Onslow County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Onslow County

After a DUI arrest in Onslow County, North Carolina, one of your most pressing concerns will be retrieving your vehicle. Vehicles are impounded following a DWI arrest for several reasons: as evidence, for public safety, or due to legal requirements. Understanding the process and acting quickly is essential to minimize costs and avoid further complications.

Where Is Your Car?

The first step is locating your vehicle. The arresting officer should have informed you, or included on your paperwork, the name of the towing company and the location of their impound lot. If you don't have this information readily available, you will need to contact the appropriate authorities to determine where your vehicle was taken.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Check your arrest paperwork — the tow company is listed there. The arresting officer typically notes the towing company's name and contact information on the documents provided to you at the time of your arrest.
• Call the Onslow County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line. You can contact the Onslow County Sheriff's Office to inquire about the location of your vehicle.
• Reference your booking number. Having your booking number ready when you call will help expedite the process.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you know where your vehicle is impounded, you'll need to gather the necessary documents and prepare for the associated costs.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license (or a licensed person picking it up for you). 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.
• Proof of insurance. You'll need to demonstrate 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 is suspended or you don't have a valid license for any other reason, you'll need someone else to retrieve the vehicle for you.

• Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it. A licensed individual can pick up the vehicle on your behalf.
• They need: their valid license, a signed authorization letter from you, vehicle title or registration. They will need to present their valid driver's license, a signed letter authorizing them to pick up the vehicle on your behalf, and the vehicle's title or registration. According to research, if the retrieving party is not the registered owner, a formally notarized authorization (Power of Attorney) is strictly required.

Costs & Fees in Onslow County

Towing and storage fees can add up quickly. It's important to understand the potential costs involved. Exact daily storage rates and base tow fees are not publicly available until the moment of retrieval.

Typical towing fees in North Carolina can range from $150 to $300. Daily storage fees typically range from $25 to $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.

Payment

Call the impound lot in advance to confirm accepted payment methods (cash, credit card, money order). State legislation dictates towing companies must accept debit cards, credit cards, and cash, with processing fees strictly capped at actual costs.

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 costs more money.

After 30 Days

Most states allow the lot to initiate a lien sale if the vehicle is unclaimed. Do not let it reach this point. After a certain period (often 30 days), the impound lot can begin the process of selling the vehicle to recover the outstanding fees.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you're struggling to afford the towing and storage fees, explore the following options:

• Contact a family member or friend to help cover costs.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available (some offer this).

After Retrieval

Once you've paid the fees and have the necessary paperwork, you can retrieve your vehicle.

• Inspect the vehicle immediately before leaving the lot.
• Document any damage with photos.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away. Before leaving the lot, carefully inspect your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded. Document any damage with photos and report it to the lot manager in writing before you drive away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long do I have to get my car out of impound in Onslow County before it's sold? A: While the exact timeframe can vary, generally, after 30 days of unpaid storage fees, the impound lot can begin the process of selling your vehicle. Contact the specific lot for their exact policy.

Q: What happens if my car was impounded on Camp Lejeune? A: If your vehicle was impounded on the federal military reservation at Camp Lejeune, the process may differ. Contact the military police at Camp Lejeune directly for specific instructions.

Q: Can I contest the towing fees if I believe they are too high? A: Yes, you have the right to request a tow hearing to contest the validity of the tow and the associated liens. The request must be filed with the magistrate in Onslow County.