If you get a sinking feeling in your stomach when you see blue police lights flashing in your mirror, you aren’t alone. No driver enjoys traffics tops. But most of us expect the officer will give us a warning–a ticket at most–and send us on our merry way. Sure, street racers might end up with their hot-rodded Honda Civic impounded. But surely not us boring citizens! Well, think again. There are several surprising reasons you might end up with your car towed away from a traffic stop.

Uninsured cars could get towed by police on the spot

You’ve always had car insurance—or so you thought. But what if your autopay failed, or your policy lapsed without you noticing? That’s all it takes to end up uninsured. And in most states, driving without insurance is illegal.

If police pull you over and find out your car isn’t covered, they might call a tow truck then and there. In some states, drivers without valid insurance face misdemeanor charges and heavy fines. Worse yet, the police could impound your car until you prove you’ve reinstated your policy.

The good news? Many insurance companies let you reactivate your coverage on the spot through an app or a quick phone call. If you’re lucky, you might be able to fix the issue before the tow truck arrives. But if that’s not an option, expect daily storage fees to pile up until you can show proof of insurance and pay to get your car back.

A suspended license might mean handing over your keys

A valid license seems like a no-brainer—until it’s not. Many drivers don’t realize their license can be suspended without warning. According to LegalMatch, reasons include unpaid traffic tickets, missed child support payments, or even failing to pay DMV fees.

One minute you’re cruising down the road, and the next, a cop tells you your license isn’t valid—and neither is your right to drive away. If no one with a valid license can come pick up your car, police might order a tow truck. From there, it’s straight to an impound lot until you sort out the mess.

Your best move? Ask the officer if a friend or family member can take the car home. It could save you hundreds in towing and storage fees. But if towing is unavoidable, be prepared to pay fines and file paperwork to get your license—and your car—back.

Lapsed registration could result in police towing your car

Believe it or not, your car’s registration can be suspended without you even knowing it. According to CriminalDefenseLawyer.com, expired tags, unpaid tickets, or even an insurance lapse can trigger a suspension. If an officer discovers this during a traffic stop, you might be walking home while your car takes a ride to the impound lot.

In some states, police issue fix-it tickets instead of towing unregistered cars. But others don’t give second chances, especially if your registration has been expired for a while. If you’re caught off guard, you might be able to book a DMV appointment on the spot and explain your plan to fix the issue. It’s no guarantee, but showing you’re taking steps to get compliant might convince the officer to let you off with a warning.

Driving like a hooligan can lead to instant impoundment

Reckless driving isn’t just dangerous—it can also cost you your car. Police often impound vehicles caught street racing or participating in illegal drag races. Cars used by promoters, organizers, or even spectators during these races can be seized too.

The reason? Police consider them both a public safety risk and, in many cases, evidence of a crime. Once impounded, these cars may be held indefinitely, especially if they’re tied to criminal charges. Even if you weren’t racing but were driving aggressively—think weaving through traffic or fleeing an officer—your car could end up in the tow yard if you get on a police officer’s bad side.

When police tow your car, costs add up fast

If your car gets towed during a traffic stop, expect the expenses to start piling up right away. Tow trucks aren’t cheap, and storage fees can add hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars before you get your car back.

To make matters worse, police can search your car once it’s impounded. According to CriminalDefenseLawyer.com, these “inventory searches” don’t require a warrant, and anything illegal they find—like drugs or weapons—can lead to new charges.

If you think your car was unfairly impounded, you might need a lawyer to contest the tow or any evidence police claim they found inside.

Avoid police towing your car

No one expects to have their car towed during a routine traffic stop, but it happens more often than you’d think. A missed insurance payment, a suspended license, or expired registration can turn a simple ticket into a costly headache. So check your registration, renew your insurance, and pay your tickets on time. It’s the easiest way to keep your car off the tow truck and in your driveway.