Logan County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Logan County

Being arrested for DUI in Logan County can be a stressful and confusing experience. One of the immediate concerns is often what happens to your vehicle. In most cases, your car will be impounded following a DUI arrest, leading to additional expenses and logistical challenges. This guide provides a step-by-step overview of how to retrieve your vehicle, understand the costs involved, and navigate the process efficiently.

Where Is Your Car?

After a DUI arrest by the Sterling Police Department or the Logan County Sheriff's Office, your vehicle is most likely taken to:

Wiggins Junction Towing & Roadside (Sterling Terminal) 504 S 7th Avenue, Sterling, CO 80751 970-483-7777

A & R Towing and Little Tornado Towing & Recovery may also be used.

How to Find Your Vehicle

If you are unsure where your vehicle was towed, here are a few ways to find out:

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided documentation indicating the towing company used.
• Call the Logan County Sheriff's Office: You can call their non-emergency line to inquire about the location of your vehicle.
• Reference your booking number: Have your booking number ready when calling to help them locate your information quickly.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Retrieving your vehicle requires specific documentation and payment. Being prepared will streamline the process.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: You must have a valid driver's license to drive the vehicle off the lot.
• Vehicle registration or title: Proof of ownership is essential. Bring your vehicle registration or title.
• Proof of insurance: You'll need to demonstrate current insurance coverage for the vehicle.
• Payment for fees: Be prepared to pay all applicable towing and storage fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your driver's license was confiscated due to the DUI arrest (as is standard procedure under Colorado's Express Consent laws), you can still retrieve the vehicle, but you cannot drive it off the lot yourself. Here's what you need to do:

• Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it: Ask someone with a valid license to accompany you.
• 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.

If the vehicle lacks current, matching insurance or valid registration, it cannot be driven off the lot under any circumstances; it must be towed off the lot to a private residence or mechanic at your additional expense.

Costs & Fees in Logan County

Understanding the costs associated with retrieving your vehicle is crucial. These fees can add up quickly, so prompt action is essential.

• Tow Fee: $102.28 base hourly rate + $3.80/mile + Fuel Surcharge
• Daily Storage Rate: $48.19/day (Vehicles < 10,000 lbs) / $59.45/day (Vehicles > 10,000 lbs)
• Admin/Processing Fee: Statutory Notification Fee: $150.00 (from public property)
• After-Hours Release Fee: $106.06 (if retrieving vehicle outside of standard business hours).

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

Payment

Call Wiggins Junction Towing & Roadside (Sterling Terminal) at 970-483-7777 in advance to confirm their accepted payment methods. They typically accept cash, Visa, and Mastercard (credit card surcharge permitted pursuant to § 5-2-212, C.R.S.).

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day costs more money. Contact the towing company as soon as possible to initiate the retrieval process.

After 30 Days

In Colorado, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period, the impound lot can initiate a lien sale to recover the outstanding fees. Do not let it reach this point. Contact Wiggins Junction Towing & Roadside immediately to retrieve your vehicle before it is sold.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you are facing financial difficulties and cannot afford the towing and storage fees, consider the following options:

• Contact a family member or friend: Ask for assistance in covering the costs.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available: While not legally obligated for law enforcement tows, some companies may offer payment arrangements.
• Consult with your attorney: In some cases, a DUI attorney can negotiate or challenge excessive fees.

After Retrieval

• Inspect the vehicle immediately before leaving the lot: Check for any damage that may have occurred while in custody.
• Document any damage with photos: Take clear photographs of any dents, scratches, or other damage.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away: Obtain a written acknowledgment of your report.

Property Retrieval Loophole

If you cannot afford the exorbitant tow bill immediately, you still retain the legal right to retrieve necessary personal property from the vehicle. However, for a law enforcement tow, the towing company is legally permitted to assess a fee of up to $100 per hour to supervise the retrieval of general property.

State law mandates that certain "protected items" must be released to the owner at no charge, regardless of the outstanding tow bill. These protected items explicitly include prescription medications, necessary medical equipment, child restraint systems (car seats), wallets and state/federal identification, cellular telephones, and cash or credit cards (specifically if those funds are going to be used for the immediate payment of the tow bill).

Frequently Asked Questions

1Can I get my car back on a payment plan after a DUI tow in Logan County? No, the "Towing Bill of Rights" legislation allowing payment plans applies only to residential private property impounds, not law enforcement-ordered tows like those resulting from a DUI arrest. You must pay the full amount owed to retrieve your vehicle.

2What happens if there's a "law enforcement hold" on my vehicle at Wiggins Junction Towing? If your vehicle has a "law enforcement hold," you must contact the Sterling PD, Logan County Sheriff, or CSP (depending on who made the arrest) to have the hold officially lifted before the towing company can release the vehicle, even if you pay all the fees.

3What if I can't pick up my car during Wiggins Junction Towing's regular business hours? Wiggins Junction operates 24/7. However, if you arrive before 8:00 AM or after 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, or anytime on a weekend or state holiday, you will be charged an "After Hours Release Fee" of $106.06. Always call 970-483-7777 prior to arrival to ensure a yard attendant is present at the Sterling terminal.