San Miguel County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in San Miguel County

Being arrested for DUI in San Miguel County can be a stressful and confusing experience. One of the immediate concerns is often what happens to your vehicle. In most cases, your car will be impounded following a DUI arrest. This guide provides practical information on how to locate, retrieve, and handle the costs associated with getting your vehicle back in San Miguel County. Understanding the process and acting quickly is crucial to minimize expenses and avoid further complications.

Where Is Your Car?

In San Miguel County, the primary impound location used by law enforcement is:

Telluride Tire & Auto 120 Society Drive, Lawson Hill (970) 728-5171

How to Find Your Vehicle

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

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer should have noted the towing company on the paperwork you received at the time of your arrest. This is the quickest way to confirm the location.
• Call the San Miguel County Sheriff's Office: You can call the non-emergency line at (970) 728-1911 to inquire about the location of your vehicle. Be prepared to provide your name and date of birth.
• Reference your booking number: Having your booking number from the jail intake process will help the Sheriff's Office locate your vehicle information more efficiently.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Before heading to Telluride Tire & Auto, make sure you have all the necessary documentation to avoid delays.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: The person retrieving the vehicle must have a valid driver's license. If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you'll need someone else to pick up the car.
• Vehicle registration or title: You'll need to provide proof of ownership of the vehicle. A current vehicle registration or the vehicle title will suffice.
• Proof of insurance: You must show proof that the vehicle is currently insured.
• Payment for fees: Be prepared to pay all towing and storage fees. Contact Telluride Tire & Auto to confirm their accepted methods of payment.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your driver's license is suspended, you can still have someone else retrieve your vehicle. They will need:

• Their valid driver's license: The person picking up the car must have a valid, unexpired license.
• A signed authorization letter from you: A written and signed letter authorizing them to pick up the vehicle on your behalf. Be sure to include the vehicle's make, model, and license plate number.
• Vehicle title or registration: Proof of your ownership of the vehicle.

Costs & Fees in San Miguel County

The costs associated with impounding your vehicle in San Miguel County can be substantial due to the unique logistical challenges of the region. According to San Miguel County accounts payable records, impound tows can range from $750.00 to $875.00. In addition to the tow fee, you'll also be responsible for daily storage fees.

Telluride Tire & Auto charges a daily storage fee of $N/A.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day, including weekends and holidays. This is especially critical in San Miguel County, as the administrative side of Telluride Tire & Auto is closed on weekends. A DUI arrest on a Friday night could mean your vehicle isn't retrievable until Monday morning, resulting in a mandatory 72-hour hold and at least three days of storage fees. This "Weekend Trap" is a logistical byproduct of the vendor’s business hours, not a legal requirement of the DUI charge.

Payment

Call Telluride Tire & Auto at (970) 728-5171 before you go to retrieve your vehicle to confirm their accepted payment methods. They may accept cash, credit cards, or money orders, but it's best to verify beforehand to avoid any issues.

Timeline

Act Immediately

The clock starts ticking the moment your vehicle is towed. Storage fees begin accruing immediately, so every day you delay retrieving your vehicle costs you more money.

After 30 Days

In Colorado, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period (typically 30 days), the impound lot can initiate a lien sale to recover their costs. This means they can legally sell your vehicle to cover the outstanding fees. Do everything you can to avoid this situation.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

The high cost of towing and storage in San Miguel County can create a significant financial burden. Here are some options to consider if you're struggling to afford the fees:

• Contact a family member or friend: Ask if they can help you cover the costs.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available: Some impound lots may offer payment plans, allowing you to pay off the fees in installments. It doesn't hurt to ask, but be prepared for them to say no.
• Consult with your attorney: Your DUI attorney may be able to negotiate with the towing company or challenge the fees in some cases.

After Retrieval

Before driving your vehicle off the lot, take the following steps:

• Inspect the vehicle immediately: Carefully examine the vehicle for any damage that may have occurred during the tow or while in storage.
• Document any damage with photos: Take clear photos of any damage you find, including close-ups and wide shots.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away: Notify the lot manager of any damage and obtain a written acknowledgement of your report. This will be crucial if you need to file a claim later.

Navigating the vehicle impound process after a DUI arrest in San Miguel County requires swift action and careful attention to detail. By understanding the procedures, costs, and potential pitfalls, you can minimize the financial burden and get your vehicle back as quickly as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: If I'm arrested for DUI in Telluride during a snowstorm, is my car automatically towed?*A: Not necessarily, but it's highly likely, especially between November 1st and April 1st due to winter parking regulations. The Telluride Marshal’s Department aggressively enforces the "72-hour rule" and "folding signs" indicating snow removal zones. Even if your car is legally parked when you're arrested, it could be towed if a snowstorm begins and the signs are flipped while you're in custody. Parking at the Carhenge lot on the west end of town is a safer option during winter.

**Q: The nearest DMV office is in Montrose. How can I get there to reinstate my license if I can't drive?*A: This is a significant challenge due to the "Montrose Gap". There is no direct, frequent public bus service from Telluride to Montrose. Private shuttles (like Telluride Express) are expensive. Consider asking a licensed friend or family member for a ride.

**Q: The San Miguel County Jail only allows visitation on Sundays. What if my family can't visit on that day?*A: Unfortunately, visitation at the San Miguel County Jail is limited to Sundays from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. This creates a bottleneck, especially for those traveling from out of town. There are no alternative visitation days. Ensure your family members are on the pre-approved list submitted by the inmate before planning a visit.