Cobb County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Cobb County

Being arrested for DUI in Cobb County can be a disorienting experience, and one of the immediate concerns is often: what happens to my car? In most DUI arrests, the vehicle is impounded and towed from the scene. This guide provides practical information on how to locate, retrieve, and handle the costs associated with getting your car back after a DUI arrest in Cobb County.

Where Is Your Car?

After a DUI arrest, your vehicle is typically towed to a local impound lot. Cobb County employs a zone franchise system that divides the county into geographic zones aligned with police precinct boundaries. The Cobb County Police Department (CCPD) relies on this "Zone System" for vehicle removal. This means the towing company used will depend on where you were arrested. Identifying the correct impound lot is the first crucial step in retrieving your vehicle.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided documentation that includes the name and contact information of the towing company that took your vehicle. This is the fastest way to determine where your car is located.
• Call the Cobb County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: If you cannot locate the paperwork, you can contact the Cobb County Sheriff's Office for assistance. They may be able to provide information on where your vehicle was towed based on the location of your arrest.
• Reference your booking number: When you were processed at the Cobb County Adult Detention Center, you were assigned a booking number. This number can help the Sheriff's Office locate records related to your arrest, including information about your vehicle. Cobb County Sheriff's Office Adult Detention Center

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you've located your vehicle, you'll need to gather the necessary documents to claim it. Impound lots operate under a strict liability framework and require thorough documentation to prevent unauthorized release.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: You (or the person retrieving the vehicle) must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration or title: You must prove ownership of the vehicle. A current vehicle registration or the vehicle title will suffice.
• Proof of insurance: You must show proof that the vehicle is currently insured.
• Payment for fees: You will need to pay all applicable towing and storage fees before the vehicle can be released.

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, you have two options:

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

Costs & Fees in Cobb County

Towing and storage fees can add up quickly, so understanding the potential costs is essential. Towing costs are established in Cobb County Code of Ordinances, Chapter 126.

Typical towing fees in Georgia range from $150 to $300. Daily storage fees typically range from $25 to $50 per day. However, these are estimates.

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. Most lots accept cash, but some may also accept credit cards or money orders. Calling ahead ensures you have the appropriate form of payment when you arrive.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees begin accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day of delay increases the total cost.

After 30 Days

Under Georgia law, O.C.G.A. § 40-11-3, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for a certain period (often 30 days), the impound lot can initiate a lien sale to recover their costs. Do not let the situation reach this point. Cobb County Sheriff's Office Levy of Vehicles

If You Can't Afford the Fees

The costs associated with retrieving an impounded vehicle can be a significant financial burden. If you're struggling to afford the fees, consider these options:

• Contact a family member or friend: Ask for assistance in covering the towing and storage costs.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available: Some impound lots may offer payment plans, allowing you to pay the fees in installments.
• Consult with a DUI attorney: In some cases, a DUI attorney may be able to negotiate with the impound lot or challenge the fees.

After Retrieval

Before leaving the impound lot with your vehicle, take the following precautions:

• 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 photos of any damage as evidence.
• 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 creates a record of the damage and can be helpful if you need to file a claim later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does the impound lot have to keep my car in Cobb County? A: The impound lot can initiate a lien sale process if the vehicle is unclaimed after a certain period, usually around 30 days. It is crucial to act quickly to avoid this situation.

Q: What happens if my car is impounded as evidence in Cobb County? A: If your car is impounded as part of a criminal investigation, it will be held until the police release it. Your attorney can petition the court for its release once it's no longer needed as evidence.

Q: Can I get a hardship exception to retrieve my vehicle sooner in Cobb County? A: Hardship exceptions are rare, but you can consult with your attorney to see if your specific circumstances warrant a request to the court.

Sources

• Cobb County Sheriff's Office Adult Detention Center
• Cobb County Sheriff's Office Levy of Vehicles
• Cobb County Code of Ordinances, Chapter 126