Buncombe County Vehicle Impound Guide

Vehicle impoundment after a DWI arrest in Buncombe County, North Carolina, presents immediate logistical and financial challenges. The process varies depending on the arresting agency and your prior record, creating a complex situation that requires swift action.

The First 48 Hours After a DWI Arrest in Buncombe County

Following a DWI arrest in Buncombe County, your vehicle will likely be impounded. The Asheville Police Department (APD) utilizes a digital dispatching system called AutoReturn to manage tows. This means the officer doesn't call a specific towing company; instead, the request goes through AutoReturn, which dispatches the next available vendor on the city's approved rotation list. This introduces uncertainty as your car could be at any of a dozen private lots across the county.

If your vehicle is impounded, act quickly. Use the AutoReturn digital portal (https://search.autoreturn.com/) or call (888) 217-9731 to locate your vehicle. You'll need your license plate number or Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Be aware that if the system lists the vehicle status as "On Hold," you'll need release authorization from the Asheville Police Department Records or Evidence Division at (828) 259-5870 or (828) 252-1110. This "On Hold" status is common in cases involving felony serious injury by vehicle, habitual DWI, or when the vehicle is held for a search warrant.

A significant issue arises for arrests occurring on Friday nights. If you are detained over the weekend, your vehicle accrues storage fees for Saturday and Sunday. Even though Asheville ordinances require impound lots to be open from 7 AM to 7 PM, limited weekend release hours at some lots can prevent you from retrieving your vehicle until Monday, increasing storage costs.

What Happens After Arrest / Documents Required

| Action | Description stop | DWI Impound | Description , and the vehicle is "frozen" and cannot be retrieved by simple payment. Release requires a court order or petition to the Clerk of Court.

Primary Impound Facility

APD contracts with various private lots managed through AutoReturn. Contact AutoReturn at (888) 217-9731 to find out which specific lot your vehicle was towed to.

Cost Breakdown

Here's a breakdown of potential costs associated with vehicle impoundment in Buncombe County:

• Tow Fee: Up to $165
• Daily Storage Fee: $30 per day
• After-Hours Release Fee: $50 (if applicable)

For example, a Friday night arrest with a Monday morning release could result in a minimum liability of $165 (tow) + $90 (3 days storage) + $50 (after-hours if retrieved late) = $305.00, excluding any traffic fines.

Required Documents for Release

To retrieve your vehicle, you'll need the following documents:

• Valid state-issued driver's license or ID
• Current vehicle registration or title (or a notarized/recent bill of sale)

A common issue arises if your vehicle insurance has lapsed or was canceled due to the arrest. In this case, the towing company cannot legally allow the vehicle to be driven off the lot. You'll need to pay for a second tow truck to move the vehicle to a private residence, effectively doubling your towing costs.

Contacting the Tow Company

Once you've located your vehicle through AutoReturn, contact the specific towing company to confirm their hours and accepted payment methods. AutoReturn can be reached at (888) 217-9731. While Asheville ordinances require impound lots to be open from 7 AM to 7 PM, it's best to verify directly with the towing company.

Special Circumstances

• Weekend/Holiday Procedures: Be aware of potential delays and increased storage fees if your arrest occurs on a Friday night or before a holiday. Limited weekend hours at some lots can prevent you from retrieving your vehicle until the next business day.
• Third-Party Pickup: If someone else is picking up your vehicle, they will likely need a notarized letter from you authorizing the release, along with copies of your ID and registration. Contact the specific towing company to confirm their exact requirements.
• Statutory Seizure: If your license was already revoked for a prior impaired driving offense, or if you were driving without a valid license and insurance, your vehicle may be subject to "Statutory Seizure" under N.C.G.S. 20-28.3. In this case, the vehicle is "frozen" and cannot be retrieved by simple payment. Release requires a court order or petition to the Clerk of Court. An "Innocent Owner" defense for statutory seizures requires proving to the Clerk of Court that the owner did not know the driver was revoked or prohibited, involving a legal process that can add days or weeks to storage accrual. These seizures are managed by Eastway Wrecker Service at 1-877-394-8697.

If your vehicle status is "On Hold" in the AutoReturn system, release requires authorization from the Asheville Police Department Records or Evidence Division at (828) 259-5870 or (828) 252-1110.