Costilla County Vehicle Impound Guide
Impound Cost Calculator — Costilla County, Colorado
Calculate how much it will cost to retrieve your vehicle from the impound lot.
*Estimated fees shown. Actual fees in Costilla 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 Costilla 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 Costilla 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 Costilla 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)
DUI Impound in Costilla County: What You Need to Know NOW
If you've been arrested for DUI in Costilla County, Colorado, your vehicle was likely impounded. The Costilla County Sheriff's Office (CCSO), located at 103 Gasper Street in San Luis, CO 81152, or the Colorado State Patrol (CSP) typically initiate these impounds. Understanding the impound process and how to retrieve your vehicle is crucial to mitigating the significant financial and logistical challenges that follow a DUI arrest in this rural area.
Why Was My Car Impounded?
Colorado law mandates impoundment in many DUI cases. The arresting officer has the authority to impound your vehicle if you are deemed unable to safely operate it. This is standard procedure in Costilla County, given the priority placed on public safety by both the CCSO and CSP, especially on highways like Highway 160, Highway 159, and Highway 142. Remember that the CCSO dispatch number is (719) 672-3302 if you have immediate questions about the impound location.
Where is My Car?
Your vehicle is likely being held at a local towing company contracted by the law enforcement agency that made the arrest. The specific location depends on where you were arrested. Ask the arresting officer for the name and contact information of the towing company. If you were processed at the Costilla County Jail, personnel there may also have this information. Be prepared to provide proof of ownership and valid identification when inquiring about your vehicle.
The Cost of Impound: A Significant Burden
The financial burden of a DUI in Costilla County is substantial, and impound fees add to that strain. Given the median household income is between $27,325 and $36,519, the cost of towing and storage can be crippling. Expect to pay:
- Towing Fees: These vary, but can easily exceed several hundred dollars.
- Daily Storage Fees: These accrue daily and can quickly add up. Contact the towing company immediately to determine the daily rate.
- Administrative Fees: The towing company may charge additional administrative fees.
It is critical to act quickly to minimize storage fees.
How to Get Your Car Back: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Determine the Impounding Agency: Was it the CCSO or CSP? Contact them to understand their specific release procedures. The CCSO non-emergency number is (719) 672-0673.
- Gather Required Documents: You will typically need:
- Valid Driver's License (or a licensed driver to retrieve the vehicle)
- Proof of Ownership (Vehicle Title or Registration)
- Proof of Insurance
- Payment for all towing and storage fees.
- Pay All Fees: Be prepared to pay all accrued fees in full. Towing companies typically accept cash or credit cards.
- Arrange Transportation: If your license is suspended, you will need a licensed driver to drive the vehicle off the impound lot. Given the lack of public transportation in Costilla County, this can be a significant challenge.
The "Rural Penalty": Logistical Challenges
Costilla County's rural landscape presents unique challenges. The nearest service providers for post-release compliance, such as driver license offices, interlock installers, and alcohol therapy providers, are almost exclusively located in Alamosa, approximately 30 to 45 miles from San Luis.
Ignition Interlock and Restricted Licenses
If your license is suspended, you may be eligible for a restricted license (Red License) that allows you to drive to and from work, school, and court-ordered appointments. This is crucial for Costilla County residents. To obtain a restricted license, you will likely need to install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID). Remember, there are NO IID installation centers in Costilla County. You must travel to Alamosa.
Alamosa IID Providers:
- Smart Start: 1825 State Ave, Alamosa.
- Intoxalock: Locations at Backroads LLC (1825 State Ave) and Thunder Motor Co (7302 Rodeo Lane) in Alamosa.
- Guardian Interlock: 1825 State Ave, Alamosa.
- LifeSafer: Garcia Auto Sales, 1591 State Ave, Alamosa.
What to Do Next
Contact the Costilla County Sheriff’s Office at (719) 672-0673 to confirm the impound location and required release procedures. Acting quickly to retrieve your vehicle and understand your licensing options is essential to minimizing the financial and logistical impact of a DUI arrest in Costilla County.
Sources
Colorado Transportation Code
Costilla County Towing Regulations
Colorado Department of Licensing and Regulation
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