Dare County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Dare County

Being arrested for a DUI in Dare County, North Carolina is a stressful experience. On top of dealing with the legal ramifications, you're likely facing the immediate problem of getting your car back. This guide provides practical information to help you navigate the vehicle impound process and retrieve your vehicle as quickly and efficiently as possible. Remember, time is of the essence to minimize costs.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in Dare County, law enforcement typically impounds your vehicle. This is standard procedure for several reasons:

• Public Safety: To prevent you from driving under the influence again immediately.
• Evidence: The vehicle might be considered evidence in your DUI case, especially if there was an accident.
• Liability: To protect the police and the towing company from liability.

Knowing why your car was impounded is the first step in understanding the process of getting it back.

Where Is Your Car?

Finding your vehicle is the priority. Time is money, and storage fees rack up quickly. Unfortunately, there isn't a central database of impounded vehicles in Dare County. However, here's how you can locate your vehicle:

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided you with paperwork that includes the name and contact information for the towing company that impounded your vehicle. Look for this information first.
• Call the Dare County Sheriff's Office: If you can't find the information on your paperwork, contact the Dare County Sheriff's Office at (252) 475-5980. Provide them with your name, date of birth, and date of arrest. They should be able to tell you where your vehicle was towed.
• Reference your booking number: Having your booking number ready when you call the Dare County Sheriff's Office can help them locate your vehicle information more quickly.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you know where your car is impounded, you need to gather the necessary documents 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 that you own the vehicle. A copy of the registration or the vehicle title will suffice.
• Proof of insurance: Current insurance documentation for the vehicle.
• Payment for fees: Be prepared to pay towing and storage fees. Check with the impound lot about accepted payment methods.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended or revoked due to the DUI arrest, you'll need someone else to pick up the vehicle. They will need the following:

• Their valid driver's license: The person retrieving the vehicle must have a valid, unexpired driver's license.
• Authorization from you: A signed statement authorizing them to retrieve the vehicle on your behalf. This statement should include your name, the person's name, the vehicle's make and model, and the vehicle's VIN (Vehicle Identification Number).
• Vehicle title or registration: Proof of ownership.

Costs & Fees in Dare County

Understanding the costs involved is crucial for planning your retrieval. These fees can add up very quickly, so act fast.

Typical Fees

Towing and storage fees are set by the towing companies, not the Dare County government, so they can vary. However, typical towing fees in North Carolina range from $150 to $300. Daily storage fees typically range from $25 to $50 per day.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate daily. Every day you delay, the cost increases. Retrieve your car as soon as possible!

Payment

Call the impound lot in advance to confirm accepted payment methods. Most impound lots accept cash, but not all accept credit cards or money orders. Confirm acceptable forms of payment before you go to avoid delays.

Timeline

Understanding the timeline is critical to prevent further complications and potential loss of your vehicle.

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day costs more money. Contact the towing company as soon as possible to determine their hours of operation and payment options.

After 30 Days

Most states, including North Carolina, allow the impound lot to initiate a lien sale if the vehicle is unclaimed for an extended period (usually 30 to 60 days). This means they can sell your vehicle to recover the towing and storage fees. Do not let it reach this point. Contact the impound lot immediately to make arrangements for retrieving your vehicle.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Facing high impound fees can be overwhelming, especially after a DUI arrest. Here are some options to consider:

• 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. Inquire with the impound lot manager directly.
• Consult with a DUI attorney: In some cases, a DUI attorney may be able to negotiate the fees or challenge their validity.

After Retrieval

Once you've retrieved your vehicle, take the following steps:

• Inspect the vehicle immediately before leaving the lot: Carefully inspect your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.
• Document any damage with photos: Take photos of any dents, scratches, or other damage.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away: Obtain a written acknowledgement from the lot manager that you reported the damage. This will be important if you need to file a claim later.

Frequently Asked Questions

1How long does the impound lot hold my car in Dare County? The impound lot will typically hold your car for 30-60 days before initiating a lien sale. Contact the lot immediately to confirm their specific timeline and avoid losing your vehicle.

2What if the car isn't registered in my name? The registered owner of the vehicle must retrieve it. They'll need their valid driver's license, the vehicle registration, and proof of insurance.

3Can I get a hardship extension to retrieve my car if I can't afford it right away? Impound lots are generally not required to offer hardship extensions. However, it's always worth asking the lot manager if any options exist, such as a short-term payment plan. Contact the Dare County Sheriff's Office for any local resources.