Carteret County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Carteret County

After a DUI arrest in Carteret County, North Carolina, one of your immediate concerns is likely getting your vehicle back. Vehicles are typically impounded following a DUI arrest for several reasons: to ensure public safety, to prevent further impaired driving, and as evidence in the legal proceedings. Understanding the process for vehicle retrieval is crucial to minimize costs and avoid further complications.

Where Is Your Car?

Unlike some larger cities with a central impound lot, Carteret County utilizes a network of private towing companies on a rotation basis. This means your car could be at any one of several different lots, making it essential to determine the exact location as quickly as possible. The lack of a centralized system in Carteret County means you'll need to do some legwork to track down your vehicle.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided documentation that includes the name of the towing company that took possession of your vehicle. This is the easiest and fastest way to locate it.
• Call the Carteret County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: If you cannot locate the paperwork, call the non-emergency dispatch line at 252-728-8400, ext. 8801. Provide your name, date of birth, and date of arrest, and they should be able to tell you which company towed your vehicle.
• Reference your booking number: Having your booking number handy when calling the Sheriff's Office can expedite the process.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you've located your vehicle, you'll need to gather the necessary documents and payment to retrieve it.

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 the vehicle's registration or title.
• Proof of insurance: You'll need to demonstrate that the vehicle is currently insured.
• Payment for fees: Be prepared to pay all towing and storage fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you cannot legally drive the vehicle yourself. In this case, you have two options:

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

Costs & Fees in Carteret County

Towing and storage fees can add up quickly, so understanding the cost structure is crucial. Because Carteret County relies on private towing companies, these fees are not standardized.

Typical towing fees in North Carolina can range from $150 to $300. Daily storage fees typically range from $25 to $50 per day. However, these are just estimates. Fees in Carteret County may vary significantly depending on the specific towing company.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day. Retrieve your vehicle as quickly as possible to minimize expenses. Weekends can be especially problematic in Carteret County, as private rotation lots frequently close their administrative offices on Saturdays and Sundays. A vehicle towed on a Friday night might not be retrievable until Monday, incurring extra storage fees.

Payment

Call the impound lot in advance to confirm accepted payment methods. Some lots may only accept cash or money orders. Recent legislative efforts seek to mandate that companies must accept debit cards, credit cards, and cash, limits payment processing fees to the actual cost (or 2%), and explicitly prohibits charging a storage fee for days when the facility is not open from at least 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM for the recovery of vehicles. Until such legislation is fully codified and enforced, the current reality requires defendants to verify accepted payment methods prior to traveling to the impound lot.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day that passes increases the amount you'll owe.

After 30 Days

In North Carolina, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for a certain period (typically 30 days), the impound lot can initiate a lien sale to recover the outstanding fees. Do not let it reach this point.

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 the impound lot if a payment plan is available: Some impound lots may offer payment plans, but this is not guaranteed.

After Retrieval

Before driving away with your vehicle, take these steps:

• Inspect the vehicle immediately before leaving the lot: Carefully examine the vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.
• Document any damage with photos: Take photos of any damage as evidence.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away: Obtain a written acknowledgement of the damage from the lot manager.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What if I believe the tow was unjustified? Under G.S. 20-219.10, you can request a probable cause hearing before a magistrate in Carteret County within 72 hours of the tow.
2. Can I get my personal belongings out of the car before I pay the fees? Typically, you can retrieve essential personal items, but policies vary by impound lot. Contact them beforehand to confirm their procedure.
3. What if I don't have the title to the car? Contact the North Carolina DMV or the impound lot to determine acceptable alternative proof of ownership. The Morehead City Driver License Office is located at 5347 Hwy 70 W.