Davie County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Davie County

Being arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Davie County can be a disorienting experience. Beyond the immediate legal concerns, you're likely wondering what happens to your vehicle. In most DUI arrests, the arresting officer will have your vehicle towed and impounded. This guide provides a step-by-step overview of how to locate, retrieve, and handle the costs associated with getting your car back after a DUI arrest in Davie County, North Carolina.

Where Is Your Car?

The most pressing question after a DUI arrest is locating your vehicle. Unlike some larger cities, Davie County doesn't operate a central impound lot. Instead, the Davie County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) and the NC State Highway Patrol (NCSHP) utilize a Rotation Wrecker System, calling private towing companies on a rotating basis. This means your car could be at any one of several different lots in and around Davie County.

How to Find Your Vehicle

It's crucial to act quickly to minimize storage fees. Here's how to find out where your vehicle was towed:

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer should provide you with paperwork that includes the name and contact information of the towing company that took your vehicle. Look for a "Vehicle Seizure Report."
• Call the Davie County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: If you can't locate the paperwork, call the DCSO non-emergency number at (336) 751-6238. Provide them with your name, date of arrest, and vehicle description. They can query their dispatch logs to determine which towing company was called.
• Reference your booking number: Having your booking number handy when you call the DCSO will help them locate the information faster.

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. Be prepared; the impound lot will require specific items before releasing your car.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: You (or the person retrieving the vehicle) must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration or title: You must provide proof of ownership. A copy of the vehicle registration or the vehicle title will suffice.
• Proof of insurance: You'll need to show proof of current insurance coverage for the vehicle.
• Payment for fees: Be prepared to pay the 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. Here are your options:

• Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it: The easiest option is to have a licensed driver retrieve the vehicle for you.
• They need: Their valid driver's license, a signed authorization letter from you (stating they have permission to pick up the vehicle on your behalf), and the vehicle title or registration.

Costs & Fees in Davie County

The cost of retrieving your vehicle can be substantial. It's important to understand the different fees involved so you can be prepared. Keep in mind that the fees are civil debts owed to the private tower, not criminal fines.

Typical towing fees in North Carolina generally range from $175 to $250. Daily storage fees typically range from $35 to $60 per day. However, these fees can vary between impound lots.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day, including weekends and holidays. The longer you wait, the more it will cost to get your car back.

• Tow Charge: This is the base fee for towing your vehicle from the arrest scene to the impound lot. The cost may be higher for larger vehicles or if the vehicle was difficult to recover (e.g., from a ditch).
• Storage Fee: This is a daily fee that accrues for each day your vehicle is stored at the lot.
• After-Hours Release Fee: Some lots charge an additional fee for releasing your vehicle outside of their normal business hours.
• Administrative Fees: These fees cover paperwork and processing costs.

Payment

Call the impound lot in advance to confirm their accepted methods of payment. Some may only accept cash or money orders, while others may accept credit cards. Knowing this ahead of time can save you a trip.

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 you delay adds to the total cost.

After 30 Days

In North Carolina, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for a certain period (typically 30 days), the impound lot has the right to initiate a lien sale to recover their fees. This means they can sell your vehicle to cover the towing and storage costs. Do everything you can to avoid this scenario.

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 if they can help you cover the costs.
• Ask the impound lot about a payment plan: Some impound lots may be willing to work with you on a payment plan. It's worth asking, though they are not obligated to offer one.
• Consult with your attorney: In some cases, a DUI attorney may be able to negotiate the fees or challenge them if they are unreasonable.

After Retrieval

Before you drive away with your vehicle, take these important steps:

• Inspect the vehicle immediately: Carefully inspect your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred during the towing or storage process.
• Document any damage with photos: Take photos of any damage you find.
• 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 you if you need to file a claim later.

By following these steps, you can navigate the process of retrieving your vehicle after a DUI arrest in Davie County as smoothly as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long do I have to get my car out of impound in Davie County before it's sold? A: Generally, impound lots can begin the process of selling unclaimed vehicles after about 30 days. However, it's best to contact the specific impound lot holding your vehicle to confirm their exact timeline.

Q: Can I get hardship driving privileges to retrieve my vehicle even during the first 10 days of my 30-day revocation? A: No. Under NC law, no hardship privileges are available for the first 10 days of a civil revocation for a DUI. You will need to have someone else with a valid license retrieve the vehicle.

Q: Where can I complete the mandatory Substance Abuse Assessment required for a Limited Driving Privilege in Davie County? A: Davie Assessments and Counseling, located at 977 Yadkinville Road in Mocksville, is a primary local provider for these assessments.