Orange County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Orange County

After a DUI arrest in Orange County, North Carolina, one of your immediate concerns is likely getting your vehicle back. Your car is typically towed and impounded following a DUI arrest. This guide provides the steps to locate, retrieve, and handle the costs associated with getting your vehicle back.

Where Is Your Car?

Following a DUI arrest in Orange County, your vehicle is usually towed to a local impound lot. Determining where your car was taken is the first step in the retrieval process. Several law enforcement agencies may be involved in DUI enforcement in Orange County, including the Chapel Hill Police Department, the Hillsborough Police Department, the Orange County Sheriff's Office, and the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Check your arrest paperwork — The arresting officer should have provided documentation that includes the name and contact information for the towing company used.
• Call the Orange County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line — If you can't find the paperwork, you can contact the Sheriff's Office at their non-emergency number: (919) 245-2900. Provide them with your name, date of birth, and date of arrest, and they may be able to provide information on where your vehicle was towed.
• Reference your booking number — Having your booking number from the Orange County Detention Center can also help them locate your vehicle information more efficiently. You can find inmate information at the Orange County Sheriff's Office.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you've located your vehicle, you'll need to gather the necessary documents and prepare for the associated fees.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license (or a licensed person picking it up for you)
• Vehicle registration or title
• Proof of insurance
• Payment for fees

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you cannot personally retrieve the vehicle. In this case:

• Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it.
• They need: their valid driver's license, a signed authorization letter from you allowing them to pick up the vehicle, and the vehicle's title or registration.

Costs & Fees in Orange County

Towing and storage fees can quickly add up, so it's important to understand the potential costs involved. Unfortunately, specific towing and daily storage rates are unavailable. North Carolina law dictates that fees must be "reasonable" under N.C.G.S. 20-219.25.

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

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accrue daily, starting the moment your vehicle is towed. Contact the specific impound lot holding your vehicle to confirm their exact rates. The county's identity is inextricably linked to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. As a major college town, Orange County experiences distinct seasonal fluctuations in impaired driving incidents, corresponding with academic calendars, athletic events, and university-centric holidays. Major state and federal highways, including US-70, NC-86, and NC-54, serve as primary logistical corridors and, consequently, as the primary theaters for law enforcement traffic operations.

Payment

Call the impound lot in advance to confirm accepted payment methods. Most accept cash and major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard). Some may also accept money orders. Recent legislative efforts in the North Carolina General Assembly, specifically House Bill 1037, represent a concerted effort to curb predatory towing practices statewide. Proposed amendments to Article 7B of Chapter 20 (G.S. 20-219.25) stipulate that towing companies cannot charge storage fees for days when the facility is not open for vehicle recovery from at least 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Furthermore, the proposed legislation mandates the acceptance of debit cards, credit cards, and cash, capping credit card processing fees at the actual cost of the transaction or 2%.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day that passes increases 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 the outstanding fees. To avoid this, contact the impound lot as soon as possible.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you're struggling to afford the impound fees, consider the following options:

• Contact a family member or friend to help cover the costs.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available. Some lots may offer payment arrangements.

After Retrieval

• 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. Get a signed copy of the damage report for your records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can someone else pick up my car for me if I'm still in jail? A: Yes, but they will need a signed authorization letter from you, a copy of your driver's license (if available), their valid driver's license, and the vehicle's registration or title.

Q: What happens if I don't pick up my car from the impound lot in Orange County? A: If you don't claim your vehicle, the impound lot can eventually sell it to recover the towing and storage fees. You'll want to contact them as soon as possible to prevent this.

Q: Are impound lot fees negotiable in Orange County? A: While not guaranteed, it's worth asking the impound lot manager if they offer any flexibility with the fees, especially if you can pay a portion of the balance immediately.