Chatham County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Chatham County

A DUI arrest in Chatham County can be a disorienting experience, and one of the immediate concerns is often: what happens to my car? In most DUI cases, the arresting officer will have your vehicle impounded. This means it's towed and stored at a designated lot, and you'll need to take specific steps to retrieve it. The longer you wait, the more it will cost you. This guide provides the information you need to navigate the impound process in Chatham County and get your vehicle back as quickly as possible.

Where Is Your Car?

Following a DUI arrest by the Savannah Police Department (SPD), your vehicle is likely impounded. The primary towing contractor used by the SPD is Sapp’s Wrecker Service, located at 176 Godley Rd, Port Wentworth, GA. Contacting them is the crucial first step.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided documentation indicating where your vehicle was towed. The tow company's name and contact information should be listed.
• Call the Chatham County Sheriff's Office: If you can't locate the paperwork, you can try contacting the Chatham County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line to inquire about the location of your vehicle.
• Reference your booking number: Have your booking number ready when you call, as this will help them locate your information quickly.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Retrieving your vehicle requires specific documentation and payment of fees. Be prepared before you go to avoid delays. The Savannah Police Department (SPD) maintains strict chain-of-custody rules. The private towing contractor is contractually prohibited from releasing a vehicle without a physical Vehicle Release Form issued by the SPD.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: The person retrieving the vehicle must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration or title: You must provide proof of ownership. An insurance card is explicitly not accepted.
• Payment for fees: You will need to pay all applicable towing and storage fees before the vehicle will be released.

The Savannah Police Department (SPD) maintains strict chain-of-custody rules. The private towing contractor is contractually prohibited from releasing a vehicle without a physical Vehicle Release Form issued by the SPD. The only facility authorized to issue this paperwork is the SPD Northwest Precinct, located at 602 E. Lathrop Ave., Savannah, GA. The precinct's hours are 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily, with reduced hours (7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.) on holidays.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you cannot personally retrieve the vehicle. In this case:

• 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's title or registration.

Costs & Fees in Chatham County

The costs associated with impounding your vehicle in Savannah are dictated by the City of Savannah's contract with Sapp's Wrecker Service. For Class I vehicles (under 10,000 lbs), expect these fees:

• Base Tow: $257.50
• Daily Storage: $46.35

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day, starting the moment your vehicle is towed. Retrieve your vehicle as quickly as possible to minimize these costs. Also, be aware of the "72-Hour Cliff." If you don't retrieve your vehicle within 72 hours, an $87.55 administrative fee kicks in. Also, be aware of the $128.75 after-hours fee.

Payment

Call Sapp’s Wrecker Service in advance to confirm accepted payment methods. They may accept cash, credit cards, or money orders.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day costs more money. If you're released from jail outside the SPD Northwest Precinct's hours (7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., reduced hours on holidays), you face a significant delay, adding at least one day of storage fees to your bill.

After a Few Weeks

Failure to retrieve your vehicle within a certain timeframe can lead to abandonment proceedings and eventual auction of your vehicle. Contact Sapp's to determine the exact number of days.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

The cost of retrieving an impounded vehicle can be substantial. If you're struggling to afford the fees:

• Contact a family member or friend: Ask for assistance in covering the costs.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available: Some impound lots may offer payment plans to help you manage the expense.
• Consult with a DUI attorney: In some cases, a DUI attorney may be able to negotiate or challenge the fees on your behalf.

After Retrieval

• Inspect the vehicle immediately before leaving the lot: Carefully examine the vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.
• Document any damage with photos: Take clear photos of any damage you find.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away: Notify the impound lot manager of any damage in writing before you leave the premises. This will help protect your rights if you need to file a claim for damages.

By acting quickly and following these steps, you can navigate the impound process in Chatham County and retrieve your vehicle as efficiently as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where do I get the Vehicle Release Form to get my car back from Sapp's Wrecker Service after a DUI arrest in Chatham County? You must obtain a Vehicle Release Form from the SPD Northwest Precinct, located at 602 E. Lathrop Ave., Savannah, GA.
2. What happens if I wait more than 72 hours to get my car back from impound in Chatham County? After 72 hours, an $87.55 administrative fee is added to your bill.
3. What documents do I need to show the SPD Northwest Precinct to get a Vehicle Release Form in Chatham County? You must present a valid picture identification and your current vehicle registration or title. Insurance cards are not accepted.

Sources

• City of Savannah FAQ
• Chatham County Sheriff's Office
• Chatham County Sheriff's Office - Bookings
• Savannah Police Department - Vehicle Release Form