Lincoln County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Lincoln County

After a DUI arrest in Lincoln County, one of the first things you'll need to deal with is getting your vehicle back. Colorado law enforcement will impound your vehicle for several reasons after a DUI arrest. Because you are incapacitated, and because leaving a vehicle on the roadside is dangerous, the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office will arrange a tow to an impound lot. Retrieving your vehicle quickly is important to minimize storage fees.

Where Is Your Car?

Your vehicle was likely towed to one of the following impound lots:

• Spartan Towing & Recovery: 208 W Co Rd 10E, Berthoud, CO 80513
• Dillon Towing & Recovery: 240 Brian Ave, Silverthorne, CO 80498

How to Find Your Vehicle

Here are a few ways to confirm where your vehicle was towed:

• Check your arrest paperwork: The name and contact information for the towing company should be listed on the documents you received at the time of your arrest.
• Call the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office: Contact the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office to inquire about the location of your vehicle. You can find contact information on the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office website.
• Reference your booking number: Have your booking number ready when you call to help them locate your vehicle information quickly.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

You'll need specific documents to retrieve your vehicle from the impound lot. Make sure you have everything ready to avoid delays.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: You (or the person retrieving the vehicle) must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration or title: You must provide proof of ownership.
• Proof of insurance: The vehicle must be 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 can still have someone else retrieve the vehicle for you. They will need:

• Their valid driver's license
• A signed authorization letter from you giving them permission to pick up the vehicle.
• Vehicle title or registration in your name.

Costs & Fees in Lincoln County

Towing and storage fees can add up quickly, so understanding the costs is essential. Towing fees are set at the state level as defined by the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC)

Here are the storage fees for the specified impound lots:

• Spartan Towing & Recovery: Daily Fee: $N/A
• Dillon Towing & Recovery: Daily Fee: $N/A

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day, including weekends and holidays. The sooner you retrieve your vehicle, the less you'll pay.

Payment

Contact the impound lot before you go to find out what forms of payment they accept. Most accept cash, and some may take credit cards or money orders. Call:

• Spartan Towing & Recovery: Phone: N/A
• Dillon Towing & Recovery: Phone: N/A

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees begin accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day your vehicle remains at the impound lot increases the total cost.

After 30 Days

In Colorado, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for a certain period (typically 30 days), the impound lot can initiate a lien sale to recover their fees. Don't let it get to this point. Contact the impound lot and make arrangements to retrieve your vehicle as soon as possible.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you're struggling to afford the impound fees, consider these options:

• Contact a family member or friend: Ask for assistance to help cover the costs.
• Ask the impound lot about a payment plan: Some impound lots may offer payment plans. It doesn't hurt to ask.

After Retrieval

Before leaving the impound lot with your vehicle:

• Inspect the vehicle thoroughly: Look for any new damage that may have occurred while the vehicle was in the lot.
• Document any damage with photos: Take clear photos of any scratches, dents, or other damage.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away: Get a signed copy of the report for your records. This will be crucial if you need to file a claim for damages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long do I have to request an Express Consent hearing with the DMV after a DUI arrest in Lincoln County? A: You have a strictly enforced, non-negotiable window of seven (7) calendar days from the date of the arrest to formally request an administrative hearing with the Colorado DMV to contest the revocation of your license. This is according to Colorado's Express Consent law.

Q: Where do I file for an Express Consent hearing with the DMV? A: The hearing request must be filed directly with the state's central administrative body, not the Lincoln County courthouse. Send it to: Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles Driver Control Section, Rm. 164, Attn: Express Consent, P.O. Box 173350, Denver, CO 80217-3350, or email dor_hearingrequest@state.co.us.

Q: What is the best way to ensure I don't miss the 7-day deadline for requesting a DMV hearing? A: Because missing the 7-day deadline results in automatic license suspension, it is highly recommended that you retain absolute proof of transmission (e.g., a fax confirmation sheet or email receipt) when submitting your request.