Catawba County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Catawba County

After a DUI arrest in Catawba County, North Carolina, your vehicle is typically impounded. This is standard procedure to ensure public safety and prevent further potential offenses. Understanding the process for retrieving your vehicle is crucial to minimize expenses and avoid further complications. This guide provides the steps you need to take to get your car back.

Where Is Your Car?

Your vehicle was likely towed to one of the towing companies authorized by local law enforcement. Here are some possibilities:

• Midnight Special Towing: 805 Highland Ave SE, Hickory, NC 28602. Phone: N/A. Daily Fee: $N/A.
• Ernie's Towing (Powell): 2103 Startown Rd, Hickory, NC 28602. Phone: N/A. Daily Fee: $N/A.

How to Find Your Vehicle

Locating your vehicle quickly is essential to minimize storage fees. Here are some ways to find out where your car was towed:

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided documentation indicating the name of the towing company and its contact information.
• Call the Catawba County Sheriff's Office: Contact the non-emergency line of the Catawba County Sheriff's Office. They may be able to provide information on where your vehicle was towed. The Sheriff's Office is headquartered at 100 Government Drive in Newton.
• Reference your booking number: When you were processed at the Catawba County Detention Facility, you were assigned a booking number. This number can help law enforcement locate records related to your arrest, including where your vehicle was towed.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Before heading to the impound lot, make sure you have all the necessary documentation to avoid delays.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: You will need to present a valid driver's license to retrieve your vehicle. If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, see the section below.
• Vehicle registration or title: Proof of ownership is required. Bring either the vehicle registration or the title.
• Proof of insurance: You must 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 driver's license is suspended, you cannot personally retrieve the vehicle. Here are your options:

• 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 Catawba County

Towing and storage fees can add up quickly. Be aware of the costs involved:

• Towing Fee: Varies depending on the towing company and distance towed.
• Daily Storage Fee: Midnight Special Towing and Ernie's Towing (Powell) daily storage fee is listed as N/A.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day. Contact the specific impound lot for the most up-to-date fee information. Retrieve your vehicle as quickly as possible to minimize expenses.

Payment

Contact the impound lot in advance to confirm which payment methods they accept. Many accept cash and credit cards, but it's best to verify beforehand. Proposed bills, such as House Bill 1037 and House Bill 199, seek to establish unified frameworks to combat predatory towing practices, mandating that towing companies accept multiple forms of payment—including cash, debit cards, and credit cards—at all times.

Timeline

Time is of the essence when it comes to retrieving your vehicle.

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day that passes increases the total amount you will owe. The Catawba County Sheriff's Office relies on a privatized, heavily regulated network known as the Rotation Wrecker System.

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 their costs. This means they can legally sell your vehicle. Do everything possible to retrieve your vehicle before it reaches this point.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you are struggling to afford the towing and storage fees, consider these options:

• Contact a family member or friend: Ask for financial assistance to help cover the costs.
• 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. This is not guaranteed, but it's worth inquiring about.

After Retrieval

Before driving your vehicle off the impound lot, take these precautions:

• Inspect the vehicle immediately: Carefully examine the vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was in the impound lot's possession.
• Document any damage with photos: Take clear photos of any dents, scratches, or other damage.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away: Notify the impound lot manager of any damage in writing before you leave the premises. This will create a record of the damage and can be helpful if you need to file a claim later.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I get my personal belongings out of the car before I pay the fees? Yes, wrecker companies must permit vehicle owners or insurance appraisers to access the stored vehicle during regular business hours to retrieve personal belongings—excluding items bolted to the vehicle—regardless of whether the towing or storage fees have been settled.
• What happens if I don't retrieve my vehicle? If you do not retrieve your vehicle, the impound lot can initiate a lien sale to recover their costs. You will lose ownership of the vehicle.
• Where is the Catawba County Detention Facility located? The Catawba County Detention Facility is located at 100 Government Drive in Newton, adjacent to the Justice Center.