Henderson County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Henderson County

After a DUI arrest in Henderson County, North Carolina, one of your most immediate concerns is likely the status of your vehicle. Law enforcement typically impounds vehicles following a DUI arrest for several reasons: as evidence, for public safety, or because the driver is unable to legally operate it. Understanding the impound and retrieval process can save you time and money. This guide provides the steps you need to take to get your car back as quickly as possible.

Where Is Your Car?

The first step is determining where your vehicle was towed. Henderson County law enforcement uses a rotation of approved towing companies. The arresting officer should provide you with information about where your vehicle was taken. If you don't have that information readily available, here's how to locate your car:

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Check your arrest paperwork: The name and contact information for the towing company should be listed on the documents you received at the time of your arrest.
• Call the Henderson County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: You can contact the Henderson County Sheriff's Office at (828) 697-4596. Provide them with your name, date of birth, and the approximate location of your arrest, and they should be able to tell you which company towed your vehicle.
• Reference your booking number: Your booking number can help the Sheriff's Office quickly locate your records and provide accurate information.

The Henderson County Sheriff's Office is located at 100 N Grove St, Hendersonville, NC 28792. Their regular business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, but the non-emergency line is available outside of these hours.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you've located your vehicle, you'll need to gather the necessary documents to retrieve it. Impound lots in Henderson County have strict requirements, and failing to meet them will result in delays and additional storage fees.

Required Documents

Be prepared to provide the following original documents (photocopies are usually not accepted):

• Valid driver's license: The person retrieving the vehicle must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration or title: You must provide proof of ownership of the vehicle. This can be either the vehicle registration or the title.
• Proof of insurance: You'll need to show that the vehicle is currently insured.
• Payment for fees: Be prepared to pay all applicable towing and storage fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license was suspended due to the DUI arrest, you can still retrieve your vehicle by having someone else pick it up for you. Here's what they will need:

• Their valid driver's license: The person picking up the vehicle must have a valid license.
• A signed authorization letter from you: You'll need to provide a signed letter authorizing them to pick up the vehicle on your behalf.
• Vehicle title or registration: They will also need to present proof of ownership.

Costs & Fees in Henderson County

Towing and storage fees can add up quickly, so it's important to understand the potential costs involved. While specific rates for Henderson County are unavailable, here's a general idea of what to expect:

Typical towing fees in North Carolina generally range from $150 to $300. Daily storage fees can range from $25 to $50 per day.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees are calculated strictly by the calendar day. If your vehicle is impounded late on a Friday and you pick it up early Saturday, you'll be charged for two full days of storage.

Fees vary by impound lot, so it's essential to call ahead to confirm the exact charges before you go. A Plus Towing is located at 110 Pats Place, Hendersonville, NC 28792, and their release line is (828) 692-9100.

Payment

Contact the impound lot in advance to confirm which payment methods they accept. Most accept cash and credit cards, but some may also accept money orders. Be aware that some facilities may charge a non-cash adjustment fee for credit card transactions.

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 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 can initiate a lien sale to recover their costs. To avoid this, contact the impound lot as soon as possible and make arrangements to retrieve your vehicle.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you're struggling to afford the towing and storage fees, here are a few options:

• Contact a family member or friend: Ask if they can help you cover the costs.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available: Some impound lots may offer payment plans to help you manage the expenses.

After Retrieval

Before driving away with your vehicle, take the following precautions:

• Inspect the vehicle immediately before leaving the lot: Look for any new damage that may have occurred while the vehicle was in the impound lot's care.
• Document any damage with photos: Take photos of any damage as evidence.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away: Make sure to file a written report of the damage with the impound lot manager before you leave the premises.

Frequently Asked Questions

1Can I get my personal belongings out of my impounded vehicle before I pay the fees in Henderson County? Yes. According to the City of Hendersonville's Non-Consensual Towing Ordinance, if you lack the funds to pay the tow fee, the towing operator must allow you to retrieve personal belongings from the vehicle without payment.

2What if my car was towed from private property in Hendersonville? The City of Hendersonville enacted a strict Non-Consensual Towing Ordinance effective November 1, 2023. Under this ordinance, towing companies are legally bound to answer or return phone calls within 15 minutes, and the vehicle must be made available for retrieval within 30 minutes of that contact. Furthermore, all non-consensual tow lots must accept cash, debit, and at least two major credit card options.

3Where is the Henderson County Detention Center located? The Henderson County Detention Center is located at 375 First Avenue East, Hendersonville, NC 28792.