Cobb County Vehicle Impound Guide
How to get your car back after a DUI arrest in Marietta and Cobb County, Georgia.
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The First 48 Hours Are Critical
After a DUI arrest in Cobb 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 at $35/day in Cobb County
- 4
Administrative fees added ($100 in Cobb County)
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 driver's license
- Proof of insurance in their name or the owner's name
How to Find Your Vehicle
Your vehicle may be at one of several impound lots in Cobb County depending on which agency arrested you:
Call Before You Go
Always call the impound lot first to verify your vehicle is there, confirm the exact amount owed, and check their hours of operation.
Impound Lot Details
Barrow Wrecker Service
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Cobb County Guides
In Cobb County, vehicle impoundment operates under a "Zone Franchise" model. This divides the county into geographic zones that align with police precincts.
Cobb County's Zone System
When a Cobb County Police Department (CCPD) officer requests a tow, the dispatch system automatically contacts the contractually authorized provider for that specific zone. This system prevents multiple tow trucks from "chasing" accidents and ensures accountability.
- Precinct 1: Northwest Cobb (Smyrna/Vinings/Cumberland): This zone is serviced by Barrow Wrecker Service, located at 2261 Dixie Ave, Smyrna, GA 30080. Barrow Wrecker is also the designated provider for the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office Civil Section, handling vehicles seized pursuant to a judicial levy.
- Precinct 3: Central Cobb (Marietta): Marietta Wrecker Service, at 950 Allgood Road, Marietta, GA 30062, is the authorized provider for this zone. As the provider for the county seat, Marietta Wrecker Service processes a high volume of impounds related to arrests made by the Marietta Police Department and the central operations of the CCPD.
Heavy Duty Towing
For heavy-duty towing (rotators, 50-ton wreckers), Cobb County is divided into two zones: North and South. The dividing line is the centerline of the right-of-way of Georgia Highway 120.
Impound Lot Requirements
Towing zone franchise holders in Cobb County must maintain impound lots that are fully fenced (minimum 6 feet), lighted, and secure. They also have to provide the police department with five storage spaces at no charge for vehicles placed on investigative holds.
Locating Your Vehicle
If the incident occurred in Marietta/Central Cobb (Precinct 3), the vehicle is likely at Marietta Wrecker Service (950 Allgood Road). If the incident occurred in Smyrna/Vinings (Precinct 1), the vehicle is likely at Barrow Wrecker Service (2261 Dixie Ave). Consult the precinct map or call the non-emergency police line to confirm the precinct of arrest, which correlates directly to the towing zone.
Documentation Needed for Release
Impound lots require strict documentation to prevent unauthorized release. This includes:
- Valid Photo Identification: A state-issued driver's license or ID card (original documents).
- Proof of Ownership: The Vehicle Title, Current, Valid Registration, or a Tag Receipt.
Investigative Holds
If a vehicle is on "Hold" due to a serious crime, the owner must obtain a Police Release Form from the specific detective or bureau handling the case. The owner must then carry the signed release form to the impound lot.
Payment
Cash is often the only accepted payment method at Cobb County zone holder locations, including Marietta Wrecker Service.
Impound Lot Hours
Marietta Wrecker Service operates under the following hours:
- Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Saturday – Sunday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM.
Barrow Wrecker Service, while advertising 24/7 towing availability, typically mirrors standard business hours for administrative releases.
Barrow Wrecker Service is located at 2261 Dixie Ave, Smyrna, GA 30080.
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