Department to assure the vehicle is available for release prior to coming in. You can call (575) 526-4138 or (575) 635-8966, with the case number to ascertain the release status of the vehicle, and if necessary, the name of the Deputy Marshal assigned to the case.

To obtain a vehicle that has been impounded as a result of DUI, driving without a license, driving on an expired license, out-of-date registration, or other traffic-related violations, it is advisable to call the Marshals Department at (575) 635-8966 to assure the vehicle is available for release prior to coming in.

Only the Registered Owner (RO) of a vehicle can obtain the impound release. If the RO is not available (for example, out of town), he or she may mail or overnight a NOTARIZED letter designating a person to pick up the vehicle. Only the original of the notarized letter is acceptable, not copies or faxes. In the letter, the RO must be very specific as to who will be picking up the vehicle, along with a detailed description of the vehicle, itself (make, model, license plate number, etc.).

The RO or his/her designee must present a valid New Mexico driver’s license. If the person has only a temporary license, another valid form of picture ID is necessary to obtain an impound release.

There is an administrative fee for the release of passenger vehicles and a slightly higher fee for commercial vehicles. The fees may be paid by cash, money order check. Debit cards and credit cards are not accepted.

With the impound release in hand, you may go to the contract tow service and pay them the applicable tow and storage fees directly. The current contract tow service will be made available to the owner upon contacting the Mesilla Marshals Department.

Complaints about the tow service should be made in writing to the Mesilla Marshal, 2650 Calle Parian, P.O. Box 10, Mesilla, NM 88046.

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