Moffat County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Moffat County

Being arrested for DUI in Moffat County can be a disorienting experience, and one of the first things you'll likely worry about is your vehicle. Colorado law dictates that your vehicle will be impounded following a DUI arrest. This guide provides immediate, practical information on how to locate and retrieve your vehicle as quickly and efficiently as possible. Time is of the essence, as storage fees accumulate daily.

Where Is Your Car?

When your vehicle is impounded in Moffat County, it will be taken to one of several authorized towing and storage facilities. Knowing where your car is located is the first step in getting it back. Here are a couple of impound lots that the Moffat County Sheriff's Office use:

• Star Towing And Recovery: 1481 Yampa Ave, Craig, CO 81625
• BULLDOG TOWING & RECOVERY: 21 S Ranney St, Craig, CO 81625

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 you with documentation indicating which towing company impounded your vehicle.
• Call the Moffat County Sheriff's Office: Contact the Moffat County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line to inquire about your vehicle's location.
• Reference your booking number: Have your booking number ready when you call, as this will help them locate the necessary information more quickly.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Retrieving your vehicle requires specific documentation and payment of associated fees. Be prepared to present 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 of the vehicle.
• Proof of insurance: Current insurance documentation for the vehicle is required.
• 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 or revoked, you can still retrieve your vehicle, but you'll need someone else to do it for you. Here's what they'll need:

• A licensed friend or family member: They must have a valid driver's license.
• A signed authorization letter from you: This letter must clearly state that you authorize them to retrieve the vehicle on your behalf.
• Vehicle title or registration: Proof of your ownership is still required.

According to Colorado PUC regulations, if the owner is incarcerated or physically unable to retrieve the vehicle, they must draft a written authorization. This document must be in English, specify the proxy's full legal name, include the vehicle's unique identifying data (make, model, and the last six digits of the VIN), and critically, it must be notarized.

Costs & Fees in Moffat County

The costs associated with retrieving your vehicle can add up quickly. Be aware of the following fees:

• Towing Fee: The base financial parameters are explicitly capped by the Colorado PUC. For a standard Law Enforcement-Ordered Tow and Recovery operation, the maximum allowable rate is $102.28 per hour.
• Daily Storage Rate: Contact the specific impound lot to confirm their daily storage rate.

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. Most facilities accept cash and credit cards, as towing carriers are statutorily required to accept credit and debit cards, but are permitted to assess a maximum credit card service fee of 3%.

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 begin the retrieval process.

After 30 Days

Colorado law allows the towing company to initiate abandonment procedures if the vehicle is not claimed within 30 days of sending a certified notice to the address listed on the vehicle's title. Don't let it reach this point; the towing carrier initiates standard procedures under Department of Revenue rules to declare the vehicle abandoned and assume lawful possession, liquidating the asset to recover costs.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you are facing financial hardship and struggling to pay the fees, consider the following:

• Contact a family member or friend: Ask for assistance in covering the costs.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available: Some facilities may offer payment plans to help ease the financial burden.
• Consult with a DUI attorney: In some cases, an attorney may be able to negotiate or challenge the fees.

After Retrieval

• Inspect the vehicle immediately before leaving the lot: Carefully examine the vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while in storage.
• Document any damage with photos: Take clear photos of any damage as evidence.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away: Ensure you have a written record of the damage reported to the facility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where will I be taken after my DUI arrest in Moffat County? A: After a DUI arrest in Moffat County, you will be transported to the Moffat County Jail, located at 800 W. 1st St., Ste. 100, Craig, CO 81625.

Q: What is a PR bond, and can I get one for a first-offense DUI in Moffat County? A: A Personal Recognizance (PR) bond means you don't have to pay bail upfront but promise to appear in court, forfeiting the bond amount ($2,000 in Moffat County for a first offense) if you don't. The 14th Judicial District dictates the bond schedule for Moffat County.

Q: What happens if I can't retrieve my vehicle from the impound lot in Moffat County within 30 days? A: If your vehicle remains unclaimed for 30 days after the towing company sends a certified notice to your address, they can begin the process of declaring it abandoned and selling it to recover their costs.