Edgecombe County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Edgecombe County

Being arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Edgecombe County can trigger a series of immediate concerns, and one of the most pressing is often: what happens to my car? North Carolina law enforcement officers routinely impound vehicles after a DUI arrest for several reasons. It ensures public safety by preventing potentially impaired drivers from getting back behind the wheel immediately. Impoundment also allows law enforcement to secure the vehicle as evidence, if necessary, and to address situations where the driver's license is suspended or revoked, or the vehicle is uninsured. Understanding the process for retrieving your vehicle is crucial to minimize costs and avoid further complications.

Where Is Your Car?

The first step is locating your vehicle. When your car is towed after a DUI arrest in Edgecombe County, it's taken to a local impound lot or towing company's storage facility. The arresting officer should provide you with documentation indicating where your vehicle was towed. However, if you don't have this information readily available, there are a few ways to locate your car.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Check your arrest paperwork: The name and contact information for the towing company used will typically be written on the paperwork provided by the arresting officer.
• Call the Edgecombe County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: You can call the Edgecombe County Sheriff’s Office at (252) 641-7911 and provide them with your name, date of birth, and a description of your vehicle. They may be able to tell you where your vehicle was towed.
• Reference your booking number: When you were processed at the Edgecombe County Detention Center located at 3005 Anaconda Road, Tarboro, NC, you received a booking number. This number can help the Sheriff's Office locate your records and provide information about your vehicle.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you've located your vehicle, you'll need to gather the necessary documents to retrieve it. The impound lot will require specific paperwork to verify your ownership and legal right to take possession of the vehicle.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: You will need to present a valid driver's license. If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, see the section below.
• Vehicle registration or title: You must provide proof of ownership, such as the vehicle's registration or title.
• Proof of insurance: You'll need to show current proof of insurance for the vehicle.
• 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 or revoked, you cannot legally drive the vehicle off the impound lot yourself. In this case, you have a couple of options:

• Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it: You can authorize a licensed driver to 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
• The vehicle's title or registration in your name

Costs & Fees in Edgecombe County

Towing and storage fees can add up quickly, so it's important to understand the potential costs involved. While specific rates vary by towing company, here are some general guidelines:

Typical towing fees in North Carolina range from $150 to $300. Daily storage fees are usually between $25 and $50 per day.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate daily. The longer you wait to retrieve your vehicle, the more you'll have to pay. Call the specific impound lot where your vehicle is located to confirm their exact fees before you go.

Payment

Contact the impound lot in advance to determine what forms of payment they accept. Many accept cash and credit cards, but some may also accept money orders or certified checks.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees begin accruing as soon as your vehicle is towed. Every day that passes increases the total cost. Contact the impound lot as soon as possible to arrange for retrieval.

After 30 Days

In North Carolina, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for a certain period, the impound lot can initiate a lien sale to recover their fees. This typically happens after 30 days. To avoid losing your vehicle, it's crucial to take action promptly.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you're struggling to afford the towing and storage fees, consider the following 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 or arrangements to help you manage the expenses.
• Consider browsing licensed bail bondsmen serving Edgecombe County in our bail bond directory. While a bondsman primarily handles bail, they may have resources or connections to help with vehicle-related issues.

After Retrieval

Before driving your vehicle away from the impound lot, take the following precautions:

• Inspect the vehicle immediately before leaving the lot: 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 scratches, dents, or other 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 and obtain a copy of the report for your records. This documentation will be essential if you need to file a claim for damages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I get my personal belongings out of the car before I retrieve it? A: Most impound lots will allow you to retrieve essential personal belongings (e.g., medications, work tools) from your vehicle before you pay the fees. However, they may require you to be escorted by an employee and will likely inventory the items removed. Contact the specific impound lot in Edgecombe County to confirm their policy.

Q: What happens if the car isn't registered in my name? A: If the vehicle is not registered in your name, you'll need to provide documentation proving your legal right to possess it, such as a bill of sale or power of attorney. Contact the impound lot for specific requirements.

Q: Where in Edgecombe County do DWI cases typically originate? A: Due to the density of nightlife and traffic, many DWI cases originate in Rocky Mount. For logistical purposes, Rocky Mount Police Department officers must transport arrestees to the appropriate magistrate based on the location of the stop. A stop on the Edgecombe side necessitates transport to the magistrate at the Edgecombe County Detention Center or the Rocky Mount Judicial Center magistrate's office.