Otero County Vehicle Impound Guide
Impound Cost Calculator — Otero County, Colorado
Calculate how much it will cost to retrieve your vehicle from the impound lot.
*Estimated fees shown. Actual fees in Otero County may vary. Contact the impound lot directly for exact costs.
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The First 48 Hours Are Critical
After a arrest in Otero County, your vehicle is likely towed to an impound lot. Storage fees accumulate daily, making time your biggest enemy.
What Happens Immediately After Arrest
- 1
Vehicle is towed (usually within 30 minutes of arrest)
- 2
Tow company notifies impound lot (charges start immediately)
- 3
Storage fees begin accruing daily in Otero County
- 4
Administrative fees added (varies by lot)
Documents You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle
- Valid photo ID (driver's license or state ID)
- Vehicle registration or title
- Proof of insurance
- Payment for all fees (see calculator above)
- Release authorization (if not the registered owner)
Can Someone Else Pick Up My Car?
Yes, but they'll need:
- • Written authorization from the registered owner
- • Copy of owner's ID
- • Their own valid ID
- • Proof of insurance in their name or the owner's name
Find Impound Lots in Otero County
Call Before You Go
Verify your vehicle is at this lot and confirm the exact amount owed before making the trip. Hours and fees may change without notice.
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)
Ruby's Auto Body & Towing at 213 W 3rd St, La Junta, CO 81050, is the primary towing operator for the La Junta Police Department and the Otero County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) for DUI impounds.
Vehicle Impound After a DUI in Otero County: What You Need to Know
If you've been arrested for DUI in Otero County, Colorado, your vehicle was likely impounded. Understanding the process for getting it back is crucial, as storage fees accumulate quickly, and Colorado law allows the tow operator to deem the vehicle abandoned after 72 hours of notification.
Getting Your Vehicle Released: The Law Enforcement Hold
The biggest hurdle is the "Law Enforcement Hold" placed on vehicles after a DUI arrest. The Otero County Sheriff's Office (OCSO) will not release the vehicle until the driver is sober or a licensed, sober agent is present. You'll need a "Tow Release" form from the OCSO Administration window at 220 E 2nd St, La Junta, before Ruby's Auto Body & Towing will release your vehicle.
Important: The OCSO Administration window operates on a rigid schedule and research indicates a high probability of a hard closure from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. If you are released from the Otero County Detention Center (OCDC) near lunchtime, you may be stuck waiting, and accumulating storage fees.
Potential Additional Tow Operators
While Ruby's is the primary tow operator for La Junta, depending on where the arrest occurred, your vehicle may have been towed by another company. Specifically:
- Hook Towing LLC: Also listed as an active carrier in La Junta.
- Arkansas Valley Diesel Service: Based in Lamar, they may handle tows along Highway 50 towards Lamar, closer to the Bent County line. This would significantly complicate retrieval, requiring travel to Lamar.
Fees and Financial Considerations
The cost of towing and storage can be a significant burden. While the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) regulates base rates, additional fees can add up.
"Gold Dust" Insight: Personal Property Remember that Colorado PUC regulations mandate that a towing carrier must release "Life Essential" items without payment of the tow bill. These include:
- Prescription medication.
- Medical equipment.
- Child restraint systems (car seats).
- State or Federal Identification (Driver's License, Passport).
- Cellular telephones.
- Credit cards/Cash.
A common tactic is to hold the vehicle registration (usually in the glovebox) hostage until the entire bill is paid. However, you need the registration to get the release form from the Sheriff's Office. Argue PUC Rule 6511 to access the glovebox and retrieve your registration.
Abandonment Risk
Under Colorado law (C.R.S. 42-4-1801), your vehicle can be considered abandoned if left in the impound lot for more than 72 hours after the law enforcement agency notifies the owner. Given the possibility of slow mail service to rural addresses, be proactive and retrieve your vehicle as soon as possible.
Reach out to the Otero County Sheriff’s Office at 220 E 2nd St for your tow release.
Sources
Colorado Transportation Code
Otero County Towing Regulations
Colorado Department of Licensing and Regulation
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