Dolores County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Dolores County

Being arrested for DUI in Dolores County is a stressful experience, and one of the immediate concerns is often: what happens to my car? In most DUI cases, the arresting officer will have your vehicle towed and impounded. This is done to ensure public safety and prevent you from driving under the influence again immediately after your release. Understanding the process for retrieving your vehicle is crucial to minimize costs and avoid further complications. Here's a step-by-step guide to getting your car back.

Where Is Your Car?

Your vehicle is likely being held at one of the following impound locations in Dolores County:

• Dolores County Sheriff: Dolores County Courthouse, 409 Main St, Dove Creek, CO 81324. Phone: N/A. Daily Fee: $N/A
• Dolores County Assessor: Dolores County Courthouse, 409 Main St, Dove Creek, CO 81324. Phone: N/A. Daily Fee: $N/A

It's important to confirm the exact location of your vehicle as soon as possible.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided you with paperwork indicating which towing company was used and where your vehicle was taken.
• Call the Dolores County Sheriff's Office: If you can't find the information on your paperwork, contact the Dolores County Sheriff's Office at 409 N. Main St, Dove Creek. The phone number is N/A. Provide your name and any details you have about the arrest, and they should be able to tell you where your vehicle is impounded.
• Reference your booking number: Having your booking number ready when you call can help the Sheriff's Office locate your vehicle information more quickly.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Before you head to the impound lot, make sure you have all the necessary documentation. The impound lot will require specific documents to release your vehicle.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: You (or the person retrieving the vehicle) must have a valid driver's license. If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, see the section below.
• Vehicle registration or title: You must provide proof that you own the vehicle. This can be either the vehicle registration or the title.
• Proof of insurance: You'll need to show proof of current insurance coverage for the vehicle.
• Payment for fees: Be prepared to pay the towing and storage fees. The impound lot will likely accept cash, and some may accept credit cards or money orders. Call ahead to confirm their accepted payment methods.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your driver's 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: You can authorize a licensed driver to pick up the vehicle for you. They will need to bring:
• Their valid driver's license.
• A signed authorization letter from you, granting them permission to retrieve the vehicle.
• The vehicle title or registration in your name.
• Wait until your driving privileges are reinstated: While not ideal due to accruing storage fees, you can wait until you are eligible for license reinstatement through the Colorado DMV. Colorado law § 42-4-1301.1 outlines the administrative suspension process. This typically involves completing any required DUI education or therapy, paying reinstatement fees, and potentially installing an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) as mandated by the DMV. Reinstating a driver's license in Dolores County involves navigating a bureaucratic maze with limited local resources. A $95 reinstatement fee and a $25 DUI restoration fee are standard.

Costs & Fees in Dolores County

Towing and storage fees can add up quickly, so it's essential to understand the potential costs involved.

The Dolores County Sheriff charges a daily storage fee of $N/A. These fees begin accruing the moment your vehicle is impounded.

Non-consensual tows are regulated by the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC). However, rural mileage fees can be substantial. The maximum mileage rate is approx. $3.80 per mile, plus a hook-up fee (often $200+) and daily storage ($30-$50/day).

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day. Retrieve your vehicle as quickly as possible to minimize expenses.

Payment

Call the impound lot in advance to confirm accepted payment methods (cash, credit card, money order). Be prepared to pay the full amount due before the vehicle will be released.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day your vehicle remains impounded costs you more money. Contact the impound lot as soon as possible to determine the exact fees and arrange for retrieval.

After 30 Days

Most states, including Colorado, allow the impound lot to initiate a lien sale if the vehicle remains unclaimed for a certain period (typically 30 days). This means they can sell your vehicle to cover the outstanding towing and storage fees. Do not let it reach this point. Take action to retrieve your vehicle well before the 30-day mark.

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 cover the costs.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available: Some impound lots may be willing to work out a payment plan, allowing you to pay the fees in installments. It's worth asking, but be prepared for them to say no.
• Consult with a DUI attorney: A DUI attorney may be able to negotiate the fees or challenge the impoundment if there were any irregularities in the process.

After Retrieval

Once you've paid the fees and retrieved your vehicle, 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 impounded.
• Document any damage with photos: Take photos of any 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 for damages later.

Retrieving your vehicle after a DUI arrest in Dolores County requires prompt action and careful attention to detail. By following these steps, you can minimize costs and avoid further complications.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where will my administrative license hearing be held after a DUI arrest in Dolores County? Hearings for Dolores County arrests are not held in Dove Creek. They are conducted remotely (by phone or video) by hearing officers based in Denver or regional hubs.
2. Are there any certified Ignition Interlock Device (IID) installers in Dove Creek? No, there are no certified IID installers located in Dove Creek. Residents must travel to Cortez or Durango for installation and monthly calibration. Smart Start (Audio Box) is located at 23 N Maple St, Cortez, CO 81321.
3. If my car is impounded, where will it likely be towed in Dolores County? The DCSO utilizes a rotation of private towing companies. In the Dove Creek area, the primary operator cited in logistics is D & D Auto at 119 Hwy 491, Dove Creek, CO 81324.