Coconino County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Coconino County

Being arrested for DUI in Coconino County can be a disorienting experience. Beyond the legal ramifications, a major immediate concern is often: what happens to my car? In Arizona, vehicles are commonly impounded following a DUI arrest, adding significant expense and logistical headaches to an already stressful situation. This guide provides a step-by-step plan to help you navigate the process of retrieving your vehicle as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you are arrested for DUI, the arresting officer will typically arrange for your vehicle to be towed and impounded. This is done to prevent further operation of the vehicle and ensure public safety. The vehicle is held at an impound lot, and you become responsible for all associated towing and storage fees. Understanding the impound process and acting swiftly is crucial to minimize these costs.

Where Is Your Car?

The first step is determining where your vehicle was towed. The arresting officer should provide you with documentation indicating the name and location of the towing company. However, if you don't have this information readily available, here's how to locate your vehicle:

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Check your arrest paperwork: The tow company's name and contact information are usually listed on the paperwork provided by the arresting officer.
• Call the Coconino County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: If you can't find the information on your paperwork, call the Coconino County Sheriff's Office. They can help you locate your vehicle.
• Reference your booking number: When you call, have your booking number ready. This will help them quickly locate the necessary information.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you know where your vehicle is impounded, contact the impound lot to confirm their specific requirements for release. Generally, you'll need the following:

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: You, or the person retrieving the vehicle, must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration or title: Proof of ownership is required. Bring your vehicle registration or title.
• Proof of insurance: You must show proof of current insurance coverage for the vehicle.
• 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 due to the DUI arrest, you cannot personally retrieve the vehicle. Here are your options:

• Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it: A licensed driver can pick up the vehicle on your behalf.
• They need: Their valid driver's license, a signed authorization letter from you granting them permission to retrieve the vehicle, and the vehicle title or registration in your name.

Costs & Fees in Coconino County

Towing and storage fees can add up quickly, so understanding the cost structure is vital. While specific rates vary by impound lot, here's a general idea of what to expect in Arizona:

Typical towing fees in Arizona range from $150 to $300. Daily storage fees are usually between $25 and $50 per day.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate daily, starting the moment your vehicle is towed. The longer you wait, the more expensive it becomes.

Payment

Contact the specific impound lot in advance to confirm which payment methods they accept. Most accept cash, but some may also take credit cards or money orders. Be aware that some lots may require exact change if paying with cash or may add surcharges for credit card transactions.

Timeline

Time is of the essence when it comes to retrieving your vehicle.

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day that passes increases the total cost. Contact the impound lot as soon as possible to understand their procedures and payment options.

After 30 Days

Arizona law allows impound lots to initiate a lien sale if a vehicle remains unclaimed for a certain period, typically 30 days. If this happens, you risk losing your vehicle permanently. Act well before this deadline.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

The costs associated with retrieving an impounded vehicle can be substantial. If you're struggling to afford the fees:

• Contact a family member or friend: Ask if they can lend you the money needed to cover the towing and storage costs.
• Ask the impound lot about a payment plan: Some impound lots may offer payment plans, allowing you to pay the fees in installments. This is not guaranteed, so inquire directly.
• Consult with a DUI attorney: In some cases, a DUI attorney may be able to negotiate with the impound lot on your behalf or challenge the fees if they are excessive.

After Retrieval

Before driving your vehicle away from the impound lot, take these important steps:

• Inspect the vehicle immediately: Carefully examine the vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while in impound.
• Document any damage with photos: Take detailed photos of any scratches, dents, or other damage.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away: Notify the impound lot manager of any damage in writing before you leave the premises. This will help protect your rights if you need to file a claim later.

Administrative Impound and the 20-Day Hold

Arizona law, specifically A.R.S. § 28-3511, mandates a 20-day impound for vehicles involved in certain DUI offenses. However, A.R.S. § 28-3512 provides exceptions for early release, which can be argued at a Post-Storage Hearing.

The Spousal Exception: If the vehicle is jointly owned with your spouse and your spouse has a valid driver's license, the impounding agency must release the vehicle to them. The spouse needs to appear in person with their valid ID and a copy of your marriage certificate.

Hearing Requirement: To utilize these exceptions, you must request a hearing within 10 days of the impound notice. Contact the arresting agency (Coconino County Sheriff's Office, Flagstaff Police Department, or Page Police Department) to schedule this hearing.

• Coconino County Sheriff (CCSO): 911 E Sawmill Rd, Flagstaff. Admin Fee: $150.00. Payment Method: Money Order / Cashier's Check ONLY. Hearing Hours: Mon-Fri, 08:00–16:30.
• Flagstaff Police Dept (FPD): 911 E Sawmill Rd, Flagstaff. Admin Fee: $150.00. Payment Method: Cash / Credit / Money Order. Hearing Hours: Mon-Fri, 08:00–16:30.
• Page Police Dept (PPD): 808 Coppermine Rd, Page. Admin Fee: $150.00. Payment Method: Cash / Cashier's Check / Money Order. Hearing Hours: Tue/Thu 08:00–16:00 (Limited).

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where will my car be impounded if I'm arrested for DUI in Flagstaff? A: The arresting officer will determine the specific towing company. Check your arrest paperwork or call the Coconino County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line for this information.

Q: What if I was arrested by Navajo Nation Police on a state highway in Coconino County? A: Due to Mutual Aid Agreements, your vehicle will likely be impounded according to Arizona state law, but the arresting agency will determine the specific procedures.

Q: Can I get my car back sooner than 20 days if it's impounded in Coconino County? A: Possibly, if you meet the criteria for an exception under A.R.S. § 28-3512 (e.g., spousal exception). You must request a hearing with the arresting agency within 10 days of the impound.