La Plata County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in La Plata County

Being arrested for DUI in La Plata County can trigger a cascade of stressful events, and one of the most immediate concerns is often: what happens to my car? Typically, when you're taken into custody for DUI, the arresting officer has the authority to impound your vehicle. This is standard procedure to remove the vehicle from the road and ensure public safety. Understanding the impound process and acting quickly are crucial to minimizing costs and reclaiming your vehicle as soon as possible.

Where Is Your Car?

Due to La Plata County's large geographical area, your vehicle could be at one of several locations depending on which agency made the arrest and where your vehicle was located. Here are some of the common impound lots used in the county:

• Cowboy Towing and Recovery: 93 Country Meadows Pl, Ignacio, CO 81137. Phone: N/A.
• A-1 Towing: 3699 Co Rd 510, Durango, CO 81303. Phone: N/A.

How to Find Your Vehicle

Locating your vehicle quickly is essential to minimize storage fees. Here are a few ways to determine where your car is impounded:

• Check Your Arrest Paperwork: The arresting officer typically notes the name and contact information of the towing company on the paperwork you receive at the time of your arrest.
• Call the La Plata County Sheriff's Office: Contact the non-emergency line for the La Plata County Sheriff's Office to inquire about the location of your vehicle.
• Reference Your Booking Number: Have your booking number ready when you call, as this will help the agency locate your information more efficiently.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Before heading to the impound lot, ensure you have all the necessary documentation to avoid delays and additional trips.

Required Documents

• Valid Driver's License: You (or the person retrieving the vehicle) must have a valid, unexpired driver's license. If your license was confiscated due to the DUI arrest, see the section below.
• Vehicle Registration or Title: You must provide proof of ownership, such as the vehicle's registration or title.
• Proof of Insurance: Current proof of insurance for the vehicle is required.
• Payment for Fees: Be prepared to pay all towing and storage fees. Contact the lot in advance to confirm accepted payment methods.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license was confiscated during the DUI arrest under Colorado's Express Consent Law, you cannot legally drive the vehicle off the lot. Here's how to proceed:

• Have a Licensed Friend or Family Member Retrieve It: The easiest solution is to have a licensed friend or family member retrieve the vehicle for you.
• They Need: Their valid driver's license, a signed authorization letter from you granting them permission to retrieve the vehicle, and the vehicle's title or registration to prove ownership.

Costs & Fees in La Plata County

The costs associated with retrieving your vehicle can add up quickly, so understanding the fee structure is crucial. Keep in mind that towing companies in Colorado are regulated by the state's Public Utilities Commission (PUC).

• Daily Storage Rate: Expect to pay a daily storage fee of $48.19 for standard vehicles (less than 10,000 lbs GVWR). These fees accrue every 24 hours.
• Tow Fee: The base rate for a law enforcement-ordered tow is $102.28 per hour, plus potential mileage and fuel surcharges.
• Admin/Processing Fee: A $150.00 statutory notification fee may be applied if the towing company is required to notify the owner that the vehicle was impounded from public property.

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

Payment

Call the specific impound lot in advance to confirm which payment methods they accept. Most accept cash and credit cards (Visa/Mastercard). Some may also accept money orders, but it's best to verify beforehand. Tow companies are legally not required to offer payment plans for law enforcement-authorized tows; payment must be made in full prior to release.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day that passes increases the total cost of retrieving your vehicle. Contact the arresting agency and the potential impound lots as soon as possible to determine the vehicle's location and the steps required for release.

After 30 Days

In Colorado, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period (typically around 30 days), the impound lot can initiate a lien sale to recover the outstanding fees. This means they can legally sell your vehicle to cover the costs. Do not let it reach this point.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

The costs associated with impoundment can be a significant financial burden. Here are a few options to explore if you're struggling to afford the fees:

• Contact a Family Member or Friend: Reach out to family members or friends who may be able to help cover the costs.
• Ask the Impound Lot About Payment Plans: While not always available, some impound lots may offer payment plans or installment options. It's worth asking if this is a possibility.
• Consult with Your Attorney: Your DUI attorney may be able to negotiate with the towing company or challenge the fees in certain circumstances. The La Plata County District Attorney's Office utilizes an advanced Data Dashboard to track prosecutorial performance, so consult with your attorney about your options.

After Retrieval

Before driving your vehicle off the impound lot, take the following steps:

• Inspect the Vehicle Immediately: Carefully inspect the vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.
• Document Any Damage with Photos: Take detailed photos of any damage you find.
• Report Any Damage to the Lot Manager in Writing: Immediately report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away. This will help protect your rights if you need to file a claim later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I get my personal belongings out of my car before I retrieve it? A: Yes, Colorado law mandates that tow operators must release specific "protected items" at no charge. These include prescription medications, medical equipment or devices, child restraint systems, credit cards and cash (if the funds will be used for immediate payment of the tow bill), state or federal identification, and cellular telephones.

Q: What happens if I can't retrieve my car within 30 days in La Plata County? A: If your vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period, the impound lot can initiate a lien sale to recover the outstanding fees.

Q: Can I challenge the impound fees if I think they are too high in La Plata County? A: If you believe the impoundment was legally unjustified or that predatory billing practices were utilized, the mechanism to contest it involves a complex interplay with the criminal court and state regulatory agencies. Challenges are typically addressed during the broader criminal proceedings via motions to suppress evidence, or through a formal civil complaint filed with the Colorado Public Utilities Commission regarding tariff violations.