Cheyenne County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Cheyenne County

Under Colorado Revised Statutes § 42-4-1801, law enforcement officers possess the legal authority to impound any vehicle when the driver is arrested for operating a vehicle under the influence. This action is justified under the Community Caretaker Doctrine. A vehicle cannot be left on a public roadway like U.S. Highway 40. Once the arrest occurs, deputies coordinate a tow. Before the tow truck arrives, officers perform a mandatory inventory search. This is an administrative cataloging of the vehicle's contents. Any illegal items or open containers found during this process will be documented and can be used to file additional criminal charges.

Where Is Your Car?

The Sheriff's Office administers vehicle impoundments within the local jurisdiction. Impounded vehicles are processed through the main facility.

The primary impound facility is located at: 91 E 1st St N, Cheyenne Wells, CO 80810

If the vehicle was towed following an arrest, it is held at this location or a contracted yard coordinated by the agency. To locate your vehicle, follow these steps:

• Examine your arrest paperwork. The towing sheet or booking documents list the specific towing operator.
• Call the Sheriff's Office non-emergency line at (719) 767-5634. You must provide your full name and the date of the arrest.
• Reference your booking number. This accelerates the search process within the records department.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Retrieving a vehicle requires specific documentation to prove ownership and legal driving status. The impound lot will not release the vehicle without these documents.

Required Documents

• A valid driver's license. If your license was confiscated under the Express Consent law (C.R.S. § 42-4-1301.1), you cannot legally drive. You must bring a licensed driver to operate the vehicle.
• Proof of ownership. This must be the vehicle registration or the physical title in your name.
• Proof of insurance. You must present a valid, active auto insurance card or policy document.
• Payment for towing and storage fees.

If You Do Not Have a Valid License

If your driving privileges are suspended, you must arrange for a licensed driver to retrieve the vehicle. They must present:

• Their own valid driver's license.
• A notarized letter of authorization signed by you, granting them permission to retrieve the vehicle.
• The vehicle's physical title or registration.

Costs & Fees

A DUI arrest is expensive, and vehicle recovery represents an immediate cash outlay. Standard towing fees start at $500. Daily impound storage fees are $200. These fees accumulate every single day the vehicle remains in storage.

The local government budget allocates only $500 annually for county-funded towing, meaning the financial burden of the tow is passed directly to the owner of the vehicle. You must pay the full balance before the vehicle is released. Storage fees accumulate every day. Retrieve your vehicle as quickly as possible.

Payment

Call the Sheriff's Office at (719) 767-5634 before attempting retrieval to confirm the exact balance. You must also verify accepted payment methods. Many impound operators accept cash, credit cards, or money orders, but they do not accept personal checks.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day costs more money. Delaying retrieval by even 24 hours increases your total cost significantly.

After 30 Days

Under Colorado law, any vehicle left unclaimed in an impound lot for more than 30 days is considered abandoned. The towing operator or the Sheriff's Office can initiate a lien sale. This process allows the operator to sell the vehicle at auction to recover the unpaid towing and storage costs. Once the lien sale is finalized, you lose all ownership rights to the vehicle. Do not let it reach this point.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you cannot cover the immediate cost of retrieval, you must act quickly to prevent the vehicle from being sold.

• Contact a family member or friend to help cover costs. The daily storage rate makes waiting far more expensive than borrowing the funds immediately.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available. Some private operators may allow structured payments, though this is rare and entirely at their discretion.

After Retrieval

Do not leave the lot without performing a thorough inspection of your vehicle.

• Inspect the vehicle immediately before leaving the lot. Check the exterior and interior for any new damage that occurred during the tow or storage.
• Document any damage with photos. Take high-resolution photos and video of all sides of the vehicle.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away. If you leave the lot without documenting the damage, proving liability is nearly impossible.