Summit County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Summit County

After a DUI arrest in Summit County, Colorado, one of your immediate concerns is likely getting your vehicle back. Vehicles are typically impounded following a DUI arrest for several reasons: as part of the arrest procedure, if the driver is deemed unable to safely operate the vehicle, or if the vehicle is involved in the commission of the offense. Understanding the process for locating, claiming, and paying for your vehicle's release can save you significant time and money.

Where Is Your Car?

Your vehicle was likely towed to one of the impound lots in Summit County. Here are a couple of possibilities:

• JH Mountain Towing / JH Mountain Auto: 205 Warren Ave, Silverthorne.
• Ryan’s Recovery: 198 Continental Court, Breckenridge.

How to Find Your Vehicle

Several methods exist to determine the exact location of your vehicle:

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided documentation indicating the towing company and impound lot where your vehicle was taken.
• Call the Summit County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: Contact the non-emergency dispatch at 970-668-8600. Dispatch logs every non-consensual tow in the county and can pinpoint the specific lot instantly. Have your booking number ready.
• Reference your booking number: This number can help the Sheriff's Office quickly locate your vehicle information in their system.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Before heading to the impound lot, ensure you have all the necessary documentation to prevent delays or denial of release.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: The person retrieving the vehicle must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration or title: Proof of ownership is required.
• Proof of insurance: Current insurance documentation for the vehicle.
• Payment for fees: Be prepared to pay all towing and storage fees. The Summit County Sheriff’s Office has moved to a cashless system for administrative fees. They accept checks, money orders, or credit/debit cards (with a 2.25% + $0.75 fee). A defendant released with only cash property must find a way to deposit funds or purchase a money order before paying any Sheriff-specific administrative release fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended or revoked, you can still retrieve your vehicle by having someone else do it for you, provided they meet certain requirements:

• Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it: A licensed driver can pick up the vehicle on your behalf.
• They need: Their valid driver's license, a signed authorization letter from you granting them permission to retrieve the vehicle, and the vehicle title or registration in your name.

Costs & Fees in Summit County

The costs associated with retrieving your vehicle can be substantial and accrue quickly. Understanding the fee structure is crucial. The cost of a DUI tow in Summit County is significantly higher than the Front Range average. This is due to the "Mountain Recovery" classification often permitted under Public Utilities Commission (PUC) rules, which recognizes the difficulty of operating in high-altitude, snow-impacted terrain.

• Daily Storage Fee: Expect to pay approximately $47.12 per day. This fee accrues every 24-hour period your vehicle is stored at the lot. Note: If a vehicle is stored for parts of two calendar days but less than a 12-hour total period, only one day may be charged.
• Base Tow Rate (Law Enforcement): ~$279.78 / hour. This is the base hourly rate for vehicles <10,000 lbs. Charges are billable in 15-minute increments after the first hour.
• Recovery Labor & Equipment: Actual Cost + 25%. If the vehicle is in a snowbank, ditch, or requires winching, the tow is reclassified as a "Recovery." Operators can charge for extra labor/equipment plus a 25% admin markup.
• After-Hours Release Fee: ~$103.70. Assessed if the vehicle is retrieved before 8:00 AM, after 5:00 PM, or on weekends/holidays.
• Statutory Notification Fee: $75.00 - $150.00. Charged if the vehicle remains unclaimed, necessitating certified mail notification to the registered owner and lienholder.
• Personal Property Access: $0.00 - $100.00. While operators may charge for general access, Life Essential Items (wallet, phone, keys, meds) must be released free of charge.
• Mileage / Fuel Surcharge: Variable. Based on monthly PUC adjustments. Surcharges apply when diesel prices exceed $2.60/gallon.

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

Payment

Call the impound lot in advance to confirm accepted payment methods. Some lots may accept cash, credit cards, or money orders.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day your vehicle remains at the impound lot increases the total cost. Contact Summit County Non-Emergency Dispatch (970-668-8600) immediately upon release to locate the vehicle.

After 30 Days

In Colorado, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period, the impound lot can initiate a lien sale to recover the outstanding fees. Do not let it reach this point. Under C.R.S. 42-4-1801, a vehicle is legally "abandoned" if left unattended on public property for 48 hours or if not removed from an impound lot within 72 hours of notice. Failure to act results in the commencement of lien proceedings. If a vehicle is not claimed within 10 days, the Sheriff must initiate a record search with the Colorado Department of Revenue (DR 2008 form) to notify owners/lienholders. This triggers an additional "Notification Fee" passed to the defendant.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you are facing financial hardship and cannot afford the towing and storage fees, consider the following options:

• Contact a family member or friend to help cover costs: Seek assistance from your support network.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available: Some impound lots may offer payment plans or installment options.

After Retrieval

• Inspect the vehicle immediately before leaving the lot: Carefully examine your vehicle for any signs of damage that may have occurred while in the custody of the towing company.
• Document any damage with photos: Take detailed photographs of any pre-existing or new damage to the vehicle.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away: Immediately notify the impound lot manager of any damage and obtain written acknowledgement of your report before leaving the premises.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happens if I refuse to sign the tow paperwork? A: Refusing to sign the paperwork does not prevent the tow from occurring or negate your responsibility for the fees. It simply documents your refusal.

Q: Can I get my personal belongings out of the car before it's towed? A: Yes, you have the right to retrieve essential personal items such as medication, wallets, and phones before the vehicle is towed. However, the tow operator may charge a fee for general access to the vehicle, but Life Essential Items must be released free of charge.

Q: What if I believe the tow was unlawful? A: If you believe the tow was unlawful, document everything, pay to retrieve your vehicle to minimize storage fees, and then consult with an attorney about your legal options.