Rio Grande County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Rio Grande County

A DUI arrest in Rio Grande County can be a stressful and confusing experience. One of the immediate concerns after being arrested is what happens to your vehicle. In most cases, your car will be impounded and towed to a local lot. Understanding the process for retrieving your vehicle, the associated costs, and the timeline involved is crucial to minimizing expenses and avoiding further complications. This guide provides the information you need to navigate the vehicle retrieval process in Rio Grande County.

Where Is Your Car?

Unlike larger cities with centralized impound lots, Rio Grande County uses a network of private towing companies. Determining where your car was taken is the first step in getting it back. Here are two primary service providers operating in the county:

• Ace Towing: 12 Washington Street, Monte Vista, CO 81144.
• Glenn's Auto Repair: 14507 US-160, Del Norte, CO 81132.

How to Find Your Vehicle

Here are several ways to determine the location of your impounded vehicle:

• Check Your Arrest Paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided you with documentation that includes the name of the towing company and potentially the address where your vehicle was taken.
• Call the Rio Grande County Sheriff's Office: Contact the non-emergency line at 719-657-4000. Provide them with your name and booking information, and they should be able to tell you where your vehicle was towed. Be aware that due to the existence of the Rio Grande Processing Center (an ICE facility), families often mistakenly call that facility looking for DUI arrestees. The Rio Grande County Jail is located at 640 Cherry Street, Del Norte, CO 81132.
• Reference Your Booking Number: Your booking number, which you can obtain from the Sheriff's Office, will help them quickly locate your vehicle information.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Before heading to the impound lot, make sure you have all the necessary documentation. The tow company will require specific items before releasing your vehicle.

Required Documents

• Valid Driver's License: If your license was confiscated due to the DUI arrest, you will need a licensed driver to accompany you and drive the vehicle off the lot.
• Vehicle Registration or Title: Proof of ownership is essential. Bring either the vehicle registration or the title.
• Proof of Insurance: You must provide proof that the vehicle is currently insured.
• Payment for Fees: Be prepared to pay the towing and storage fees. Contact the lot in advance to confirm accepted payment methods.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended or revoked, you can still retrieve your vehicle, but you will need to follow these steps:

• Have a Licensed Friend or Family Member Retrieve It: The easiest option is to have someone with a valid driver's license accompany you to the impound lot.
• They Need: Their valid license, a signed authorization letter from you (stating you authorize them to pick up your vehicle), and the vehicle title or registration.

Costs & Fees in Rio Grande County

The costs associated with impounding your vehicle can add up quickly. Understanding the fee structure is essential for financial planning.

Here's a breakdown of potential costs based on data from Ace Towing:

• Light Duty Hook Fee: $85.00
• Mileage (En route): $3.50 per mile
• Mileage (Loaded): $5.50 per mile
• After Hours Fee: $100.00

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day. Contact Ace Towing or Glenn's Auto Repair directly to confirm their current daily storage rates, as these can vary.

The "After Hours Fee" is a significant consideration, as most DUI arrests occur at night. If you are arrested late in the evening, this fee will automatically be added to your bill.

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

Payment

Call the impound lot in advance to confirm accepted payment methods (cash, credit card, money order).

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day costs more money.

The Sheriff's Release (The "Hold")

If your vehicle was towed incident to your arrest, it likely carries a "Law Enforcement Hold." The tow company cannot release your vehicle until this hold is lifted. You must go to the Rio Grande County Sheriff’s Office at 640 Cherry Street to get this release. The Sheriff's administrative office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. If you are arrested on a Friday night, you may not be able to retrieve your vehicle until Monday morning, incurring additional storage fees.

After 30 Days

A critical, often understated risk in Rio Grande County is the 30-Day Abandoned Vehicle Rule. Under Colorado law, if a vehicle is left in a tow yard for more than specific timeframes (often 30 days after notice), the tow company can apply for the title. The initial bill of ~$300-$500 (Tow + After Hours + Weekend Storage) can quickly become insurmountable. By day 30, the bill may exceed the value of an older vehicle.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Facing high impound fees can be overwhelming. Here are some potential options if you are struggling to afford the costs:

• Contact a Family Member or Friend to Help Cover Costs: Borrowing money from loved ones can provide immediate relief.
• Ask the Impound Lot if a Payment Plan is Available: Some impound lots may offer payment plans, allowing you to pay off the fees over time.
• Consult with Your Attorney: In some cases, fees can be negotiated or challenged, particularly if there were errors in the impound process.

After Retrieval

• Inspect the Vehicle Immediately Before Leaving the Lot: Carefully examine your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred during the towing or storage process.
• Document Any Damage with Photos: Take detailed 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 creates a record of your claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I retrieve my vehicle after hours if I bond out late at night in Rio Grande County? Yes, while the Sheriff's administrative office is only open Monday-Friday 8am-4pm, Angels & Outlaws Bail Bonds states that Rio Grande County will accept bonds 24/7. Contact a licensed bail bondsman to facilitate your release.
• Where can I get a VIN inspection done in Rio Grande County if my registration has lapsed while my car was impounded? The Rio Grande County Clerk's office does not perform VIN inspections. You must schedule this with the Sheriff's Office or the Colorado State Patrol.
• What happens if I don't retrieve my vehicle from the impound lot in Rio Grande County? Under Colorado law, if a vehicle is left in a tow yard for too long (often 30 days after notice), the tow company can apply for the title. This is known as the Abandoned Vehicle Rule.