Last year, 24,000 cars were impounded at California checkpoints for the maximum of 30 days and critics say the practice is done to raise revenue for local governments. Statewide, the checkpoints collected last year an estimated $40 million in towing fees and police fines statewide. The article raises the question whether the seizure of property is fair and legal. Later this year, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit will consider a challenge to the constitutionality of California’s 30-day impound law.

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