Floyd County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Floyd County

A DUI arrest in Floyd County can be a disorienting experience, and one of your immediate concerns is likely, "What happened to my car?" This guide provides a clear explanation of what to expect and how to retrieve your vehicle as quickly and efficiently as possible. Delay can be costly, as storage fees accumulate daily.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you are arrested for DUI in Floyd County, your vehicle is typically impounded for a few key reasons:

• Safety: To prevent you from driving under the influence again immediately after your release.
• Evidence: The vehicle itself may be considered evidence in your DUI case, particularly if there was an accident involved or if there were open containers of alcohol inside.
• Standard Procedure: Impoundment is standard procedure following a DUI arrest in Georgia to ensure compliance with the law and protect public safety.

After your arrest, your vehicle is usually towed to a local impound lot or towing company's storage facility. The arresting officer will arrange for the tow. It's crucial to locate your vehicle as soon as possible to minimize storage fees, which can add up quickly.

Where Is Your Car?

Finding out where your car was towed is the first step in getting it back. Here's how you can locate your vehicle:

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided you with paperwork that includes the name and contact information of the towing company that took your vehicle. This is usually the fastest and easiest way to find your car.
• Call the Floyd County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: If you can't find the paperwork or the information is missing, call the Floyd County Sheriff's Office at (706) 291-4111. Provide them with your name, date of birth, and date of arrest. They should be able to tell you where your vehicle was towed. The Floyd County Sheriff's Office is located at 3 Government Plaza # 110, Rome, GA 30161.
• Reference your booking number: When you call the Sheriff's Office, having your booking number ready will help them locate the information more quickly.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you know where your car is located, you need to gather the necessary documents and be prepared to pay the associated fees.

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 provide proof that you own the vehicle. This can be the vehicle registration or the title.
• Proof of insurance: You must show proof of current insurance coverage for the vehicle.
• Payment for fees: Be prepared to pay all towing and storage fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you cannot legally drive the vehicle yourself. Here's how to retrieve it:

• Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it: Ask a friend or family member with a valid driver's license to pick up the vehicle for you.
• They need:
• Their valid driver's license.
• A signed authorization letter from you, giving them permission to retrieve the vehicle on your behalf.
• The vehicle title or registration, proving ownership.

Costs & Fees in Floyd County

Towing and storage fees can be a significant expense, so it's important to be aware of the potential costs involved.

Typical towing fees in Georgia generally range from $150 to $300. Daily storage fees usually range from $25 to $50 per day. These are just estimates, and fees vary by impound lot.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day, including weekends and holidays. The sooner you retrieve your vehicle, the less you will have to pay.

Before you go to the impound lot, call ahead to confirm their exact fees and accepted payment methods.

Payment

Call the impound lot in advance to confirm accepted payment methods. Most accept cash, and some may accept credit cards or money orders. Personal checks are rarely accepted.

Timeline

Time is of the essence when it comes to retrieving your vehicle.

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day that passes costs you more money.

After 30 Days

In Georgia, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for a certain period (typically 30 days), the impound lot can initiate a lien sale to recover their costs. This means they can sell your vehicle to the public. Do not let it reach this point.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you are struggling to afford the towing and storage fees, here are some potential options:

• Contact a family member or friend to help cover costs: See if someone can lend you the money to retrieve your vehicle.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available: Some impound lots may be willing to work with you and offer a payment plan. It's worth asking, but be prepared for them to say no.
• Consult with a DUI attorney: In some cases, a DUI attorney may be able to negotiate with the impound lot or challenge the fees if they seem excessive.

After Retrieval

Before you drive your vehicle away from the impound lot, take the following steps:

• Inspect the vehicle immediately before leaving the lot: Carefully examine your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.
• Document any damage with photos: Take photos of any damage you find, making sure to include the date and time in the photos.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away: Inform the impound lot manager of any damage you found and obtain a written acknowledgment of your report. This will be important if you need to file a claim for damages later.

By following these steps, you can retrieve your vehicle as quickly and efficiently as possible after a DUI arrest in Floyd County.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does the impound lot have to keep my car? A: In Georgia, impound lots are generally required to hold vehicles for at least 30 days before initiating a lien sale. However, it's best to retrieve your vehicle as soon as possible to avoid accumulating excessive storage fees.

Q: Can I get my belongings out of the car before I retrieve it? A: Most impound lots will allow you to retrieve personal belongings from your vehicle, such as wallets, purses, and medications, before you pay the fees and retrieve the vehicle. However, they may require you to inventory the items and sign a release form. Contact the specific impound lot to confirm their policy.

Q: What happens if I abandon my car at the impound lot? A: If you abandon your vehicle at the impound lot, the lot will eventually sell it at a lien sale to recover their costs. This can negatively impact your credit score and may result in you being responsible for any remaining balance after the sale.