Montrose County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Montrose County

Being arrested for DUI in Montrose County can be a disorienting and stressful experience. Beyond the immediate legal concerns, the impoundment of your vehicle presents a pressing logistical and financial challenge. When you are arrested for DUI, the arresting officer will typically have your vehicle towed and impounded. This is done to ensure public safety and prevent you from driving under the influence again immediately after your release. This guide provides the essential steps to locate, retrieve, and handle the costs associated with getting your car back.

Where Is Your Car?

Your vehicle was likely towed to one of the contracted impound lots serving Montrose County. Here are the currently known impound locations:

• APEX Towing LLC: 9009 6075 Rd, Montrose, CO 81401
• D & G Wrecker Service: 1775 Launa Dr, Montrose, CO 81401

Keep in mind that many rural towing operations possess minimal administrative staff. It is highly common for these facilities to close completely for a standard lunch hour (typically 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM) and to enforce strict daily cutoff times for administrative releases (e.g., refusing to process release paperwork after 4:30 PM, despite the gates remaining open until 5:00 PM). Upon identifying the vendor via the police records department, it's crucial to call the private tow yard directly to confirm exact administrative release hours, acceptable payment methods (confirming whether they require exact cash or accept major credit cards), and any specific cutoff times for that specific business day.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Check Your Arrest Paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided you with documentation that includes the name and contact information of the towing company that impounded your vehicle. This is the fastest way to determine its location.
• Call the Montrose County Sheriff's Office: If you cannot locate the paperwork, you can contact the Montrose County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line to inquire about the location of your vehicle.
• Reference Your Booking Number: When you call, provide your booking number to help them quickly locate the information.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Before heading to the impound lot, gather all the necessary documents to avoid delays and additional trips.

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. A copy of the vehicle registration or the vehicle title is acceptable.
• Proof of Insurance: You must show proof that the vehicle is currently insured.
• Payment for Fees: Be prepared to pay all towing and storage fees. Contact the specific impound lot to confirm their accepted methods of payment (cash, credit card, etc.).

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you cannot personally retrieve the vehicle. In this case:

• Have a Licensed Friend or Family Member Retrieve It: A licensed driver can pick up the vehicle on your behalf.
• They Need:
• Their valid driver's license.
• A signed authorization letter from you, granting them permission to retrieve the vehicle.
• The vehicle title or registration in your name.

Costs & Fees in Montrose County

Impound fees can quickly add up, so it's essential to understand the costs involved. Remember that the information below may be subject to change, so always confirm directly with the impound lot.

• Daily Storage Fee: Contact APEX Towing LLC and D & G Wrecker Service to inquire about their specific daily storage fees.
• Towing Fee: The initial towing fee can vary depending on the distance and circumstances of the tow.

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

Payment

Call the specific impound lot before you go to confirm their accepted payment methods. Some lots may only accept cash or money orders, while others may accept credit cards.

Timeline

Time is of the essence when it comes to retrieving your impounded vehicle.

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day that passes increases the total amount you will owe.

After 30 Days

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

If You Can't Afford the Fees

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

• Contact a Family Member or Friend: Ask for assistance in covering the costs.
• Ask the Impound Lot About a Payment Plan: Some impound lots may offer payment plans, but this is not guaranteed. It's worth inquiring about.
• Consult with a DUI Attorney: A DUI attorney may be able to negotiate with the impound lot or challenge the fees in certain circumstances.

After Retrieval

Once you have paid the fees and are ready to take your vehicle, take these precautions:

• Inspect the Vehicle: Before leaving the lot, carefully inspect the vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was in impound.
• Document Any Damage: Take photos of any damage you find.
• Report Any Damage: Immediately report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away. This creates a record of your claim and protects your rights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long do I have to get my car out of impound in Montrose County? A: While there isn't a specific deadline, storage fees accrue daily, and after approximately 30 days, the impound lot can initiate a lien sale to recover costs. Act quickly to minimize expenses and prevent the loss of your vehicle.

Q: Can someone else pick up my car for me if my license is suspended in Montrose County? A: Yes, a licensed driver can retrieve your vehicle. They will need their valid driver's license, a signed authorization letter from you, and the vehicle's title or registration.

Q: What happens if I can't afford to get my car out of impound in Montrose County? A: Contact family or friends for financial assistance, inquire about payment plans with the impound lot, and consult with a DUI attorney to explore possible fee negotiation or challenges.