Montezuma County Vehicle Impound Guide
Impound Cost Calculator
Calculate how much it will cost to retrieve your vehicle from Cortez Towing LLC (PUC T-04494) in Montezuma County, Colorado.
*Estimated fees shown for Montezuma County. Actual fees may vary.
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The First 48 Hours
After a DUI arrest in Montezuma County, your vehicle is likely towed to an impound lot. Storage fees accumulate daily, making time your biggest enemy.
Retrieval Timeline
- 1
Vehicle Towed
Usually within 30 minutes of your arrest.
- 2
Lot Notification
Fees and admin processing start immediately upon arrival.
- 3
Daily Accrual
Fees start at $$48.19/day (Colorado PUC maximum)/day in Montezuma County.
- 4
Final Notice
After 30 days, the lot may begin the auction process.
Required Documents
- Valid Photo ID (License or State ID)
- Vehicle Registration or Title
- Current Proof of Insurance
- Full Payment (Cash/Credit)
- Release Authorization (if not owner)
Owner Not Present?
If the registered owner is in custody, you will need a notarized power of attorney or specific written authorization and a copy of their ID to retrieve the vehicle.
Lot Details & Map
Current storage facility information for Montezuma County. Verify your vehicle's location before traveling.
The Impound “Poverty Trap”
Many people can't afford to get their car out immediately, but waiting only makes it worse.
Here's the vicious cycle:
Can't afford the first 3 days of storage + admin fees
Wait a week to save money → fees double
Can't get to work without car → lose income
Wait 2 weeks → fees triple or quadruple
After 30 days → Car may be auctioned by the lot
What You Can Do
- • Borrow money from family/friends (pay them back later, cheaper than daily fees)
- • Use a credit card (even with interest, cheaper than impound fees)
- • Sell non-essential items quickly
- • Ask your employer for an advance
- • Check if your auto insurance covers towing/storage (some policies do)
Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Montezuma County
Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest
Under Colorado Revised Statutes § 42-4-1801, law enforcement officers initiate an administrative tow immediately following an arrest for driving under the influence. This action occurs because the driver is taken into custody, leaving the vehicle on a public right-of-way without a licensed, sober operator. The arresting agency, whether the Cortez Police Department or the local Sheriff's Office, secures the vehicle by summoning a registered towing contractor to transport it to an impound facility.
The vehicle cannot remain on the roadside. It represents a safety hazard. A towing operator is dispatched immediately to clear the scene.
Where Is Your Car?
The primary towing contractor utilized by law enforcement in Cortez is Kustom Diesel Repair & Towing.
Kustom Diesel Repair & Towing
- Address: 12944 US Hwy 491, Cortez, CO 81321
- Phone: 970-564-6003 (Alternate numbers: 970-640-2849 or 505-419-7254)
- Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, all day. Saturday and Sunday are by appointment only.
A secondary contractor is sometimes used for regional or specialized towing.
Top Gun Towing
- Phone: 505-695-3944
- Hours: 24/7 dispatch and off-road recovery operations.
How to Find Your Vehicle
- Check your arrest paperwork. The specific towing company is listed on the impound form or the summons provided during your release.
- Contact the non-emergency dispatch line for the arresting agency.
- Reference your booking details. Provide your full name, date of arrest, and vehicle license plate number to the dispatcher to verify the storage location.
What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle
Required Documents
To secure the release of your vehicle, you must present specific documentation at the impound lot:
- Photo identification issued by the government.
- Proof of ownership, such as the vehicle registration or the physical title.
- A current, valid certificate of auto insurance.
- Full payment for all accrued towing and storage fees.
If You Don't Have a Valid License
An arrest for driving under the influence results in an administrative license suspension. If your driving privilege is suspended, you cannot legally drive the vehicle off the lot.
- A licensed driver must accompany you to the storage facility to operate the vehicle.
- The licensed driver must present their valid driver's license.
- If you cannot attend the lot in person, the licensed driver must present a signed letter of authorization from you, along with the vehicle title or registration.
Costs & Fees
Towing and storage rates are regulated by the Colorado Public Utilities Commission. These fees accumulate quickly.
Kustom Diesel Repair & Towing enforces the following rate structure:
- Hook Fee: A maximum base fee of $286.15 per hour.
- Mileage Fee: $3.80 per mile, plus applicable fuel surcharges.
- Daily Storage Rate: A maximum of $48.19 per 24-hour period for vehicles weighing under 10,000 pounds.
- Administrative Fee: A statutory notification fee of $75.00 if the vehicle is held past the initial notification window.
- After-Hours Fee: A fee of $106.06 for vehicle releases outside of standard business hours.
Payment
Accepted payment methods include cash, Visa, and Mastercard. Surcharges apply for credit card usage. Call the impound lot in advance to confirm the exact total before arriving.
Storage fees accumulate every calendar day. Retrieve your vehicle as quickly as possible to prevent the debt from compounding.
Timeline
Act Immediately
Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is hooked to the tow truck. A delay of even 24 hours increases the total redemption cost significantly.
After 30 Days
Under Colorado law, unclaimed vehicles held past 30 days are subject to lien sale proceedings. The towing company may sell the vehicle at a public auction to satisfy the unpaid towing and storage debt.
If You Can't Afford the Fees
Contact a family member or friend to help cover the immediate costs. Some impound lots may offer payment plans, but this is at the strict discretion of the lot management and must be negotiated directly.
After Retrieval
Inspect the vehicle thoroughly before moving it from the storage lot. Take clear photographs of the exterior and interior to document the current condition. Report any new damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away.
Need Help Beyond Impound?
If you're dealing with a recent arrest, here are immediate resources for release and legal help: