(a) After a vehicle has been impounded as provided by regulation or ordinance and the owner or authorized representative of the owner of the vehicle claims the same, he or she shall be informed of the nature and circumstances causing the impoundment of such vehicle. He or she shall obtain a release thereof and shall pay all towing and storage fees unless pursuant to KMC 12.25.060 it is administratively determined that the action taken was unwarranted, in which case the vehicle shall be released immediately to the owner without collection of fees or other charges.

(b) If the operator or owner of the vehicle, upon hearing before a magistrate and or judge in a court of law, is found not guilty of the violation of which he or she is charged, the impounded vehicle shall be released immediately to the owner without collection of fees or other charges. If the owner or operator of such vehicle is found guilty by the magistrate and or judge in a court of law, any fine imposed under the provisions of the appropriate section of this title shall be in addition to the towing and storage charges herein prescribed.

(c) A vehicle is declared to be impounded when an authorized person, pursuant to and under authority of this title, requests dispatch of a tow truck to effect the impoundment. A person whose vehicle has been impounded may obtain the release of the impounded vehicle, if towing has not commenced, by paying the tow contractor the tariff or contract rate as provided for canceled trips, provided that such impoundment is one where the owner is entitled to release of the vehicle. This section has no effect on a citation, ticket, or complaint that may be issued in connection with the impoundment.