Park County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Park County

Being arrested for DUI in Park County, Colorado, is a stressful experience. Beyond the legal ramifications, you're likely wondering what happens to your vehicle. In most cases, your car will be impounded, and understanding the retrieval process is crucial to minimize expenses and avoid further complications. This guide provides immediate, practical steps to get your car back as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for DUI in Park County, the arresting officer will arrange to have your vehicle towed and impounded. This is standard procedure to ensure public safety and prevent an unlicensed or impaired driver from operating the vehicle. The vehicle will be held at a designated impound lot until you, or someone authorized by you, completes the necessary steps for its release.

Where Is Your Car?

Your vehicle is likely being held at South Park Repair LLC (South Park Towing), located at 19389 US HWY 285, Fairplay, CO 80440. The phone number is 719-427-0002. Unlike urban jurisdictions where law enforcement agencies rotate calls among dozens of towing companies, Park County’s vast geography and low population density result in a de facto monopoly or duopoly system in specific sectors.

How to Find Your Vehicle

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

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided documentation indicating the name and contact information of the towing company.
• Call the Park County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: Contact the Park County Sheriff’s Office at 719-836-4121 (Opt 5). Provide your name and date of arrest, and they should be able to tell you where your vehicle was towed.
• Reference your booking number: This number will help the Sheriff's Office quickly locate your information and the location of your vehicle.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Before heading to the impound lot, make sure you have all the necessary documents and are prepared to pay the required fees.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: The person retrieving the vehicle must have a valid driver's license. If your license was seized due to the DUI arrest, see the section below.
• Vehicle registration or title: You must provide proof of ownership, such as the vehicle registration or title.
• Proof of insurance: You'll need to show proof of current insurance coverage for the vehicle.
• Payment for fees: Be prepared to pay all towing and storage fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your driver's license was confiscated due to the DUI arrest, you can still retrieve your vehicle, but you'll need someone with a valid license to do so.

• Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it: Ask a licensed friend or family member to pick up the vehicle for you.
• They need: Their valid driver's license, a signed authorization letter from you (stating they have permission to retrieve the vehicle on your behalf), and the vehicle's title or registration. The tow operator acts as a gatekeeper and will not release the vehicle to an unlicensed operator.

Costs & Fees in Park County

Towing and storage fees can add up quickly, so it's essential to understand the costs involved.

• Law Enforcement Tow: ~$100.00 / hour. Hourly rate often applies for recovery/cleanup time.
• Storage (Light Duty): ~$47.12 / 24-hours. For vehicles < 10,000 lbs GVWR. Accrues daily.
• Storage (Medium/Heavy): ~$58.13 / 24-hours. For vehicles > 10,000 lbs GVWR.
• After-Hours Release: ~$103.70. Assessed for releases outside Mon-Fri 8-5 windows.
• Statutory Notification: $75.00 - $150.00. Charged if vehicle is held > 3-5 days to cover certified mail costs.
• Mileage/Fuel: Variable Surcharge. Adjusted monthly based on diesel prices; critical in large counties.

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

Payment

Call South Park Repair LLC at 719-427-0002 in advance to confirm their accepted payment methods. It is standard operating procedure for rural impound lots to require Cash Only or verified funds (Cashier's Check) for impound releases. While some regulations push for credit card acceptance, operational reliability of card terminals in remote areas and the risk of chargebacks often lead operators to enforce cash policies stricty.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day it sits at South Park Repair LLC, it costs more money. Contact the Park County Sheriff’s Office to clear any holds on the vehicle, and then contact the towing company to arrange retrieval as soon as possible.

After 30 Days

Colorado law allows the towing company to begin the process of obtaining a title for the vehicle to sell it and recover their costs if the vehicle is not claimed within 30 days of the statutory notification. Do not let it reach this point.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you're struggling to afford the towing and storage fees, consider these options:

• Contact a family member or friend: Ask a family member or friend to help cover the costs.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available: While not always possible, some impound lots may offer payment plans. It's worth asking.
• Consult with your attorney: In some cases, a DUI attorney may be able to negotiate or challenge the fees, especially if there are irregularities in the towing or impound process.

After Retrieval

Before driving away from South Park Repair LLC, take these important steps:

• Inspect the vehicle immediately before leaving the lot: Carefully inspect the vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.
• Document any damage with photos: Take clear photos of any damage you find.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away: Notify the lot manager of any damage in writing before leaving the premises. This will help protect your rights if you need to file a claim later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I get my personal belongings out of the car before I pay the impound fees? A: Yes. Colorado law protects specific "life essential" items from being held hostage for the tow bill. Prescription medication, medical devices, child restraint systems (car seats), credit cards, cash, state/federal ID, and cell phones must be released at no charge, even if you cannot pay the tow bill to retrieve the car itself.

Q: What if the Park County Sheriff's Office has placed a "hold" on my vehicle? A: In many DUI cases—especially those involving accidents, felony charges, or uninsured drivers—the Sheriff’s Office will place a "Hold" on the vehicle. The tow yard is legally prohibited from releasing the vehicle until this hold is lifted. Contact the Park County Sheriff’s Office (Fairplay or Bailey Substation depending on arrest location). The investigating deputy often needs to authorize the release. Proof of ownership (title/registration) and valid insurance must be presented to the Sheriff's records division.

Q: Where is the Park County Sheriff's Office located? A: The Park County Sheriff's Office is located at 1180 County Road 16, Fairplay, CO 80440. There is also a Bailey Substation at CR 64/Hwy 285 in Bailey.