Clayton County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Clayton County

Facing a DUI arrest in Clayton County can be overwhelming. One immediate concern is retrieving your vehicle, which is typically impounded after a DUI. This guide provides a step-by-step process to help you navigate the vehicle retrieval process, minimize storage fees, and understand your rights.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for DUI in Clayton County, the arresting officer will likely have your vehicle towed and impounded. This is standard procedure to ensure public safety and prevent further operation of the vehicle. The vehicle will be held at a contracted towing company's impound lot until you, or someone authorized by you, claims it. Understanding the process and acting quickly is crucial to avoid excessive storage fees.

Where Is Your Car?

Identifying where your car is impounded is the first step. Clayton County utilizes a rotation list to distribute impounds among contracted private vendors. Here are some primary vendors:

• New Image Towing: 4780 Old Dixie Hwy, Forest Park, GA 30297.
• Tara Wrecker: 9140 Turner Road, Jonesboro, GA 30236.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Check Your Arrest Paperwork: The tow company's name and contact information are usually listed on the paperwork you received at the time of your arrest.
• Call the Clayton County Police Department: Contact the non-emergency line to inquire about the location of your vehicle.
• Reference Your Booking Number: Having your booking number available when you call can help expedite the search.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Before heading to the impound lot, gather the necessary documents to prove ownership and authorization. The Clayton County Police Department Records Unit (7911 N. McDonough Street, Jonesboro, GA 30236) requires a Vehicle Release Form before you can retrieve your vehicle. The Records Unit is open Monday – Wednesday: 8:00 AM to 4:45 PM and Thursday – Friday: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. It is CLOSED on weekends and holidays.

Required Documents

• Vehicle Release Form: You must first obtain a Vehicle Release Form from the Clayton County Police Department Records Unit.
• Valid Government Photo ID: A driver's license or other government-issued photo ID is required.
• Vehicle Registration or Title: Proof of ownership is essential. This can be your vehicle registration or title. A notarized bill of sale is accepted only if it is less than 31 days old.
• Proof of Insurance: You'll need to provide proof that the vehicle is currently insured.
• Payment for Fees: Be prepared to pay the towing and storage fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your driver's license was confiscated during the arrest, you have a few options:

• 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 (notarized if you are incarcerated), and the vehicle title or registration.

Costs & Fees in Clayton County

Towing and storage fees can add up quickly, so understanding the costs involved is crucial. Most tow lots in the region, including New Image Towing, enforce a strict CASH ONLY policy for impound releases.

• Daily Storage Rate: Varies by vendor/contract.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day, including weekends and holidays. The Records Unit's weekend closure guarantees a minimum of three days of storage fees. Retrieve your vehicle as quickly as possible to minimize expenses.

Payment

Call the impound lot in advance to confirm accepted payment methods (cash, credit card, money order). Be aware that some lots may only accept cash.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day costs more money. Secure the Vehicle Release Form from the Clayton County Police Department Records Unit as soon as possible during their operating hours. Remember they are closed on weekends.

After 30 Days

If the vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period (typically 30 days), the impound lot may initiate a lien sale to recover their costs. Do not let it reach this point, as you will lose ownership of your vehicle.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you're struggling to afford the towing and storage fees, consider these options:

• Contact a Family Member or Friend: Ask for assistance in covering the costs.
• Ask the Impound Lot About a Payment Plan: Some impound lots may offer payment plans or reduced rates, but this is not guaranteed.
• Consult with a DUI Attorney: A DUI attorney familiar with Clayton County procedures may be able to negotiate fees or challenge the impound if there were any irregularities in the process.

After Retrieval

Before driving away with your vehicle:

• Inspect the Vehicle Immediately: Carefully examine the vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.
• Document Any Damage with Photos: Take detailed photos of any dents, scratches, or other damage.
• Report Any Damage to the Lot Manager in Writing: Notify the impound lot manager of any damage in writing before you leave the premises. This will help you file a claim if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where do I get the Vehicle Release Form in Clayton County? A: You must obtain a Vehicle Release Form from the Clayton County Police Department Records Unit (7911 N. McDonough Street, Jonesboro, GA 30236).

Q: What happens if I wait longer than 30 days to retrieve my car? A: If you don't claim your vehicle within 30 days, the impound lot can begin the process of selling it to recoup their storage costs.

Q: Why is the Records Unit closed on weekends? A: The Clayton County Police Department Records Unit is closed on weekends, which can add to your storage fees since the tow lot is open on weekends.

Sources

• Clayton County Sheriff's Office
• Tara Wrecker Inc.
• Reclaim Your Vehicle | Vehicle Impounded - New Image Towing