Baca County Vehicle Impound Guide

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

Under Colorado Express Consent Law, C.R.S. § 42-4-1301.1, anyone who drives a motor vehicle in the state consents to chemical testing if arrested for an offense related to alcohol or drugs. When an arrest occurs, law enforcement officers cannot leave the vehicle on the shoulder of a highway or public road. The arresting agency, which is either the local sheriff's department or the Colorado State Patrol, orders an immediate tow to secure the vehicle and prevent traffic hazards.

The driver is transported to the detention center at 265 E 2nd Ave in Springfield. The vehicle is taken to a secure storage facility. Physical custody of the vehicle is transferred entirely to a private towing operator. You cannot retrieve personal items or the vehicle itself until you are released from jail and clear the necessary administrative requirements.

Where Is Your Car?

The local sheriff's department coordinates with private towing operators to clear arrest scenes. In this jurisdiction, vehicles are towed to Jeff Woller Auto Parts & Towing, located at 27503 US-287, Springfield, CO.

The distance between the detention facility on 2nd Ave and the impound yard on US-287 is non-walkable. You must arrange transportation to the lot prior to attempting retrieval.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Examine the impound notice or tow form provided during your booking and release process.
• Call the sheriff's office non-emergency dispatch line at 719-523-4511.
• State your full name and booking date to verify that the vehicle is held at the US-287 location.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Private impound lots must follow strict verification procedures before releasing a vehicle. You cannot simply walk onto the lot and drive your car away.

Required Documents

• A valid driver's license issued by the government.
• The current vehicle registration card or the physical title proving ownership.
• Proof of active, valid auto insurance for the impounded vehicle.
• Payment in full for all accumulated towing and storage fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license was confiscated under C.R.S. § 42-2-125.1 due to an Express Consent violation, you do not have driving privileges.

• Bring a driver who has a valid license with you to the lot.
• Provide a signed, notarized letter of authorization allowing the licensed driver to act on your behalf if you cannot attend. Finding a notary public in Springfield outside of standard banking hours is extremely difficult, so planning this step in advance is necessary.
• Present the vehicle title or registration to establish your ownership of the property.

Costs & Fees

The Colorado Public Utilities Commission regulates maximum towing rates, but daily storage fees accumulate constantly. Jeff Woller Auto Parts & Towing operates the primary yard at 27503 US-287. Because the exact daily storage rates are private and vary based on vehicle size, you must contact the operator directly to obtain your specific balance.

Colorado law allows towing companies to collect a credit card surcharge of up to 5% if you pay with a card. Bringing the exact cash amount is the most reliable way to avoid extra fees.

Storage fees accumulate every day. Retrieve your vehicle as quickly as possible.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Daily storage rates begin accruing the exact hour your vehicle enters the lot. If you are arrested on a Thursday night or Friday, your vehicle will sit in the lot over the weekend, accumulating fees daily. The administrative offices of the sheriff's department are closed on Fridays, which can delay your ability to obtain necessary release paperwork.

After 30 Days

Under state law, a vehicle left unclaimed for more than 30 days is classified as abandoned. The towing carrier is legally permitted to initiate a lien sale to recover their unpaid towing and storage costs. Once the lien sale is finalized, you lose all ownership rights to the vehicle.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

• Contact family members or friends immediately to secure financial assistance.
• Ask the towing operator if they offer a temporary payment plan to release the vehicle, though private operators are not legally mandated to provide this option.

After Retrieval

• Walk around the entire vehicle and inspect the bodywork before leaving the lot at 27503 US-287.
• Take clear photographs of any damage that was not present prior to the tow.
• Document any issues in writing and submit a formal complaint to the lot manager before driving off the property.