Under what condition can you not impound a vehicle according to the CVC section?

The correct answer indicates that a vehicle cannot be impounded when the driver is cited for driving without a valid driver's license, as stated in CVC section 12500. Under this specific section, a law enforcement officer may issue a citation for a violation but is generally prohibited from impounding the vehicle if there is a responsible, licensed driver readily available to take control of the vehicle.

This is significant because impoundment serves as a punitive or preventive measure for serious offenses, typically aimed at enhancing roadway safety and addressing repeated violations. In the case of section 12500, since the driver may have someone available who is legally licensed, the situation does not warrant an impound as part of enforcement.

In contrast, the other sections refer to more severe driving offenses—such as driving on a suspended license (CVC section 14601), driving under the influence (CVC section 23152), or having an open container while driving (CVC section 23222)—which carry higher risks to public safety and typically justify vehicle impoundment. Thus, those circumstances might result in the vehicle being impounded to ensure compliance with safety regulations and laws.