Delta County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Delta County

A DUI arrest in Delta County, Colorado, can trigger a cascade of immediate problems, one of the most pressing being the impoundment of your vehicle. Understanding the impound and retrieval process is crucial to minimizing expenses and regaining control of your transportation. This guide provides the steps you need to take to get your car back as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you are arrested for DUI in Delta County, the arresting officer will typically have your vehicle towed and impounded. This is done for several reasons: to prevent you from driving under the influence again, to secure the vehicle as potential evidence (especially if an accident was involved), and to comply with standard procedure. The vehicle will be held at a designated impound lot until you, or someone authorized by you, retrieves it after meeting specific requirements and paying all associated fees.

Where Is Your Car?

Your vehicle is most likely being held at:

• D&S Towing: 4862 Hwy 348, Delta, CO 81416.

How to Find Your Vehicle

Locating your vehicle quickly is essential to minimize storage fees. Here's how:

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided you with documentation that includes the name and contact information of the towing company that took your vehicle.
• Call the Delta County Sheriff's Office: If you can't find the paperwork, contact the Delta County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line at (970) 874-2021. Provide them with your name, date of birth, and date of arrest, and they should be able to tell you where your vehicle was towed.
• Reference your booking number: Having your booking number from the Delta County Detention Facility can expedite the process when contacting the Sheriff’s Office. The Detention Facility is located at 555 Palmer Street, Delta, CO 81416.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Before heading to the impound lot, gather all the necessary documents to avoid delays and additional trips.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: You (or the person retrieving the vehicle) must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration or title: Proof of ownership is required. Bring either the vehicle registration or the title.
• Proof of insurance: You must show proof that the vehicle is currently insured.
• Payment for fees: Be prepared to pay all towing and storage fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you cannot personally retrieve the vehicle. In this case:

• Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it: Ask a licensed driver to pick up the vehicle for you.
• They need:
• Their valid driver's license.
• A signed authorization letter from you, granting them permission to retrieve the vehicle on your behalf.
• The vehicle title or registration (to prove ownership).

Costs & Fees in Delta County

The costs associated with impounding your vehicle can add up quickly. Understanding these fees is essential for budgeting and planning.

• Base Hook Fee: The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) establishes maximum rates for non-consensual law enforcement tows. For standard passenger vehicles (under 10,000 lbs), the base rate is approximately $279.78 per hour per truck.
• Storage Fees: D&S Towing charges a daily storage fee. Storage charges accrue daily, typically around $47.12 per day.
• After-Hours Release Fee: Retrieving a vehicle outside of standard business hours (e.g., M-F, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM) triggers a regulated after-hours fee of approximately $103.70.
• Notification Fee: If a vehicle remains unclaimed for a statutory period (typically 2-3 days), the tow operator is legally required to send a certified letter to the registered owner and lienholder. This administrative step adds a $150.00 fee to the bill.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day. Retrieve your vehicle as quickly as possible to minimize expenses. A driver arrested on Friday evening may not be able to retrieve their vehicle until Monday morning unless they pay the substantial after-hours fee. By Monday, the vehicle has accrued three days of storage, the base tow fee, and potentially a notification fee, easily pushing the total recovery cost above $500–$600 before the car even leaves the lot.

Payment

Call D&S Towing in advance to confirm accepted payment methods. Most impound lots accept cash, and some may accept credit cards or money orders. Be prepared to pay the full amount before the vehicle is released.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day costs more money. Contact the impound lot as soon as possible to determine the exact amount due and make arrangements for retrieval.

After 30 Days

Colorado law allows impound lots to initiate a lien sale if the vehicle remains unclaimed for a certain period, typically around 30 days. 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 are struggling to afford the impound fees:

• Contact a family member or friend: Ask for assistance in covering the costs.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available: Some impound lots may offer payment plans, but this is not guaranteed. It's worth asking if they have any options to help you manage the expense.
• Consult with a DUI attorney: In some cases, a DUI attorney may be able to negotiate or challenge the impound fees, especially if there were irregularities in the arrest or impound process.

After Retrieval

Once you have paid the fees and retrieved your vehicle:

• Inspect the vehicle immediately before leaving the lot: Check for any damage that may have occurred while the vehicle was in the impound lot's possession.
• Document any damage with photos: Take clear photos of any dents, scratches, or other damage.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away: Notify the impound lot manager of any damage in writing before leaving the premises. This will help you file a claim if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long do I have to request a DMV hearing after a DUI arrest in Delta County? A: You have only 7 calendar days from the date of your arrest (or the date of the letter informing you of your blood test results) to request a hearing with the Colorado DMV to contest your license revocation. You can request a hearing online, via email to dor_hearingrequest@state.co.us, or in person.

Q: Where is the Delta County Combined Court located? A: The Delta County Combined Court is located at 501 Palmer Street, #338, Delta, CO 81416. Court hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM.

Q: What is the standard bond amount for a first-offense DUI in Delta County? A: The standard bond amount for a first-offense DUI in Delta County is $1,000. However, a summons (PR - Personal Recognizance) is possible.