Routt County Vehicle Impound Guide
Impound Cost Calculator — Routt County, Colorado
Calculate how much it will cost to retrieve your vehicle from the impound lot.
*Estimated fees shown. Actual fees in Routt 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 Routt 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 Routt 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 Routt 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)
When a vehicle is seized incident to a DUI arrest in Steamboat Springs or unincorporated Routt County, it is classified under Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) regulations as a "Law Enforcement-Ordered Tow."
Vehicle Impound After a DUI in Routt County, Colorado: A Local Guide
If you've been arrested for DUI in Routt County, Colorado, your vehicle was likely impounded. Unlike larger cities, Routt County relies on private towing companies contracted by law enforcement. This guide provides essential local information to help you navigate the impound process and retrieve your vehicle as quickly and affordably as possible.
Towing Companies Used by Law Enforcement
The Routt County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) and Steamboat Springs Police Department (SSPD) use a rotation list to call authorized towing companies. Primary operators include:
- Rocky Mountain Towing: Known for 24/7/365 availability.
- Steamboat Towing & Transportation LLC: May have standard business hours (typically 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday).
The specific company that tows your vehicle depends on the rotation list at the time of your arrest.
Clearing the Law Enforcement Hold
Before retrieving your vehicle, you must clear the law enforcement hold. Contact the Routt County Combined Communication Center at 970-879-1090 to determine which company has your vehicle and confirm it is eligible for release. Do not go to the tow yard before clearing the hold.
Required Documents for Release
Towing companies operate under strict rules and will only release the vehicle to the Registered Owner or an authorized agent with a notarized "Hold Harmless" agreement. Possession of keys is insufficient. Make sure to have the following:
- Valid Driver's License: For the registered owner or authorized agent.
- Current Vehicle Registration: Must be valid.
- Proof of Insurance: The policy must be current. If the insurance card is in the vehicle, the operator will allow access to retrieve it, but if the policy has lapsed, you'll need a new one to drive the vehicle off the lot.
- Notarized "Hold Harmless" Agreement (if applicable): Required if someone other than the registered owner is picking up the vehicle.
Fees and the "After-Hours" Trap
Impoundment costs are regulated by state maximums but can vary based on "after-hours" access and mileage. Consider this scenario: You're arrested Friday night and bond out of jail Saturday afternoon. You have two choices.
- Option A: Wait until Monday to avoid an "After-Hours Release Fee" (approximately $103). However, you'll accrue daily storage fees (estimated at $47/day). Waiting until Monday means paying for Saturday and Sunday storage, totaling around $94.
- Option B: Pay the After-Hours Fee on Saturday. This costs approximately $103 but gives you immediate access to your vehicle.
It's often best to retrieve your vehicle immediately and pay the after-hours fee. Rocky Mountain Towing's 24/7 availability suggests they can handle weekend releases, while other operators might require appointments made in advance.
"Protected Items" Access
Colorado law requires tow operators to allow you to retrieve specific essential items from the vehicle without paying the tow bill or a property retrieval fee:
- State/Federal Identification (Driver's License, Passport)
- Keys
- Cellular Telephones
- Medication and Medical Devices
- Credit Cards and Cash (specifically if used to pay the tow bill)
- Child Restraint Systems
If an operator refuses access to these items, cite "PUC rules regarding protected items."
Contact the Routt County Combined Communication Center at 970-879-1090 to determine which company has your vehicle and if it is eligible for release.
Sources
Colorado Transportation Code
Routt County Towing Regulations
Colorado Department of Licensing and Regulation
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