Navajo County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Navajo County

After a DUI arrest in Navajo County, one of your immediate concerns will be retrieving your vehicle. Arizona law mandates impoundment in certain DUI-related situations, as detailed in Arizona Revised Statute (A.R.S.) § 28-3511. This guide provides a step-by-step approach to locating, claiming, and recovering your vehicle, while minimizing storage costs and navigating the procedures specific to Navajo County.

Where Is Your Car?

Following a DUI arrest in Navajo County, your vehicle will likely be towed to a private impound lot contracted by the arresting agency. Navajo County utilizes a rotation list of towing companies rather than operating its own centralized impound facility. Knowing where your car is located is the first crucial step. Here are some potential locations:

• Tri-R Towing: 1521 E. 2nd St, Winslow, AZ 86047.

How to Find Your Vehicle

Several methods can help you pinpoint your vehicle's location:

• Check Your Arrest Paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided documentation indicating the towing company used. Look carefully at all documents given to you at the time of your arrest.
• Call the Navajo County Sheriff's Office: Contact the Navajo County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line to inquire about the tow.
• Reference Your Booking Number: When you call, provide your booking number for faster assistance.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Be prepared with the necessary documentation to streamline the vehicle release process.

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 essential.
• Proof of Insurance: Current insurance documentation for the vehicle.
• Payment for Fees: Be prepared to pay all associated towing and storage fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot personally retrieve the vehicle. In this case:

• Have a Licensed Friend or Family Member Retrieve It: A licensed individual 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's title or registration.

Costs & Fees in Navajo County

Understanding the costs involved is critical to minimizing expenses.

• Administrative Fee: There's typically a government-mandated administrative fee for impound release.
• Towing Fee: Expect to pay a towing fee to the company that removed your vehicle.
• Daily Storage Rate: Storage fees accrue daily.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day. Retrieve your vehicle as quickly as possible to minimize expenses.

Payment

Contact the impound lot in advance to confirm acceptable payment methods. Some may accept:

• Cash
• Credit Card
• Money Order

Timeline

Time is of the essence when retrieving your vehicle.

Act Immediately

Storage fees begin accumulating the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day that passes increases the total cost. The financial architecture of the system is designed to extract revenue at every step, so acting fast is crucial.

After 30 Days

In Arizona, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period, the impound lot can initiate a lien sale to recover their costs, as outlined in Arizona Revised Statute (A.R.S.) § 28-4847. Avoid this scenario by acting promptly.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Vehicle impound fees can be a significant burden, especially after a DUI arrest. Consider these options:

• Contact a Family Member or Friend: Ask for assistance in covering the costs.
• Ask About a Payment Plan: Some impound lots may offer payment plans. Inquire directly with the lot.
• Consult with Your Attorney: In some cases, a DUI attorney may be able to negotiate or challenge excessive fees.

After Retrieval

Before leaving the impound lot:

• Inspect the Vehicle: Carefully examine the vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while in storage.
• Document Any Damage: Take photographs of any damage as evidence.
• Report Any Damage: Immediately report any damage to the impound lot manager in writing before you drive the vehicle away.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What happens if I miss my court date in Navajo County? Pinetop-Lakeside Justice Court holds "Open Court" every Tuesday at 11:30 AM. This is a release valve for defendants who missed a previous date. You can appear voluntarily to quash warrants without being arrested.
• How long do I have to request a hearing with the MVD after a DUI arrest? You have 15 days from the date of service (usually the arrest date) to request a hearing with the Arizona MVD. Failure to do so results in automatic license suspension.
• Where will my car be towed if I am arrested for DUI along I-40 in Navajo County? If arrested along the I-40 corridor, your vehicle may be towed by Tri-R Towing to their Winslow location, adding significant distance to the retrieval process.