Rio Grande County Vehicle Impound Guide
Impound Cost Calculator — Rio Grande County, Colorado
Calculate how much it will cost to retrieve your vehicle from the impound lot.
*Estimated fees shown. Actual fees in Rio Grande 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 Rio Grande 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 Rio Grande 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 Rio Grande 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)
Ace Towing charges an $85 hook fee + $100 after-hours fee for towing in Rio Grande County. If your vehicle is impounded following a DUI arrest in Rio Grande County, navigating the impound process quickly can save you significant money and prevent the permanent loss of your vehicle. This guide provides essential local information to help you retrieve your vehicle as efficiently as possible.
Primary Impound Facility
While multiple towing companies operate in the area, Ace Towing, located at 12 Washington Street, Monte Vista, CO 81144, is a dominant player and likely to be used by the Rio Grande County Sheriff's Office. It's essential to confirm where your vehicle was towed.
Fees
Expect to pay several fees to retrieve your vehicle. Knowing these upfront helps you prepare financially.
- Light Duty Hook Fee: $85.00 (Ace Towing)
- Mileage (En route): $3.50 per mile (Ace Towing)
- Mileage (Loaded): $5.50 per mile (Ace Towing)
- After Hours Fee: $100.00 (Ace Towing). This fee applies if the tow occurs outside of regular business hours.
- Storage Fees: Storage fees accrue daily and can range from $30 to $50 per day. These fees can quickly add up, making prompt retrieval crucial.
Required Documents
To get your vehicle back, you'll generally need the following:
- Law Enforcement Release: Before the tow yard can release your vehicle, you must obtain a release from the Rio Grande County Sheriff’s Office at 640 Cherry Street in Del Norte.
- Valid Driver's License: Although your license may be confiscated due to Express Consent laws, you'll need a valid driver's license for release. This typically means bringing a licensed driver with you.
- Proof of Insurance: Current proof of insurance for the vehicle.
- Proof of Ownership: Vehicle registration or title demonstrating ownership.
Weekend/Holiday
The Rio Grande County Sheriff's administrative office, where you obtain the release, is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. If your arrest occurs on a Friday night, you won't be able to get the release until Monday morning, incurring additional storage fees. Bonding agents and Master Control can process releases around the clock, even though the Sheriff's Admin is only open M-F.
Do not wait for your court date. Borrow money if needed to get your vehicle out of impound within 48 hours to prevent escalating storage fees. The Rio Grande County Sheriff’s Office is located at 640 Cherry Street, Del Norte.
Sources
Colorado Transportation Code
Rio Grande County Towing Regulations
Colorado Department of Licensing and Regulation
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