Mohave County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Mohave County

Being arrested for DUI in Mohave County, Arizona, is a stressful experience, and one of the first things you'll likely be concerned about is your vehicle. Arizona law allows for vehicle impoundment following a DUI arrest. This guide provides a step-by-step overview of how to locate, retrieve, and handle the costs associated with getting your car back. Understanding the process and acting quickly can save you significant money and prevent further complications.

Where Is Your Car?

After a DUI arrest in Mohave County, your vehicle is typically towed to a private impound lot contracted by the arresting law enforcement agency. It's crucial to determine where your car was taken as soon as possible to minimize storage fees. Mohave County presents a unique challenge due to its geographic spread; you could be arrested in Bullhead City and booked in Kingman, leaving your car far from where you are.

How to Find Your Vehicle

Several methods can help you locate your vehicle:

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer should provide documentation indicating which towing company impounded your vehicle. This is the most direct way to find its location.
• Call the Mohave County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: If you can't find the information on your paperwork, contact the Mohave County Sheriff's Office.
• Reference your booking number: When calling, provide your booking number (if available) to expedite the search. The Mohave County Adult Detention Facility (MCADF) booking phone number is (928) 753-0759. Remember that there is a "booking lag" of 2-4 hours before an arrestee appears in the online system.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you've located your vehicle, you'll need specific documents to retrieve it.

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.
• Proof of insurance: You must demonstrate that the vehicle is currently insured. Digital copies of these documents on your phone are usually accepted, but printouts are safer.
• 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 can still have someone else retrieve the vehicle.

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

Costs & Fees in Mohave County

The costs associated with retrieving your vehicle can add up quickly. Be prepared for the following:

Typical towing fees in Arizona range from $150 to $250, and daily storage fees range from $15.00 to $25.00 per day. A fixed $150 admin fee applies. Mohave County's "cash only reality" means some tow yards may claim their "card machine is broken" to avoid fees or ensure payment. It’s wise to have $500 or more in cash available for vehicle retrieval.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accrue daily. The longer you wait, the more expensive it becomes.

Payment

Call the impound lot in advance to confirm accepted payment methods. Some accept cash, credit cards, or money orders. Be aware that some facilities in Mohave County may prefer or even require cash.

Timeline

Time is of the essence when retrieving your vehicle.

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day increases the total cost. In Bullhead City, be aware of the Bullhead City Police Department's (BHCPD) restricted release hours: Monday–Thursday, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM. A Thursday night arrest means the car is stuck until Monday at 10:00 AM—a mandatory 4-day storage bill.

After 30 Days

In Arizona, if a vehicle remains unclaimed after a certain period (typically 30 days), the impound lot can initiate a lien sale to recover the outstanding fees. Avoid this situation by acting promptly.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

The costs associated with retrieving your vehicle can be a significant burden. Consider these options if you're struggling to afford the fees:

• Contact a family member or friend: Ask for assistance in covering the costs.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available: Some impound lots may offer payment plans to help you manage the expense.
• Consult with a DUI attorney: In some cases, a qualified attorney can negotiate or challenge the fees.
• Title Abandonment: If the vehicle is older and has low value, consider signing the title over to the tow company to waive storage fees. Note that the $150 admin fee owed to the police is still a municipal debt.

After Retrieval

Once you've paid the fees and are ready to take your vehicle, take these steps:

• Inspect the vehicle immediately before leaving the lot: Carefully examine the vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.
• Document any damage with photos: Take clear photos of any damage you find.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away: Notify the impound lot manager of any damage in writing before leaving the premises. This documentation will be crucial if you need to file a claim for damages.

Navigating the vehicle impound process after a DUI arrest in Mohave County can be challenging. By understanding the steps involved, acting quickly, and being prepared for the associated costs, you can retrieve your vehicle efficiently and minimize additional stress.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I was arrested in Lake Havasu City, but I was released from jail in Kingman. How do I get my car back?

A: This "Geographic Dislocation" is a common problem in Mohave County. First, you'll need to find transport from Kingman to Lake Havasu City. Once in LHC, you must go to the Lake Havasu City Police Department to pay the $150 admin fee and then proceed to the tow yard to pay storage. Given the distances involved and the LHCPD's operating hours (Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM), it may be impossible to complete this circuit in one day if released from jail in the afternoon.

Q: The Bullhead City Police Department impounded my car on a Thursday night. When can I retrieve it?

A: The Bullhead City Police Department has the most restrictive vehicle release hours in the county: Monday–Thursday, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Because they are closed on Fridays, a Thursday night arrest means your car will be stuck until Monday at 10:00 AM, incurring a mandatory 4-day storage bill. Call (928) 763-9200 to schedule an appointment.

Q: I don't have enough cash to pay the impound fees. What are my options?

A: Many Mohave County tow yards prefer cash, and some may claim their "card machine is broken." Try to borrow cash from friends or family. If that isn't possible, ask the impound lot if they accept cashier's checks or money orders. As a last resort, discuss "Title Abandonment" with the tow yard to waive the storage fees by surrendering the vehicle.