Your Car Was Towed by an ANPR Bailiff

If your car was clamped or towed unexpectedly, then you may be a victim of illegal drive-by enforcement.

The practice may be unlawful because, since 1 May 2026, enforcement agents must usually give the debtor a Notice of Enforcement at least 14 clear days before taking control of a vehicle. They must also issue a statutory notice when taking control, and provide an inventory.

If any of these steps were skipped, the debtor may apply to the court for the car to be returned and claim damages together with indemnity costs.

Common reasons your car may be taken include:

• You bought the car from someone who had an outstanding traffic debt.
• The DVLA still lists your old address.
• You moved home after the original fine was issued.

If the debt or warrant is in another person’s name, you can file a third-party claim.

If the address on the warrant is not your current one, file an out-of-time witness statement or statutory declaration with proof.

For non-moving traffic offences, Dart Charge or Merseyflow, use forms TE7 and TE9.

For moving traffic offences, use forms PE2 and PE3.

Send completed forms and evidence to tec@justice.gov.uk.

If the bailiff returns your car but charges storage or release fees, reclaim those through detailed assessment or a small claim.

If your vehicle was damaged, the bailiff is liable. The debtor or third party may claim, but must first give the bailiff a chance to resolve it.

Problem with bailiffs?