Bertie County Vehicle Impound Guide

How to retrieve your impounded vehicle after a DUI arrest in Bertie, NC.

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Bertie County

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When law enforcement arrests a motorist for driving while impaired (DWI) under North Carolina law, the vehicle cannot remain on the roadside. The driver is incapacitated by the arrest and taken into custody. To clear the roadway and secure the property, the arresting officer initiates a non-consensual tow.

This process is governed by North Carolina Administrative Code 14B NCAC 07A.0116. The State Highway Patrol and local sheriff's departments utilize a non-preference rotation wrecker list. This system prevents monopolistic towing practices. It ensures that licensed towing operators are called sequentially to clear the scene.

Under G.S. § 20-166.3, a vehicle towed during a DWI arrest can be held as evidence. If the vehicle is not required for accident reconstruction or a vehicular homicide investigation, it must be released to the owner. This release is contingent upon the payment of all towing and storage fees.

Where Is Your Car?

The location of your vehicle depends on which towing service was next on the rotation list when the arrest occurred. Because Bertie is a rural area, vehicles are often transported to regional storage facilities in neighboring jurisdictions.

Two regional storage yards frequently receive vehicles towed from the local area:

• Greenville Storage Facility: 708 Mumford Rd, Greenville, NC 27834
• Bethel Storage Facility: 5862 NC-30, Bethel, NC 27812

How to Find Your Vehicle

To identify the specific lot holding your vehicle, follow these steps:

• Review your arrest and booking paperwork. The towing company name and storage location are noted on the vehicle impoundment form.
• Call the non-emergency line of the local law enforcement agency that made the arrest. This will be either the Windsor Police Department or the State Highway Patrol.
• Provide your full name, the date of the arrest, and the vehicle's license plate number to the administrative staff.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Towing operators must comply with strict custodial rules before releasing an impounded vehicle. You must present specific documentation to prove ownership and eligibility to drive.

Required Documents

• A valid driver's license. If your license was civilly revoked upon your arrest, you must bring a licensed driver with you.
• The vehicle registration card or the official certificate of title.
• Proof of active financial responsibility, such as a current auto insurance policy card.
• Payment for all accrued towing and storage charges.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your driving privileges are suspended, you cannot drive the vehicle off the lot. You must arrange for a licensed driver to retrieve the vehicle.

The licensed driver must present:

• Their own valid driver's license.
• A signed, notarized authorization letter from you permitting them to claim the vehicle.
• The vehicle's title or registration document.

Costs & Fees

Towing and storage costs accumulate quickly. Under 14B NCAC 07A.0116, participating wrecker services must maintain a business office open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding state holidays.

The total cost consists of a flat towing fee and a daily storage fee. Because specific rates vary by towing provider and vehicle weight, you must contact the storage yard directly to confirm the exact balance. Storage fees accrue every single calendar day. Retrieve your vehicle as quickly as possible to prevent the balance from escalating.

Payment

Call the storage facility before traveling there to confirm their accepted payment methods. Many yards require cash or certified funds, while others accept credit cards.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees begin accruing the moment the vehicle is secured at the storage yard. A delay of even 48 hours can add significant costs to your overall post-arrest expenses.

After 30 Days

If a vehicle remains unclaimed, North Carolina law allows the towing operator to initiate a landlord lien process to sell the vehicle at a public auction to satisfy the unpaid storage debt. You must act before this statutory timeline expires to avoid losing ownership of your property.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

The financial burden of a DWI arrest can be severe, especially in economically distressed Tier 1 areas. If you cannot afford the immediate retrieval costs, consider these options:

• Contact a family member or friend to secure the necessary funds.
• Ask the storage facility manager if they offer a payment plan or a reduction in storage fees for prompt payment.

After Retrieval

Do not leave the storage yard without conducting a thorough inspection of your vehicle.

• Inspect the exterior and interior for any new damage that occurred during the tow or storage period.
• Document any discrepancies immediately by taking clear, time-stamped photographs.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before driving the vehicle off the property.