Beaufort County Vehicle Impound Guide

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

The local sheriff's office manages vehicle towing through a designated wrecker rotation list immediately following an arrest for driving while impaired. This physical seizure initiates a dual track process that can quickly result in permanent forfeiture. Under G.S. 20-28.3, a law enforcement officer must physically seize a motor vehicle if the driver is charged with an impaired driving offense while driving with a license already revoked for a prior impaired driving offense. The same mandatory seizure applies if the driver is unlicensed and lacks vehicle liability insurance. This rule applies even if the driver does not own the vehicle. The immediate towing and storage of the vehicle generate significant administrative and financial obligations. If the vehicle is subject to standard impoundment, it remains local. If it is seized under G.S. 20-28.3, it enters a forfeiture pipeline managed by the state.

Where Is Your Car?

Vehicles towed under the standard rotation list are taken to the local storage facility located at 157 Hodges Rd, Chocowinity, NC 27817. This facility handles standard municipal and county impounds. If your vehicle was seized under the mandatory provisions of G.S. 20-28.3, it will be transferred to the state contractor, Martin Edwards & Associates, located in Linden, NC. You can contact the state contractor at (910) 897-6382. The offsite location in Linden requires travel across the state for retrieval. It is located in Cumberland and Harnett counties, far outside the local municipal boundaries.

How to Find Your Vehicle

Your arrest paperwork contains the name and address of the specific towing service. If you do not have this paperwork, call the nonemergency line for the Sheriff's Office at (252) 946-7111. Provide your booking number or the vehicle license plate number to locate the facility holding your property. Do not rely on automated GPS systems without verifying the exact address. Conflating different regional facilities can result in missed deadlines and additional storage fees.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Required Documents

You must present specific documentation to secure the release of your vehicle. The impound facility requires a valid driver's license, the vehicle registration or title showing proof of ownership, and active proof of insurance. You must also provide the exact payment for all accumulated towing and storage fees. If the vehicle was seized under G.S. 20-28.3, you may also need to present a certified court order from the Clerk of Superior Court.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

A licensed driver must accompany you if your driving privilege is suspended. This individual must present a valid driver's license to drive the vehicle off the lot. You must provide a signed, notarized authorization letter permitting them to retrieve the vehicle, along with the vehicle title or registration. The facility will not release the vehicle to anyone without verifying their active driving credentials.

Costs & Fees in the County

Local wrecker regulations mandate a $100.00 flat drop fee if you arrive at the scene after the vehicle is hooked but before it is moved. Storage fees do not begin accruing until twelve hours after the vehicle enters the lot. After hours release is available between 5:30 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. but is subject to extra fees.

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

Payment

Under state law, accepted payment methods include cash, certified funds, and credit or debit cards. Personal checks are not accepted. Call the storage lot in advance to confirm their specific processing procedures. Failure to provide accepted payment forms will result in a denial of release and additional daily storage fees.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees accumulate daily after the initial twelve hour grace period. Delaying retrieval directly increases the total cost of recovery. The local sheriff's wrecker rotation program operates on strict timelines, and fees compound quickly.

After 30 Days

State contractors holding seized vehicles can execute an expedited sale before your trial. This occurs if the accumulated towing and storage charges exceed 85% of the vehicle's fair market value. It also occurs if the vehicle is valued at $1,500 or less and 90 days have elapsed since the seizure. Do not let your case reach this point. You must petition the Clerk of Superior Court immediately to halt an expedited sale.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

After Retrieval

Inspect your vehicle thoroughly before leaving the storage lot. Document any new damage with clear photographs. Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before driving away from the facility. Once you sign the release form and leave the property, challenging any subsequent damage claims becomes exceedingly difficult.