LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles police officers' union has sued the city and police chief over a new policy that allows some unlicensed drivers to keep their cars instead of having them impounded for 30 days.

The Police Protective League sued Wednesday in Superior Court. The suit asks the court to block Chief Charlie Beck's new order, which was endorsed by the city Police Commission earlier this year.

Supporters say the new policy helps hard-working illegal immigrants who need cars for work but can't get licenses.

However, the union says the policy violates state law and leaves officers open to lawsuits if an unlicensed driver later hurts or kills someone.

Police spokeswoman Norma Eisenman says the LAPD isn't commenting on the lawsuit.