Apache County Vehicle Impound Guide

The administrative tow fee in Apache County is a critical logistical hurdle: before you can retrieve your vehicle from the tow yard, you must first physically go to the St. Johns Police Department or the Apache County Sheriff's Office to pay a $150 administrative fee and obtain the Vehicle Release Form.

Apache County DUI Vehicle Impound: A Local Guide

If you've been arrested for DUI in Apache County, Arizona, understanding the vehicle impound process is crucial. Unlike urban areas with centralized impound lots, Apache County relies on a network of private towing companies scattered across a vast geographic area. There is no single "Apache County Impound Lot." This means your vehicle could be impounded in St. Johns, Springerville, Chinle, Sanders, or even across the state line in New Mexico. Knowing where your car is taken is the first step in getting it back.

Locating Your Vehicle

After a DUI arrest, contact the St. Johns Police Department or the Apache County Sheriff's Office at (928) 337-4321 to determine where your vehicle was towed. The specific towing company used depends on the location of your arrest and the arresting agency, which operates on a rotation list.

Required Documents for Release

To retrieve your vehicle, you will need the following documents:

• Vehicle Release Form: This form is obtained after paying the $150 administrative fee at either the St. Johns Police Department or the Apache County Sheriff's Office before going to the tow yard.
• Proof of Ownership: This can be either the vehicle title or the current registration.
• Valid Driver's License: If you are the registered owner and your license is not suspended, you will need your valid driver's license. If your license is suspended due to the DUI, you will need a licensed driver to accompany you and drive the vehicle off the lot. The tow yard will verify the licenses of both individuals.

You can print a duplicate registration card before going to the tow yard at AZMVDNow.gov.

Impound Locations and Procedures

Here are some potential impound locations within and near Apache County:

• Springerville Auto Wreckers: Located near Springerville, AZ. Contact information and specific procedures are unavailable, but be prepared for cash or high credit card fees.
• Speedway Towing: Located in Chinle, AZ. If arrested by a Navajo Police officer, your vehicle might be held under a "Tribal Hold" or a "State Hold." The vehicle might be held under a "Tribal Hold" or a "State Hold." Contact information and specific procedures are unavailable, but be prepared for cash or high credit card fees.

Keep in mind that the tow yard might be geographically distant from the police station. For example, Springerville is approximately 15 miles from St. Johns, and Show Low is about 45 miles away.

The "Cash Only" Trap

Be prepared to pay in cash. Many rural tow yards in Apache County operate on a cash-only basis or charge very high fees for credit card transactions. Bring at least $500 in cash to cover towing, mileage, storage, and administrative fees.

30-Day Impoundment

Arizona Revised Statutes (A.R.S. § 28-3511) mandates a 30-day impoundment under specific circumstances, including:

• Having a suspended, revoked, or cancelled license.
• Having no valid driver's license.
• Being under 21 with any alcohol in your system.
• Being arrested for Extreme DUI (BAC of .15% or higher) or Aggravated DUI.

Note that the vehicle is not automatically released after 30 days. The owner must claim it.

Early Release

Early release is possible only if:

• The registered owner was not the driver (e.g., a spouse or parent).
• The owner presents a valid license and current registration.
• A Post Storage Hearing is requested within 10 days of the impound.

To schedule a telephonic Post Storage Hearing with the Apache County Sheriff's Office (ACSO), call (928) 337-4321. Failure to request this hearing within 10 days waives your right to contest the validity of the impound.

Potential Delays

Be aware of potential delays due to lunch breaks at rural offices, which often close strictly from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. Arriving just a few minutes before or during this time can mean waiting for an hour in a remote location. To schedule a telephonic Post Storage Hearing with the Apache County Sheriff's Office, call (928) 337-4321.