Gwinnett County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Gwinnett County

Being arrested for DUI in Gwinnett County is a stressful 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 associated costs of getting your vehicle back.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you are arrested for DUI, the Gwinnett County Police Department or the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office will typically have your vehicle towed and impounded. This is done for several reasons:

• Safety: To prevent you from driving under the influence.
• Evidence: The vehicle itself might be considered evidence in your case.
• Liability: The arresting agency wants to avoid liability for the vehicle if it were left unattended.

After the tow, the vehicle is stored at a contracted impound lot. It is your responsibility to locate the vehicle and take the necessary steps to retrieve it. Failure to do so promptly can result in escalating storage fees and, eventually, the loss of your vehicle.

Where Is Your Car?

The first step is determining where your vehicle was towed. This information isn't always readily available, but there are several ways to find out.

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 used. This is the quickest and easiest way to locate your vehicle.
• Call the Gwinnett County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: If you can't find the paperwork, contact the Gwinnett County Sheriff's Office. They can use your name and date of arrest to look up where your vehicle was towed.
• Reference your booking number: When contacting the Sheriff's Office, providing your booking number (assigned when you were processed at the Gwinnett County Detention Center at 2900 University Parkway, Lawrenceville, GA 30043) can expedite the search.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you've located your vehicle, you'll need specific documentation to retrieve it. The impound lot will require certain items to verify ownership and ensure they are releasing the vehicle to the correct person.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: The person retrieving the vehicle must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration or title: You'll need to provide proof of ownership, such as the vehicle's registration or title.
• Proof of insurance: Current insurance documentation is required.
• Payment for fees: You must 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 personally retrieve the vehicle. However, there are 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 license, a signed authorization letter from you (stating you authorize them to pick up the vehicle), and the vehicle's title or registration in your name.

Costs & Fees in Gwinnett County

Towing and storage fees can be substantial and accrue quickly, so understanding the cost structure is essential. While specific rates vary by towing company, here's a general overview:

Typical towing fees in Georgia range from $150 to $300. Daily storage fees typically fall between $25 and $50 per day.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day. The longer you wait, the more expensive it becomes to retrieve your vehicle. Contact the specific impound lot as soon as possible to confirm their exact fee schedule.

Payment

Impound lots have varying payment policies. Call the lot in advance to confirm which payment methods they accept. Common options include:

• Cash
• Credit card
• Money order

Personal checks are rarely accepted.

Timeline

Time is of the essence when retrieving your vehicle.

Act Immediately

Storage fees begin accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day you delay adds to the total cost.

After 30 Days

Most states, including Georgia under Title 44 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A.), allow the impound lot to initiate a lien sale if the vehicle remains unclaimed for a certain period, typically around 30 days. O.C.G.A. § 44-1-13 governs the process of enforcing liens on personal property. Do everything possible to retrieve your vehicle before it reaches this point.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

The cost of retrieving an impounded vehicle can be a significant burden, especially after a DUI arrest. Here are some potential solutions:

• Contact a family member or friend: Ask for assistance in covering the towing and storage fees.
• 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: An attorney may be able to negotiate with the impound lot to reduce the fees or challenge their validity in certain circumstances.

After Retrieval

Once you've paid the fees and have your vehicle back, take these precautions:

• Inspect the vehicle immediately before leaving the lot: Carefully examine the vehicle for any damage that may have occurred during the tow or while in storage.
• Document any damage with photos: Take clear photos of any scratches, dents, or other damage.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away: Obtain a signed acknowledgment of your damage report from the lot manager. This documentation is crucial if you need to file a claim for damages later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where will my ALS hearing take place if I request one? A: If you request an Administrative License Suspension (ALS) hearing, it will most likely be held at the Duluth Municipal Court (Public Safety Building) at 3276 Buford Hwy, Duluth, GA 30096. However, always check your Notice of Hearing, as the location can change.

Q: What happens if I don't request an ALS hearing within 30 days of my arrest? A: If you don't request a hearing or apply for an Ignition Interlock Limited Driving Permit (IIDLP) within 30 days of the date of service on the DS-1205 form, your license will be automatically suspended on day 46.

Q: How much does it cost to reinstate my license after a first DUI in Gwinnett County? A: The reinstatement fee for a first DUI offense is $210 if done by mail or online, or $200 if done in person at a Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) Customer Service Center like the one in Lawrenceville at 310 Hurricane Shoals Rd NE.

Sources

• Administrative License Suspension (ALS) Hearing Requests - Georgia Department of Driver Services
• IGNITION INTERLOCK DEVICE LIMITED PERMIT CUSTOMER INFORMATION SHEET - Georgia Department of Driver Services
• Lawrenceville CSC - Georgia Department of Driver Services
• State Hearings/ Child Support - Welcome to Duluth, GA
• Title 44 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A.)