Graham County Vehicle Impound Guide
Impound Cost Calculator — Graham County, Arizona
Calculate how much it will cost to retrieve your vehicle from Nuttall's Towing LLC.
*Estimated fees shown. Actual fees in Graham 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 Graham 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 $12/day in Graham 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
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 City of Safford charges a mandatory $150.00 Administrative Impound Fee after a DUI arrest. This fee must be paid to the City of Safford administration or Police Department, not the towing company, before your vehicle can be released.
Vehicle Impound in Graham County: What to Expect
If you've been arrested for DUI in Graham County, Arizona, understanding the vehicle impound process is crucial. Unlike larger metropolitan areas, Graham County operates with a unique set of procedures and potential roadblocks. Knowing what to expect can save you time, money, and unnecessary stress.
Impound Location: Safford Police vs. Graham County Sheriff
The first step is determining which agency made the arrest: the Safford Police Department (SPD) or the Graham County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO). This dictates where you’ll need to go to obtain the necessary release paperwork.
Administrative Fees: The Safford "Weekend Tax"
If arrested by the Safford Police Department, you'll face a $150 administrative impound fee. This fee, mandated by a City of Safford resolution, must be paid before you can retrieve your vehicle. A major friction point arises if your arrest occurs on a Friday night or over the weekend, as city administrative offices are closed. This effectively creates a "weekend tax," as your vehicle accrues daily storage fees ($12-$25/day) until you can pay the administrative fee on Monday morning.
Towing Companies and Locations
Graham County utilizes a rotation system for towing services. Two primary providers are:
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Nuttall's Towing LLC: 304 S 7th Ave, Safford, AZ 85546. Administrative release hours are typically Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. There may also be a lunch hour closure (12:00 PM – 1:00 PM).
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Magnum Towing: 530 E U.S. Hwy 70, Safford, AZ 85546. Magnum Towing advertises being open 24 hours, Monday through Sunday, potentially offering more flexibility for retrieval.
Fees: Cash is King
Expect to pay a base tow fee (around $100-$150), daily storage fees (generally ~$12-$15 per day), and potentially a "gate fee" for after-hours access. Anecdotally, discrepancies between expected and actual charges are common. Payment is typically cash.
Required Documents for Vehicle Release
To retrieve your vehicle, you'll generally need the following:
- Release form from the City of Safford administration or Police Department (if arrested by SPD).
- Receipt for the $150 administrative fee (if arrested by SPD).
- Proof of reinstated driving privilege (if eligible for early release).
- Marriage certificate and vehicle title (if a spouse is retrieving the vehicle).
Avoiding the "Payment Mismatch"
The most common pitfall is arriving at the tow yard without having paid the $150 administrative fee to the City of Safford (if applicable). To avoid this, first confirm the arresting agency. Then, if it's the Safford PD, pay the fee at the city administration or police department before heading to the tow yard.
Who Can Retrieve the Vehicle?
A spouse with a valid driver's license can retrieve the vehicle if it's community property, typically requiring a marriage certificate and vehicle title as proof. Finance companies (lienholders) can also retrieve vehicles.
Nuttall's Towing LLC:
304 S 7th Ave, Safford, AZ 85546.
Sources
Arizona Transportation Code
Graham County Towing Regulations
Arizona Department of Licensing and Regulation
Nearby Arizona Counties
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