In a DUI arrest, under what condition may the vehicle be seized?

• A. License not suspended
• B. Insurance lapsed
• C. Registration expired
• D. License suspended as result of prior DUI conviction

Answer: (D)

The driving privilege status is the key factor. If a driver is arrested for DUI and the license has already been suspended because of a prior DUI conviction, officers may seize or impound the vehicle to prevent the suspect from driving while not legally allowed to. A valid license means the driver is still authorized to operate the vehicle, so seizure isn’t triggered by that fact. Insurance being lapsed or registration expiring are separate issues that can lead to other penalties or actions, but they do not automatically justify seizure solely based on a DUI arrest. The important safeguard here is the suspension of the driver’s license due to DUI, which justifies removing the vehicle from the road.