Custer County Vehicle Impound Guide
Impound Cost Calculator — Custer County, Colorado
Calculate how much it will cost to retrieve your vehicle from the impound lot.
*Estimated fees shown. Actual fees in Custer 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 Custer 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 Custer 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 Custer 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)
Custer County DUI Impound: What You Need to Know NOW
If you've been arrested for DUI in Custer County, Colorado, your vehicle was likely impounded. You have 7 days from the date of your arrest to request a DMV hearing to challenge the revocation of your driver's license. Understanding the impound process and your rights is crucial to getting your vehicle back and navigating the complexities of a Custer County DUI.
Why Was My Car Impounded?
In Colorado, a DUI arrest often leads to immediate vehicle impoundment. This is especially true in Custer County, where both the Custer County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) and the Colorado State Patrol (CSP) prioritize DUI enforcement due to the high risk of accidents on winding mountain roads like Highway 69 and Highway 96. Impoundment serves several purposes: removing impaired drivers from the road, preventing further offenses, and ensuring compliance with legal proceedings.
Where is My Car?
Your vehicle is most likely being held at Baltzly Towing LLC in Westcliffe. Their address is not publicly available, but you can reach them at 719-783-3360. Baltzly Towing is the primary towing provider for law enforcement in Custer County. Contact them immediately to confirm they have your vehicle and to inquire about their release procedures.
What Will It Cost to Get My Car Back?
Releasing your vehicle from impound involves several fees. Colorado's Public Utilities Commission (PUC) regulates towing rates, and Baltzly Towing is bound by these regulations. Here's a breakdown of potential costs as of February 2026:
- Base Tow Fee (Maximum): $245.32
- Law Enforcement Ordered Hourly Rate (Maximum): $279.78 (This could apply if the tow required significant time due to the vehicle's location or condition.)
- Mileage Rate: $3.80 per mile (from the location of impound to the storage facility)
- Fuel Surcharge: $0.25 (This surcharge fluctuates based on fuel prices)
- Daily Storage Fee (Maximum): $47.12 per day
- After-Hours Fee: $103.70 (If you attempt to retrieve your vehicle outside of normal business hours)
- Notification Fee: $75.00
These fees can add up quickly, especially with daily storage charges. Contact Baltzly Towing immediately to minimize storage costs.
What Do I Need to Retrieve My Vehicle?
Before Baltzly Towing will release your vehicle, you'll typically need to provide the following:
- Proof of Ownership: Vehicle title or registration.
- Valid Driver's License: If your license is suspended due to the DUI, you'll need someone with a valid license to retrieve the vehicle.
- Proof of Insurance: Current insurance policy for the vehicle.
- Payment: Cash, credit card, or certified check to cover all towing and storage fees.
- Release Form (if required): The CCSO or the court may require a release form before the towing company can release the vehicle. Check with the court clerk at the Custer Combined Court (205 S. 6th St., PO Box 60, Westcliffe, CO 81252; 719-783-2274) to see if a release is needed.
The "Rural Penalty" and Logistical Challenges
Custer County's rural location presents unique challenges for DUI defendants. The closure of the Custer County Jail means you were likely transported to the Fremont County Detention Center in Cañon City after your arrest. This distance impacts every aspect of your case, including vehicle recovery.
What About My Driver's License?
Your driver's license is likely subject to immediate revocation following a DUI arrest. You have 7 days from the date of your arrest to request a hearing with the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to challenge this revocation. You can request this hearing online at mydmv.colorado.gov or in writing. The nearest full-service DMV office is in Cañon City (127 Justice Center Road, Suite K, Cañon City, CO 81212). Missing this deadline results in automatic license suspension.
Next Steps:
- Contact Baltzly Towing (719-783-3360) to confirm they have your vehicle and determine the exact fees for release.
- Request a DMV Hearing IMMEDIATELY to challenge the license revocation.
- If needed, contact the Custer Combined Court (719-783-2274) to determine if a vehicle release form is required.
Sources
Colorado Transportation Code
Custer County Towing Regulations
Colorado Department of Licensing and Regulation
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