Lincoln County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Lincoln County

After a DUI arrest in Lincoln County, North Carolina, one of your immediate concerns is likely getting your vehicle back. Your car is typically impounded to ensure public safety and prevent further incidents. Understanding the process, required documentation, and associated costs is crucial for a smooth retrieval. This guide provides practical information to help you navigate the vehicle impound process in Lincoln County.

Where Is Your Car?

The first step is locating your vehicle. Lincoln County relies on a network of private towing companies, so it's important to determine which company towed your car.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided documentation indicating the name of the towing company and potentially the location of the impound lot.
• Call the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: If you can't find the information on your paperwork, call the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office at (704) 732-9050. Provide your name and booking information, and they should be able to tell you where your vehicle was towed.
• Reference your booking number: Having your booking number ready when you call will help the Sheriff's Office locate your information quickly.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you know where your vehicle is impounded, gather the necessary documents for retrieval.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: The person retrieving the vehicle must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration or title: You must prove ownership of the vehicle.
• Proof of insurance: You need to show 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 is suspended or revoked due to the DUI arrest, you cannot personally retrieve the vehicle unless you have a valid license. In this case:

• Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it: A licensed individual can 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 (to prove your ownership).

Costs & Fees in Lincoln County

Retrieving your vehicle involves paying towing and storage fees. The exact amount will vary depending on the towing company and the length of time the vehicle is stored.

Typical towing fees in North Carolina generally range from $150 to $300. Daily storage fees can range from $25 to $50 per day. However, specific rates are set by individual towing companies, not the county.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate daily, so retrieving your vehicle as quickly as possible is crucial to minimize costs. According to 14B NCAC 07A.0116, towing contractors participating in the state rotation are prohibited from charging arbitrarily inflated rates simply because the tow was initiated by law enforcement.

Payment

Call the impound lot in advance to confirm accepted payment methods. Many lots prefer cash or certified funds.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees begin accruing the day after your vehicle is towed. Every day that passes increases the financial burden. According to state administrative rules, storage fees legally cannot begin to accrue until the next calendar day following the initial towing of the vehicle.

After 30 Days

If a vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period, the impound lot can initiate a lien sale to recover their costs. This typically happens after 30 days. Avoid this situation by acting promptly.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

The cost of retrieving an impounded vehicle can be a significant burden, especially after a DUI arrest. Here are some options if you're struggling to afford the fees:

• Contact a family member or friend to help cover costs: Seek assistance from your support network.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available: Some impound lots may offer payment plans to help you manage the cost.

After Retrieval

• Inspect the vehicle immediately before leaving the lot: Carefully examine the vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while in impound.
• Document any damage with photos: Take detailed photos of any damage as evidence.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away: Notify the impound lot manager of any damage in writing before removing the vehicle from the premises. This creates a record of the damage and can help with any potential claims.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does the impound lot have to release my vehicle after I provide all the required documents?

A: Facilities are statutorily mandated to allow retrieval between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, seven days a week.

Q: What happens if the impound lot is closed when I try to pick up my car during their stated business hours?

A: A wrecker service is legally prohibited from charging an individual a daily storage fee for any day the owner was unable to retrieve the vehicle due to an action or omission by the towing company.

Q: Can I contest the legality of the tow itself?

A: Yes. Under North Carolina General Statute § 20-219.11, you may request a formal hearing before a Lincoln County magistrate to determine if probable cause existed for the law enforcement seizure.