Hinsdale County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Hinsdale County

Being arrested for DUI in Hinsdale County, Colorado, is a stressful experience, and one immediate concern is often the status of your vehicle. Colorado law enforcement officers typically impound vehicles following a DUI arrest to prevent further potentially impaired driving. Understanding the impound process and what it takes to retrieve your car is crucial to minimizing expenses and navigating the aftermath of your arrest. This guide provides practical steps for getting your vehicle back as quickly as possible.

Where Is Your Car?

After a DUI arrest in Hinsdale County, your vehicle is most likely towed to one of the contracted impound lots located outside the county. Given the limited services available in Hinsdale County, vehicles are often towed to Montrose or Gunnison. Here are some likely locations:

• M&H Towing and Recovery: 1237 Spring Creek Rd, Montrose, CO 81403.
• J&Y towing,hauling and recovery LLC: 16178 6400 Rd, Montrose, CO 81403.

How to Find Your Vehicle

Locating your vehicle quickly is essential to reduce storage fees. Here are a few ways to determine where your car was towed:

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer typically provides documentation indicating the towing company and impound lot where your vehicle was taken.
• Call the Hinsdale County Sheriff's Office: Contact the Hinsdale County Sheriff's Office using their non-emergency line to inquire about the location of your vehicle.
• Reference your booking number: When you call, provide your booking number to help them locate your vehicle's impound information more efficiently.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

To retrieve your vehicle from the impound lot, you will generally need the following:

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, such as the vehicle registration or title.
• Proof of insurance: You will need to show proof of current insurance coverage for the vehicle.
• Payment for fees: You must pay all applicable towing and storage fees before the vehicle will be released.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your driver's 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: A licensed individual can pick up the vehicle on your behalf.
• They need: Their valid driver's license, a signed authorization letter from you granting them permission to retrieve the vehicle, and the vehicle title or registration to prove ownership.

Costs & Fees in Hinsdale County

Towing and storage fees can accumulate rapidly, so understanding the costs involved is crucial. Since Hinsdale County contracts with towing companies outside the county, you will likely incur additional mileage fees. Be sure to verify the exact fees with the impound lot.

The daily storage fee at both M&H Towing and Recovery and J&Y towing,hauling and recovery LLC is $N/A.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day. Contact the impound lot as soon as possible to determine the exact amount due and arrange for retrieval.

Payment

Call the impound lot in advance to confirm accepted payment methods. Most impound lots accept cash, and many also accept credit cards or money orders. Confirming payment options beforehand can save you time and prevent delays.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees begin accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day your vehicle remains in the impound lot costs more money. Because Hinsdale County lacks local infrastructure, the fees can accumulate before you can even arrange transport to the location.

After 30 Days

Colorado law allows impound lots to initiate a lien sale if a vehicle remains unclaimed for a certain period, typically around 30 days. This means the lot can sell your vehicle to recover the outstanding fees. To prevent this, take immediate action to retrieve your vehicle.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you are struggling to afford the towing and storage fees:

• 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 offer payment plans to help alleviate the financial burden.
• Consult with your attorney: In some cases, your attorney may be able to negotiate or challenge the fees.

After Retrieval

• Inspect the vehicle immediately before leaving the lot: Carefully examine your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.
• Document any damage with photos: Take photos of any damage as evidence.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away: Notify the impound lot manager of the damage in writing before leaving the premises. This will help protect your rights if you need to file a claim for damages.

Frequently Asked Questions

**1. How long do I have to retrieve my vehicle from the impound lot in Hinsdale County?*Colorado law allows the impound lot to begin lien sale proceedings after a certain period, typically around 30 days. Contact the specific impound lot holding your vehicle to confirm their exact policy and avoid losing your car.

**2. Can I get a temporary permit to drive my car from the impound lot if my license is suspended?*No. A temporary permit will not be issued for this purpose. A licensed driver must retrieve the vehicle.

**3. What happens if I abandon my vehicle at the impound lot?*If you abandon your vehicle, the impound lot will eventually sell it at auction to recover the towing and storage fees. You could also face additional legal consequences for abandoning a vehicle.