Archuleta County Vehicle Impound Guide
Impound Cost Calculator — Archuleta County, Colorado
Calculate how much it will cost to retrieve your vehicle from the impound lot.
*Estimated fees shown. Actual fees in Archuleta 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 Archuleta 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 daily in Archuleta 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
Find Impound Lots in Archuleta County
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)
505 Piedra Road is the address of Piedra Automotive, the dominant towing company handling DUI impounds in Archuleta County. Understanding Archuleta County's vehicle impound procedures after a DUI arrest is crucial, as the process presents unique challenges due to the area's rural nature and limited service options.
Primary Impound Facilities
Archuleta County primarily uses two towing companies for DUI impounds:
- Piedra Automotive: Located at 505 Piedra Road, this company handles the majority of law enforcement tows.
- Wolf Creek Towing: Specializes in recoveries on Wolf Creek Pass and for larger recreational vehicles.
The "Weekend Trap"
A significant challenge in Archuleta County is what's known as the "Weekend Trap." Piedra Automotive is CLOSED Friday, Saturday and Sunday. If your vehicle is impounded anytime from Thursday night through Sunday, you likely won't be able to retrieve it until Monday morning, incurring several days of storage fees.
Vehicle Release and "Two-Driver" Protocol
To retrieve your vehicle, keep in mind Piedra Automotive often requires a "Two-Driver" Protocol:
- The Registered Owner (to prove title and pay).
- A Licensed Driver (to drive the vehicle off the lot).
Since your driver's license is likely seized at the time of arrest, you'll need to bring a licensed friend to drive the car away.
Safekeeping vs. Evidence Hold
The type of "hold" placed on your vehicle affects the release process.
- Safekeeping Impound: This is standard for a routine DUI. The vehicle is released once you are sober, processed, and the Sheriff's Office authorizes the release. Communication delays with the Sheriff's Office can extend this hold.
- Evidence Hold: If the DUI involved an accident with injuries, the vehicle is held as evidence and cannot be released without a specific order from the District Attorney or lead detective. This can take weeks or months.
Be aware of all these issues when you call (970) 264-8474.
Sources
Colorado Transportation Code
Archuleta County Towing Regulations
Colorado Department of Licensing and Regulation
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