Buncombe County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Buncombe County

After a DUI arrest in Buncombe County, one of your first concerns is likely, "Where is my car, and how do I get it back?" Vehicles are commonly impounded following a DUI arrest for several reasons. It ensures public safety by preventing a potentially impaired driver from getting back behind the wheel. It also serves as evidence in the case, especially if the vehicle contains evidence related to the DUI. This guide provides the specific steps and information needed to retrieve your vehicle as quickly and efficiently as possible in Buncombe County. The administration of impaired driving laws in North Carolina operates under a uniquely rigid statutory framework, codified principally in the Safe Roads Act of 1983.

Where Is Your Car?

The location of your vehicle depends on the arresting agency and the specifics of your situation. In Buncombe County, there are two primary scenarios: standard impoundment and statutory seizure.

• Standard Impoundment (Asheville Police Department): If you were arrested by the Asheville Police Department (APD), your vehicle was likely impounded through the AutoReturn Network (Autura). The APD utilizes a digital dispatching and management platform known as AutoReturn.
• Statutory Seizure (Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office or NC State Highway Patrol): In certain cases, specifically if your license was already revoked for a prior impaired driving offense or you were unlicensed and uninsured, your vehicle may have been seized under NC law § 20-28.3. In these cases, the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) or the NC State Highway Patrol (NCSHP) typically uses Eastway Wrecker Service, a state contractor.

Here's how to locate your vehicle:

• AutoReturn Network (Asheville Police Department Impounds):
• Address: Scattered across the county
• Phone: N/A
• To Find Your Car: Use the AutoReturn digital portal or call (888) 217-9731. You’ll need your license plate number or Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). If the system lists the vehicle status as "On Hold," contact the Asheville Police Department Records or Evidence Division at (828) 259-5870 or (828) 252-1110 to secure a release authorization.
• Eastway Wrecker Service (Statutory Seizures):
• Address: Secure state-contracted lot, often far from the site of arrest
• Phone: N/A

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided documentation indicating the towing company and location.
• Call the Buncombe County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: If you're unsure which company towed your vehicle, the Sheriff's Office might be able to assist.
• Reference your booking number: Having your booking number ready when you call can help expedite the search.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Be prepared with the necessary documentation to avoid delays and additional fees.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: The person retrieving the vehicle must have a valid, state-issued driver's license or ID.
• Vehicle registration or title: You must prove ownership of the vehicle. A current registration or title is required. A bill of sale is accepted only if notarized or within a very recent window.
• Proof of insurance: The vehicle must be currently insured. If the insurance has lapsed, or if the policy was cancelled due to the arrest, the towing company cannot legally allow the vehicle to be driven off the lot until insurance is reinstated. This may require a second tow to a private residence, effectively doubling the towing costs. A DL-123 Form is needed to prove liability insurance.
• Payment for fees: Be prepared to pay all towing and storage fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license has been suspended due to the DUI arrest, you can still retrieve your vehicle, but you'll need someone else to drive it.

• Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it: A licensed individual can pick up the vehicle on your behalf.
• They need: Their valid driver's license, a signed authorization letter from you granting them permission to retrieve the vehicle, and the vehicle's title or registration.

Costs & Fees in Buncombe County

Towing and storage fees can add up quickly, so understanding the costs is essential. The Asheville Police Department enforces a strict ordinance-based fee schedule to protect consumers.

• Standard Tow (Class A): $165.00 (Base fee for removing a standard passenger vehicle from the scene of arrest.)
• Daily Storage Fee: $30.00 (Accrues every 24 hours, starting almost immediately upon arrival at the lot.)
• After-Hours Release: $50.00 (Charged if the owner retrieves the vehicle outside of standard business hours, typically 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, though lots are required to be accessible 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM.)
• Dolly / Flatbed Fee: $50.00 (Frequently applied to All-Wheel Drive (AWD) vehicles.)
• Winching: $40.00 (per 15 min) (Applied if the vehicle has left the roadway or requires extraction.)
• Rollover Recovery: $250.00 (A specialized fee for uprighting overturned vehicles.)
• Crash Wrap: $10.00 (per window) (If windows are broken, the tower must seal them to protect the interior.)

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day. Retrieve your vehicle as quickly as possible to minimize expenses. A significant friction point arises for arrests occurring on Friday nights. If a defendant is detained for 24-48 hours (a common occurrence under the SRA rules), the vehicle accrues storage fees for Saturday and Sunday. If the private lot has limited weekend release hours—despite the ordinance requirement for 7 AM to 7 PM availability—the defendant may be unable to retrieve the vehicle until Monday. A Friday night arrest with a Monday morning release results in: $165 (Tow) + $90 (3 days storage) + $50 (After-hours if retrieved late) = $305.00 minimum liability, exclusive of traffic fines.

Payment

Call the impound lot in advance to confirm accepted payment methods. Most accept cash, and some may accept credit cards or money orders. Being prepared with the correct form of payment will streamline the retrieval process.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day costs more money. Contact the appropriate impound lot as soon as possible to determine the exact fees and arrange for retrieval.

After 30 Days

Most states, including North Carolina, allow the impound lot to initiate a lien sale if the vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period (typically 30 days). Do not let it reach this point. The lien sale process can result in you losing ownership of your vehicle.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you're struggling to afford the impound fees, explore these options:

• Contact a family member or friend to help cover costs: Borrowing money can help you retrieve your vehicle quickly and avoid further 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 your attorney: In some cases, a DUI attorney may be able to negotiate fees or challenge the impoundment if there were procedural errors.

After Retrieval

• Inspect the vehicle immediately before leaving the lot: Carefully examine your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred during the towing or storage process.
• Document any damage with photos: Take detailed photos of any dents, scratches, or other damage before leaving the lot.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away: Notify the impound lot manager of any damage in writing, and obtain a copy of the report for your records. This documentation is crucial if you need to file a claim for damages.

Retrieving your vehicle after a DUI arrest in Buncombe County requires prompt action and careful attention to detail. By following these steps and understanding your rights, you can navigate the process efficiently and minimize expenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Where do I go to pay my bond in Buncombe County? Bond payments are accepted 24/7 at the Buncombe County Detention Facility located at 20 Davidson Drive, Asheville, NC 28801. Cash or certified checks are typically required.
• Can someone pick up my car for me if my license is suspended after a DUI arrest in Buncombe County? Yes, a licensed driver can retrieve your vehicle. They will need their valid driver's license, a signed authorization letter from you, and proof of vehicle ownership (registration or title).
• What is the "SRA" they keep mentioning at the detention center? "SRA" refers to a "Sober Responsible Adult." Under NC law § 15A-534.2, after a DWI arrest, the magistrate must determine if your impairment presents a danger. If so, you can only be released to a sober, responsible adult who will take responsibility for you. This person may be required to submit to a breath test to prove their sobriety.