Davidson County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Davidson County

After a DUI arrest in Davidson County, North Carolina, one of your most immediate concerns is likely getting your vehicle back. Your car was impounded as part of the arrest process, and understanding how to navigate the retrieval process is crucial to minimize expenses and avoid further complications. This guide provides a step-by-step overview of what you need to do to reclaim your vehicle.

Where Is Your Car?

The first step is determining where your vehicle was towed. In Davidson County, the destination of your car depends on a few factors, particularly the status of your driver's license at the time of the arrest.

If you had a valid driver's license, your vehicle was likely towed by a local, privately-owned towing company that operates on a rotation basis with the Davidson County Sheriff's Office and local police departments. However, if your license was already revoked due to a prior impaired driving offense, your vehicle may have been seized by the state under North Carolina's "Run and You're Done" law (N.C.G.S. § 20-28.3). In this case, the vehicle is transported by a state-contracted facility and is subject to potential civil forfeiture proceedings.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided you with documentation that includes the name of the towing company and its contact information. This is the quickest way to locate your vehicle.
• Call the Davidson County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: If you cannot locate the paperwork, contact the Davidson County Sheriff's Office at https://www.davidsoncountysheriffsnc.org/. Explain that you were arrested for DUI and need to know where your vehicle was towed.
• Reference your booking number: When you call, provide your booking number to help them locate your information more efficiently. You can find Davidson County inmate information on the Davidson County Sheriff's Office Inmate Detention Center website.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you know where your vehicle is impounded, gather the necessary documents and prepare for the associated fees.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: You will typically need to present a valid driver's license to retrieve the vehicle. However, this presents a problem since your license was likely confiscated during the DUI arrest.
• Vehicle registration or title: You must prove ownership of the vehicle. Bring the vehicle's registration or title.
• Proof of insurance: You will need to show proof of current insurance coverage for the vehicle.
• Payment for fees: Be prepared to pay towing and storage fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your driver's license was confiscated, you have two options:

• Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it: The easiest solution is to have a friend or family member with a valid license retrieve the vehicle on your behalf.
• They need: Their valid driver’s license, a signed authorization letter from you granting them permission to pick up the vehicle, and the vehicle's title or registration in your name.

Costs & Fees in Davidson County

Towing and storage fees can add up quickly, so understanding the potential costs is essential. While specific rates vary among towing companies, here's a general idea of what to expect in North Carolina:

Typical towing fees in North Carolina run $150–$300. Daily storage is usually $25–$50 per day. Fees vary by lot — call ahead to confirm before you go.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day. Retrieve your vehicle as quickly as possible to minimize expenses.

Payment

Call the impound lot in advance to confirm accepted payment methods (cash, credit card, money order). North Carolina law (N.C.G.S. § 20-219.10) requires nonconsensual towers and rotation wreckers to accept credit and debit cards.

Timeline

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 arrange for retrieval.

After 30 Days

Most states allow the lot to initiate a lien sale if the vehicle is unclaimed after a certain period (often 30 days). Do not let it reach this point. If you fail to retrieve the vehicle, you risk losing it permanently.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

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

• Contact a family member or friend to help cover costs: Ask for assistance from someone you know.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available: Some impound lots may offer payment plans or allow you to pay the fees in installments.

After Retrieval

Once you retrieve your vehicle, take these precautions:

• 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 scratches, dents, 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 help protect your rights if you need to file a claim for damages later.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

1Can I get my car back immediately after posting bail in Davidson County?

No, posting bail only secures your release from jail. You must still go through the separate process of contacting the towing company, providing the required documentation, and paying the associated fees to retrieve your vehicle.

2What happens if my car was seized under "Run and You're Done" in Davidson County?

If your license was revoked for a prior DUI and your vehicle was seized under N.C.G.S. § 20-28.3, you cannot get the vehicle back from the local police or towing company. The registered owner (if not you) must petition the court directly as an "innocent owner" to get a release order.

3What if the impound lot in Davidson County only accepts cash?

North Carolina law (N.C.G.S. § 20-219.10) requires nonconsensual towers and rotation wreckers to accept credit and debit cards. If they refuse, this may be a violation of their local contract.