Alamance County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Alamance County

A DUI arrest in Alamance County can be a stressful and confusing experience, and dealing with your impounded vehicle is often one of the first challenges you'll face. North Carolina law allows law enforcement to impound your vehicle after a DUI arrest for several reasons: to ensure public safety by removing a potential hazard from the road, to preserve evidence, or due to license revocation. Understanding the process for retrieving your vehicle and acting quickly is crucial to minimize costs and avoid further complications.

Where Is Your Car?

After a DUI arrest in Alamance County, your vehicle is typically towed to a designated impound lot. Knowing where your car is located is the first step in getting it back. Here are two primary impound lots used in Alamance County:

• Adams Towing & Recovery, LLC: 1203 Belmont St, Burlington, NC 27215
• Doug's 24 hour Towing & Recovery LLC: 509 W Haggard Ave, Elon, NC 27244

How to Find Your Vehicle

If you're unsure which lot your car was towed to, here are a few ways to find out:

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer should have indicated the name and location of the towing company on your citation or booking paperwork.
• Call the Alamance County Sheriff's Office: You can contact the Alamance County Sheriff's Office for assistance in locating your vehicle.
• Reference your booking number: Have your booking number ready when you call, as this will help them locate your vehicle information more quickly.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you know where your vehicle is, you'll need to gather the necessary documents and payment to retrieve it.

Required Documents

Generally, you'll need the following:

• Valid driver's license: If your license is suspended, a licensed individual can retrieve the vehicle on your behalf (see below).
• Vehicle registration or title: This proves ownership of the vehicle.
• Proof of insurance: Showing that the vehicle is currently insured.
• 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 can still have someone else retrieve the vehicle for you. They will need:

• Their valid driver's license
• A signed authorization letter from you: This letter should clearly state that you authorize them to pick up the vehicle on your behalf.
• Vehicle title or registration: To prove ownership.

Costs & Fees in Alamance County

Towing and storage fees can add up quickly, so it's essential to understand the costs involved. While specific rates can fluctuate, you can expect the following:

• Daily Storage Fee: Varies by lot.
• Towing Fee: Varies by lot.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day your vehicle is at the impound lot. The longer you wait, the more expensive it will be to retrieve your vehicle. Legislative efforts, such as the proposed House Bill 1037 ("End Predatory Towing Fees and Practices"), aim to mandate reasonable fee disclosures and prohibit charging storage fees for days the facility is closed.

Payment

Contact the impound lot in advance to confirm their accepted payment methods. Most facilities accept cash and credit cards, but some may also accept money orders. Checks are typically not accepted.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Each passing day adds to the total cost. Contact the impound lot as soon as possible after your release to arrange for retrieval.

After 30 Days

In North Carolina, 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 legally sell your vehicle to cover the outstanding fees. Do everything you can to retrieve your vehicle before it reaches this point.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you're struggling to afford the towing and storage fees, consider the following options:

• Contact a family member or friend: Ask if they can help you cover the costs.
• Ask the impound lot about a payment plan: Some impound lots may offer payment plans, but this is not guaranteed.
• Consult with a DUI attorney: An attorney may be able to negotiate fees or challenge the impoundment if there were any procedural errors. Local counsel with Alamance County court experience is best.

After Retrieval

• Inspect the vehicle immediately before leaving the lot: 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: Make sure to get a written acknowledgment of your report. This will be crucial if you need to file a claim later.

Retrieving your vehicle after a DUI arrest in Alamance County requires prompt action and careful attention to detail. By understanding the process, gathering the necessary documents, and acting quickly, you can minimize costs and avoid further complications.

Frequently Asked Questions

1Can I get my belongings out of my car before I pay the impound fees in Alamance County? It depends on the impound lot's policy. Some may allow you to retrieve personal belongings before paying, but they are not legally obligated to do so. Contact Adams Towing & Recovery, LLC or Doug's 24 hour Towing & Recovery LLC directly to inquire about their specific policy.

2What happens if my car was seized under Runyon's Law in Alamance County? If your vehicle was seized because you were driving on a revoked license (Runyon's Law - N.C.G.S. § 20-28.3), it will be transferred to a state contractor facility, potentially outside of Alamance County. This triggers a complex legal process involving a probable cause hearing and significantly higher storage fees. Contact a local DUI attorney immediately for guidance.

3Can I contest the impoundment of my vehicle in Alamance County if I believe it was wrongfully towed? Yes, you have the right to contest the impoundment if you believe it was unlawful. Consult with a DUI attorney in Alamance County to explore your legal options, which may include filing a motion to recover your vehicle.