Cheyenne County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Cheyenne County

A DUI arrest in Cheyenne County triggers a cascade of legal and administrative processes, and one of the first practical challenges you'll face is retrieving your vehicle. When you're arrested for DUI, law enforcement can't simply leave your car unattended on the roadside. For safety and legal reasons, your vehicle is impounded and towed to a designated lot. Understanding the impound process, required documentation, associated costs, and timelines is crucial to getting your car back as quickly and efficiently as possible. This guide provides a step-by-step overview of what to do after a DUI arrest in Cheyenne County to retrieve your vehicle.

Where Is Your Car?

In Cheyenne County, impounded vehicles are typically taken to:

• Cheyenne County Sheriff: 91 E 1st St N, Cheyenne Wells, CO 80810.

Contact information is not available.

How to Find Your Vehicle

Locating your vehicle quickly is essential to minimize storage fees. Here are several ways to find out where your car was towed:

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer should have noted the name of the towing company and the impound lot on the paperwork you received at the time of your arrest.
• Call the Cheyenne County Sheriff's Office: If you can't find the information on your paperwork, call the Cheyenne County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line.
• Reference your booking number: When you call, provide your booking number (if you know it) to help them locate your vehicle information more quickly.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Before you can retrieve your vehicle from the impound lot, you'll need to provide specific documentation to prove ownership and your ability to legally operate the vehicle (or have someone else do so).

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: The person retrieving the vehicle must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration or title: You must provide proof of ownership. This can be either the vehicle's registration or the title.
• Proof of insurance: You need to show proof that the vehicle is currently insured.
• Payment for fees: Be prepared to pay all applicable towing and storage fees (see "Costs & Fees in Cheyenne County" below).

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license has been suspended due to the DUI arrest, you cannot legally drive the vehicle yourself. In this case, you have two options:

• Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it: A licensed driver can pick up the vehicle on your behalf.
• They need: Their valid driver's license, a signed authorization letter from you (stating that you authorize them to pick up the vehicle), and the vehicle's title or registration in your name.

Costs & Fees in Cheyenne County

Retrieving your vehicle involves paying towing and storage fees. These fees can add up quickly, so it's essential to act promptly.

• Daily Storage Fee: $N/A

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day the vehicle remains at the impound lot. The sooner you retrieve your vehicle, the less you'll have to pay. A DUI in Cheyenne County is a five-figure event, and towing and impound add to that cost.

Payment

Call the Cheyenne County Sheriff in advance to confirm which payment methods are accepted. Impound lots typically accept cash, and some may also accept credit cards or money orders.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day your vehicle sits in the impound lot costs you more money.

After 30 Days

In Colorado, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period (typically 30 days), the impound lot has the right to initiate a lien sale to recover their costs. This means they can sell your vehicle to cover the outstanding fees. Do not let it reach this point.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you're struggling to afford the towing and storage fees, consider the following options:

• Contact a family member or friend: Ask if they can help you cover the costs.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available: Some impound lots may offer payment plans, allowing you to pay the fees in installments.
• Consult with a DUI attorney: In some cases, a DUI attorney may be able to negotiate the fees or challenge their validity. The 2025 Cheyenne County budget allocates modest funds for towing, indicating a policy where costs are immediately passed to the defendant.

After Retrieval

Before driving your vehicle away from the impound lot, take the following precautions:

• Inspect the vehicle immediately before leaving the lot: Carefully examine the vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was in the impound lot's possession.
• Document any damage with photos: Take photos of any dents, scratches, or other 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 you leave the premises. This will help you if you need to file a claim later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long do I have to request a DMV hearing after a DUI arrest in Cheyenne County? A: You have exactly seven days from the date of your arrest to request a hearing with the Colorado DMV to contest the suspension of your driver's license. This request must be made in writing and can be submitted through the online portal at mydmv.colorado.gov.

Q: Where can I complete court-ordered alcohol education and therapy in Cheyenne County? A: Centennial Mental Health Center, located at 80 E 1st St, Suite 2, Cheyenne Wells, CO 80810, is the primary provider of Level I and Level II alcohol education and therapy in Cheyenne County. Their phone number is (719) 346-8183.

Q: Where is the nearest Ignition Interlock Device (IID) installation center to Cheyenne County? A: Because there are no IID installation centers in Cheyenne County, the nearest options are in Burlington (40 miles North) or Lamar (55 miles South). First Step Recovery in Burlington (595 14th St, Burlington, CO 80807) is one option.