It actually works more like 
Cop: I have reason to believe that this car was used as a get away vehicle in a crime this past saturday.  So I'm seizing it.

Civilian: What?  I was at a movie on Saturday?! What am I being charged with?!

Cop: Nothing.  I have no probable cause to arrest you.  But I think your car was used in a crime.  So I'm seizing it. 

Civilian:  You can't do that!  How am I supposed to get to work?!  

Cop: I can.  Hand over the keys or I'll charge you with resisting arrest.