Evans County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Evans County

Being arrested for DUI in Evans County is a stressful experience, and one of the immediate concerns is often: what happens to my car? When a driver is arrested for DUI, the vehicle can't simply be left on the side of the road. It's typically impounded and towed to a local lot. Understanding the process for retrieving your vehicle is crucial to minimize costs and avoid further complications. This guide will walk you through the steps necessary to get your car back after a DUI arrest in Evans County.

Where Is Your Car?

The first step is locating your vehicle. When a solo driver is arrested for DUI, the Evans County Sheriff's Office (ECSO) or the Claxton Police Department (CPD) will call for a wrecker to seize and impound the vehicle. Evans County, like most Georgia jurisdictions, operates a "rotation list" to prevent favoritism among towing companies.

How to Find Your Vehicle

Here's how to find out where your car was towed:

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided you with paperwork that includes the name of the towing company that took your vehicle. This is the quickest way to find the vehicle's location.
• Call the Evans County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: If you can't find the paperwork, contact the ECSO at 912-739-1611. Provide them with your name, date of arrest, and a description of your vehicle. They should be able to tell you which company towed your car.
• Reference your booking number: Your booking number from the Evans County Jail can also help the ECSO quickly locate the relevant records. The Evans County Jail is located at 123 West Main Street, Claxton, GA 30417.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you've located your vehicle, you'll need to gather the necessary documents and payment to retrieve it.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license (or a licensed person picking it up for you): You, or the person retrieving the vehicle, must have a valid driver's license. If your license was suspended due to the DUI arrest, you cannot drive the vehicle off the lot.
• Vehicle registration or title: You'll need to prove ownership of the vehicle.
• Proof of insurance: The towing company is legally required to verify active insurance coverage before releasing the vehicle.
• Payment for fees: Be prepared to pay towing and storage fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended, you'll need someone with a valid license to retrieve the vehicle for you. In this case, the person retrieving the vehicle will need:

• Their valid driver's license
• A signed authorization letter from you, giving them permission to pick up the vehicle
• Your vehicle title or registration

Costs & Fees in Evans County

Towing and storage fees in Georgia are regulated, but can still add up quickly. Towing fees are governed by the Georgia Department of Public Safety (DPS) under Maximum Rate Tariff No. 5.

Typical towing fees in Georgia include a base tow fee (approx. $175 for standard vehicles) and daily storage fees (approx. $25-$35/day). There may also be after-hours fees for releases outside of normal business hours.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day. Retrieve your vehicle as quickly as possible to minimize costs.

Payment

Call the impound lot in advance to confirm accepted payment methods. Towing companies in Georgia must accept cash, money orders, or certified checks. Credit card acceptance is common but may incur an additional fee.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day that passes increases the amount you'll owe.

After 30 Days

If a vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period, the towing company can initiate a lien sale to recover their costs. Don't let it reach this point. Contact the towing company as soon as possible to arrange for retrieval.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Facing a DUI arrest can create immediate financial strain. Here are a few options if you are struggling to afford the towing and storage fees:

• Contact a family member or friend: Ask for assistance to help cover the costs.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available: Some towing companies may be willing to work with you on a payment plan.
• 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

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

• Inspect the vehicle immediately: Carefully examine the vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was in the impound lot's possession.
• 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: Get a written acknowledgement of the damage from the lot manager. This will be important if you need to file a claim later.

Navigating the vehicle impound process after a DUI arrest in Evans County can be confusing, but by following these steps, you can retrieve your vehicle as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long do I have to get my car out of impound in Evans County? A: While there isn't a strict deadline, storage fees accrue daily, and the towing company can initiate a lien sale after approximately 30 days. Act quickly to minimize costs.

Q: What happens if I refuse the breathalyzer test? A: Refusing the breathalyzer will result in a 12-month hard suspension of your driver's license, according to Georgia law. The arresting officer will serve you with a DDS 1205 form, which acts as both a 45-day driving permit and notice of suspension.

Q: Where will I be taken after a DUI arrest in Evans County? A: If you consent to a breath test, you will be transported to the Evans County Jail, located at 123 West Main Street in Claxton, where the Intoxilyzer 9000 instrument is housed. If a blood test is required or you consent to one, you’ll be taken to Evans Memorial Hospital in Claxton for the blood draw.