Apache County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Apache County

After a DUI arrest in Apache County, Arizona, one of your immediate concerns is likely retrieving your vehicle. Understanding the impound process, knowing where your car is located, and gathering the necessary documents are crucial steps to minimize costs and avoid further complications. This guide provides the essential information you need to navigate vehicle retrieval in Apache County.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

Following a DUI arrest, your vehicle is typically impounded for several reasons:

• Evidence: The vehicle might be held as evidence, particularly if it contains open containers or other evidence related to the DUI.
• Safety: To prevent you from driving under the influence again.
• Statutory Requirements: Arizona law (A.R.S. § 28-3511) mandates impoundment under specific circumstances, such as driving with a suspended license, having no valid license, being under 21 with any alcohol in your system, or being arrested for Extreme DUI (BAC .15+), or Aggravated DUI.

Where Is Your Car?

Unlike urban areas with centralized impound lots, Apache County relies on a network of private towing companies. There is no single "Apache County Impound Lot." Your vehicle could be at one of several locations, depending on where you were arrested. Remember that the police station is in St. Johns, but the tow yard might be in Springerville (15 miles away) or Show Low (45 miles away).

Here are some potential impound lot locations based on the arrest location. Keep in mind this is not an exhaustive list and you should confirm the exact location with the arresting agency:

• St. Johns/Springerville Area: Your vehicle might be at Navapache Towing (2050 E Adams, Show Low, AZ 85901) or Springerville Auto Wreckers (403 Highway 180, Springerville, AZ 85938). Navapache Towing can be reached at (928) 537-4570, and Springerville Auto Wreckers at (928) 333-2230.
• Chinle/Navajo Nation Area: Your vehicle could be at Speedway Towing (US 191, Chinle, AZ 85903) or B&C Garage & Towing (1 East Arena Road, Many Farms, AZ 86538). Speedway Towing dispatch can be reached at (505) 863-3775, and B&C Garage & Towing at (928) 675-1304.
• Sanders/I-40 Corridor: Your vehicle may be at Tri-R Towing (2512 N Park Dr, Winslow, AZ) or with Parker Towing. Tri-R Towing can be reached at (928) 289-2065, and Parker Towing at (800) 975-2155. Note that Tri-R Towing is located in Winslow, AZ, approximately 80 miles from Sanders.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Check Your Arrest Paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided you with paperwork indicating the name and contact information of the towing company.
• Call the Apache County Sheriff's Office (ACSO): Contact the ACSO non-emergency line at (928) 337-4321. Provide your name, date of birth, and details of the arrest.
• Reference Your Booking Number: Have your booking number ready when contacting the ACSO or the towing companies. This will help them locate your vehicle more efficiently.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Before heading to the impound lot, gather the necessary documents to avoid delays and potential refusal of release. Remember that the police station is in St. Johns, but the tow yard might be in Springerville (15 miles away) or Show Low (45 miles away).

Required Documents

• Valid Driver's License: You (or the person retrieving the vehicle) must have a valid driver's license. If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you will need someone with a valid license to retrieve the vehicle for you.
• Vehicle Registration or Title: You must provide proof of ownership. A current vehicle registration or the vehicle title will suffice. Check AZMVDNow.gov to print a duplicate registration card before going to the tow yard.
• Proof of Insurance: You will need to show proof of current vehicle insurance.
• Payment for Fees: Be prepared to pay all towing and storage fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended, you can still have someone else retrieve the vehicle on your behalf. They will need:

• Their Valid Driver's License: The person retrieving the vehicle must have a valid, unexpired driver's license.
• Signed Authorization Letter from You: A letter authorizing them to pick up the vehicle on your behalf.
• Vehicle Title or Registration: Proof that you are the registered owner of the vehicle.

Costs & Fees in Apache County

Retrieving your vehicle involves several fees that can add up quickly. Be prepared for these expenses:

• Towing Fee: Expect a base hook-up fee of $200.00 - $250.00 plus mileage. For example, a tow from Sanders to Winslow is approximately 80 miles. At $4.00/mile, an 80-mile tow adds $320+ to the bill.
• Daily Storage Rate: Storage fees range from $25.00 - $35.00 per day.
• Administrative Fee: You will need to pay a $150.00 administrative fee to the St. Johns Police Department or the Apache County Sheriff's Office (ACSO), NOT the tow yard. You must obtain a "Vehicle Release Form" from them before going to the tow yard.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day, including weekends when release might be impossible. Retrieve your vehicle as quickly as possible to minimize these costs.

Payment

Call the impound lot in advance to confirm accepted payment methods. Many rural tow yards in Apache County operate on a cash-only basis or charge high fees for credit cards. Bring at least $500 in cash to cover all potential fees.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day costs more money.

After 30 Days

If your vehicle remains unclaimed for 30 days, the impound lot can initiate a lien sale to recover their costs. Do not let it reach this point.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

• Contact a Family Member or Friend: Ask for assistance in covering the costs.
• Ask About a Payment Plan: Some impound lots may offer a payment plan. It's worth inquiring.
• Consult with Your Attorney: In some cases, your attorney may be able to negotiate or challenge the fees.

After Retrieval

• Inspect the Vehicle: Before leaving the lot, carefully inspect your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.
• Document Any Damage: Take photos of any damage you find.
• Report Damage: Immediately report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away.

By following these steps, you can navigate the vehicle retrieval process in Apache County efficiently and minimize the financial burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where do I pay the $150 administrative fee? A: You must pay the $150 administrative fee to the St. Johns Police Department or the Apache County Sheriff's Office in St. Johns. You will receive a Vehicle Release Form that you must present to the tow yard.

Q: What happens if I wait longer than 30 days to retrieve my car? A: After 30 days, the impound lot can initiate a lien sale to recover their costs. You will lose ownership of your vehicle if this happens.

Q: If I was arrested by Navajo Police on Hwy 191 in Chinle, where do I get the vehicle release form? A: You will need to get the release form from the Navajo Police Department (NPD) or the Department of Public Safety (DPS) district office in Chinle.