Clarke County Vehicle Impound Guide
Impound Cost Calculator — Clarke County, Georgia
Calculate how much it will cost to retrieve your vehicle from the impound lot.
*Estimated fees shown. Actual fees in Clarke 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 Clarke 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 Clarke 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 Clarke 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)
Base Towing Fee: $175.00 is the starting point for understanding vehicle impound costs after a DUI arrest in Clarke County, Georgia. If your vehicle is impounded following a DUI arrest in Athens-Clarke County, understanding the local impound procedures and fees is critical for a swift and cost-effective recovery. The Athens-Clarke County 911 Center maintains a Rotation List for police-initiated tows.
Wrecker Rotation System
When a vehicle is impounded due to a DUI arrest, the Athens-Clarke County Police Department (ACCPD) utilizes a rotation system to assign towing companies. This system ensures fairness among local towing vendors. However, if you have a preferred towing company that can respond within 20-30 minutes, ordinance dictates that the officer must honor that request.
Approved Vendors and Facility Logistics
Several local operators are part of the rotation list. It’s important to note that many impound lots, including Barrett’s and Shuman’s, are closed on Sundays and have limited Saturday hours, often closing by 12:00 PM or 1:00 PM. This can create a "Weekend Trap," potentially adding to storage fees. For example, if you're arrested Friday night and bond out Saturday afternoon, you may not be able to retrieve your vehicle until Monday morning.
Fee Structure
Towing fees are regulated by the Georgia Department of Public Safety (DPS) Maximum Rate Tariff and local ordinances. Expect the following fees:
- Base Towing Fee: $175.00
- Daily Storage Fee: $25.00 per 24-hour period (or fraction thereof)
- Administrative Fee: $65.00 (lien verification and processing)
- Notification Fee: $26.00 (after 48-72 hours)
- After-Hours Release Fee: $50.00 (if available)
Note that impound lots usually require cash or certified funds for payment.
Recovery Documentation
To retrieve your vehicle, you’ll need:
- Proof of Ownership: Valid Title or Registration. If these are in the car, the towing company must allow access to retrieve them without a fee.
- Valid Driver’s License: Since your license is likely seized (DDS-1205 form), bring the temporary permit or another licensed driver.
- Police Holds Release: If the vehicle is held as evidence (serious injury, vehicular homicide, etc.), the investigating unit at ACCPD headquarters must release the hold before the towing company releases the car.
If proof of ownership is inside the impounded vehicle, the towing company must provide access to retrieve it free of charge.
The Clarke County Jail is located at 3015 Lexington Road, Athens, GA 30605. The main line is 706-613-3270.
Sources
Georgia Transportation Code
Clarke County Towing Regulations
Georgia Department of Licensing and Regulation
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