Beaufort County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Beaufort County

A DUI arrest in Beaufort County can trigger a stressful and expensive chain of events, and one of the most immediate concerns is often what happens to your vehicle. In North Carolina, when you're arrested for Driving While Impaired (DWI), your vehicle is typically impounded and towed. This guide provides the essential steps to locate, retrieve, and protect your rights regarding your vehicle after a DUI arrest in Beaufort County.

Where Is Your Car?

After a DWI arrest in Beaufort County, your vehicle is typically towed to a local impound lot. Knowing where your car is located is the first crucial step in getting it back. The primary impound mechanism is the Beaufort County Sheriff Wrecker Rotation List. However, under North Carolina General Statute 20-28.3, a law enforcement officer in Beaufort County is mandated to physically seize a motor vehicle if the driver is charged with an impaired driving offense and, at the time of the offense, either: (1) the driver's license was already revoked for a prior impaired driving offense, or (2) the driver was not validly licensed and was not covered by a liability insurance policy.

One possibility is B & D Towing and Recovery, located at 157 Hodges Rd, Chocowinity, NC 27817. There is no phone number available.

If your vehicle was seized under G.S. 20-28.3, it might initially be taken to a local lot before being transferred to the state contractor, Martin Edwards & Associates, in Linden, NC. This transfer can happen within a few days, so it's critical to act quickly.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer should provide documentation indicating the name and contact information for the towing company used.
• Call the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office: If you're unsure where your vehicle was towed, contact the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line for assistance.
• Reference your booking number: Providing your booking number can help the Sheriff's Office locate information about your arrest and vehicle impound.

IMPORTANT: Due to the nomenclatural overlap between Beaufort County, North Carolina; the Town of Beaufort, North Carolina (located in Carteret County); and Beaufort County, South Carolina, always verify that the location you are coordinating with is in Washington, North Carolina.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Before heading to the impound lot, make sure you have all the necessary documentation to avoid delays and additional 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: Proof of ownership is essential. Bring either the vehicle registration or the title.
• Proof of insurance: You must demonstrate that the vehicle is currently insured.
• Payment for fees: Be prepared to pay all applicable towing and storage fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended or revoked, 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, granting them permission to pick up the vehicle.
• The vehicle's title or registration.

Costs & Fees in Beaufort County

The costs associated with retrieving your vehicle can add up quickly, so it's important to understand the fee structure. B & D Towing and Recovery charges a daily storage fee of $N/A.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accrue daily, starting after a 12-hour grace period once the vehicle is in the lot. The longer you wait, the more you'll pay. If a vehicle owner or authorized agent arrives at the scene while the tow truck operator has already connected the vehicle, but before the vehicle has been physically removed from the property, the operator is legally mandated to disconnect and release the vehicle upon the immediate payment of a $100.00 drop fee.

Payment

Contact the impound lot in advance to confirm which payment methods they accept. Most accept cash, and some may take credit cards or money orders. Be prepared to pay the full amount due before the vehicle will be released.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Time is of the essence when it comes to retrieving your vehicle. Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day you delay adds to the total cost.

After 30 Days

In North Carolina, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period, the impound lot can initiate a lien sale to recover their costs. This typically happens after 30 days, but it can vary. To prevent this, contact the impound lot as soon as possible and make arrangements to retrieve your vehicle.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

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

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

After Retrieval

Before driving away with your vehicle, take these important steps:

• Inspect the vehicle immediately: Carefully examine the vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while in the impound lot's possession.
• Document any damage: Take photos of any damage you find.
• Report any damage in writing: Notify the lot manager of any damage in writing before you leave the premises. This will help protect your rights if you need to file a claim later.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where is the Beaufort County Courthouse located? The Beaufort County Courthouse is located at 300 Courthouse Square, Beaufort, NC 28516.
2. How long do I have before storage fees start accruing at the local impound lot? Storage fees do not begin accruing until twelve (12) hours after the motor vehicle has physically entered the business's storage lot.
3. What is the phone number for the Beaufort County Detention Center? The phone number for the Beaufort County Detention Center is (252) 946-7111.