Cochise County Vehicle Impound Guide
Impound Cost Calculator — Cochise County, Arizona
Calculate how much it will cost to retrieve your vehicle from Private Towing Companies (e.g., Priority Towing, Lucky's Towing, Cochise Towing).
*Estimated fees shown. Actual fees in Cochise County may vary. Contact the impound lot directly for exact costs.
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The First 48 Hours Are Critical
After a arrest in Cochise County, your vehicle is likely towed to an impound lot. Storage fees accumulate daily, making time your biggest enemy.
What Happens Immediately After Arrest
- 1
Vehicle is towed (usually within 30 minutes of arrest)
- 2
Tow company notifies impound lot (charges start immediately)
- 3
Storage fees begin accruing at $25.0/day in Cochise County
- 4
Administrative fees added (varies by lot)
Documents You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle
- Valid photo ID (driver's license or state ID)
- Vehicle registration or title
- Proof of insurance
- Payment for all fees (see calculator above)
- Release authorization (if not the registered owner)
Can Someone Else Pick Up My Car?
Yes, but they'll need:
- • Written authorization from the registered owner
- • Copy of owner's ID
- • Their own valid ID
- • Proof of insurance in their name or the owner's name
Impound Lot Details
Private Towing Companies (e.g., Priority Towing, Lucky's Towing, Cochise Towing)
Call Before You Go
Verify your vehicle is at this lot and confirm the exact amount owed before making the trip. Hours and fees may change without notice.
The Impound “Poverty Trap”
Many people can't afford to get their car out immediately, but waiting only makes it worse.
Here's the vicious cycle:
Can't afford the first 3 days of storage + admin fees
Wait a week to save money → fees double
Can't get to work without car → lose income
Wait 2 weeks → fees triple or quadruple
After 30 days → Car may be auctioned by the lot
What You Can Do
- • Borrow money from family/friends (pay them back later, cheaper than daily fees)
- • Use a credit card (even with interest, cheaper than impound fees)
- • Sell non-essential items quickly
- • Ask your employer for an advance
- • Check if your auto insurance covers towing/storage (some policies do)
The administrative fee for vehicle release in Cochise County is $150.00. This fee must be paid in cash only, and exact change is strictly enforced.
Vehicle Impound After a DUI in Cochise County, Arizona: A Local Guide
If you've been arrested for DUI in Cochise County, Arizona, understanding the vehicle impound process is crucial. Arizona law mandates a 30-day impoundment for vehicles in cases of suspended licenses or Extreme/Aggravated DUI (A.R.S. § 28-3511). Navigating this process in Cochise County presents unique challenges due to its "Dual-Hub" operational model, with administrative functions split between Bisbee and Sierra Vista.
Where to Get Your Vehicle Release Form
Official county information states that the Vehicle Release Form can ONLY be obtained at the Cochise County Sheriff's Office, located at 205 Judd Drive, Bisbee. While the Sierra Vista substation at 100 Colonia de Salud is sometimes mentioned, relying on it carries a high risk of rejection, so Bisbee is the recommended location.
The Fees You'll Face
You'll encounter two separate sets of fees:
-
Administrative Levy (Government Fee): $150.00, payable to the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office (or the arresting municipal agency). This must be paid in cash only, with exact change.
-
Towing and Storage Fees (Private Sector Fee): Payable to the private towing company that impounded your vehicle (e.g., Priority Towing, Lucky's Towing, or Cochise Towing).
-
Towing Rate: Typically between $150.00 and $250.00 plus mileage.
-
Storage Rate: $25.00 per day. This accrues for every calendar day your vehicle is stored.
-
After-Hours Gate Fee: An additional fee of approximately $75.00 may be charged if you attempt to retrieve your vehicle outside of the tow yard's business hours (often 8 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday).
Expect to pay around $1,100 for a 30-day impound, excluding potential "After-Hours" or other fees.
Avoiding the "Double Trip" Nightmare
Many people make the mistake of going to the tow yard first. The tow yard will refuse to release your vehicle without the Vehicle Release Form from the Sheriff's Office. Secure the release form before heading to the tow yard.
Interlock Installation Access
If your driver’s license requires an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) for reinstatement, Arizona law mandates that the tow yard allow access to the vehicle for the installer during business hours without charging an access fee. This is essential for ensuring your vehicle is legal to drive off the lot. Smart Start Ignition Interlock has a location at 999 E Fry Blvd Ste 203 in Sierra Vista.
Early Release: The "Innocent Owner" Exception
If you are not the driver but are the registered owner of the vehicle, you may be eligible for early release. For example, a spouse with a valid driver's license can often retrieve the vehicle immediately if the vehicle was not used in the commission of a felony (other than the DUI itself).
Post-Storage Hearing
If you believe the impoundment is invalid, you must request a "Post-Storage Hearing" within 10 days of the impoundment notice. This hearing is scheduled by the Sheriff’s Office. Even if the hearing is granted, the $150 administrative fee is usually still required unless the impoundment is found to be completely erroneous.
Cochise County Sheriff's Office is located at 205 Judd Drive, Bisbee, AZ 85603.
Sources
Arizona Transportation Code
Cochise County Towing Regulations
Arizona Department of Licensing and Regulation
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