Pitt County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Pitt County

After a DUI arrest in Pitt County, North Carolina, one of the most immediate concerns is retrieving your vehicle. Law enforcement typically impounds vehicles following a DUI arrest to prevent further operation by the impaired driver and to ensure public safety. Understanding the process, required documentation, and associated costs is crucial to getting your car back as quickly as possible. This guide provides a step-by-step overview of what to do after your arrest.

Where Is Your Car?

The first step is determining where your vehicle was towed. The arresting officer should provide information about the towing company used. If you don't have that information readily available, you can try the following:

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Check your arrest paperwork: The name and contact information for the towing company should be listed on the documents provided by the arresting officer.
• Call the Pitt County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: You can contact the Pitt County Sheriff’s Office for assistance in locating your vehicle.
• Reference your booking number: Having your booking number ready when you call can help expedite the process.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you've located your vehicle, gather the necessary documents for retrieval. The tow company will require specific paperwork to release your car.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: The person retrieving the vehicle must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration or title: You'll need to provide proof of ownership, either through the vehicle registration or title.
• Proof of insurance: Current proof of insurance for the vehicle is required.
• 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 revoked, you cannot retrieve the vehicle yourself. You have two options:

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

Costs & Fees in Pitt County

Towing and storage fees can add up quickly, so understanding the cost structure is essential. In Greenville, when an arrest occurs within the city limits, the Greenville Police Department (GPD) dictates the removal of the vehicle utilizing a strictly managed rotation list. The maximum allowable charge for a non-collision law enforcement tow is capped at $75. If the DWI resulted in a collision requiring site cleanup, this cap increases to $100 during standard business hours and $125 for nights, weekends, and holidays. An additional administrative tow fee of $30 is assessed on every tow and is payable directly to the City of Greenville.

Storage fees are equally regulated but compound quickly. Tow operators are prohibited from charging storage fees for the first 24 hours of impoundment. Thereafter, the maximum daily storage rate is capped at $25 per day. If you attempt to retrieve the vehicle or remove personal property from the vehicle outside of standard business hours (defined as 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, excluding city holidays), operators are permitted by ordinance to assess an after-hours release fee of $25.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day, including weekends and holidays. Retrieve your vehicle as quickly as possible to minimize expenses.

Payment

Contact the impound lot in advance to confirm which payment methods they accept. Most accept cash, and many accept credit cards or money orders. Confirming this beforehand will save you a trip if you don't have the right form of payment.

Timeline

Act Immediately

The clock starts ticking the moment your vehicle is towed. Storage fees begin accruing after the first 24 hours. Every day of delay adds to the total cost.

After 72 Hours

Under Chapter 20, Article 7A of the North Carolina General Statutes, an individual whose vehicle was towed at the direction of law enforcement has the right to a probable cause hearing. This request must be filed in writing with the Pitt County Magistrate’s Office, located within the detention complex at 124 New Hope Road, within precisely 72 hours of the towing event.

After 30 Days

In North Carolina, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period (typically 30 days), the impound lot can initiate a lien sale to recover the outstanding fees. This means they can legally sell your vehicle to cover the costs. Do everything possible to avoid this situation.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you are struggling to afford the towing and storage fees, consider these options:

• Contact a family member or friend: Ask for financial assistance to help cover the costs.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available: Some impound lots may offer payment plans, allowing you to pay off the fees in installments.

After Retrieval

Before driving away with your vehicle, take these important steps:

• Inspect the vehicle immediately before leaving the lot: Carefully examine the vehicle for any new damage that may have occurred while in impound.
• Document any damage with photos: Take clear photos of any scratches, dents, or other damage.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away: Notify the impound lot manager of the damage in writing and keep a copy of the report for your records. This is essential for filing a claim later if necessary.

By following these steps, you can navigate the process of retrieving your vehicle after a DUI arrest in Pitt County and minimize potential complications and expenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

1Where do I go to get the police clearance to retrieve my vehicle in Greenville? You must physically appear in person at the Greenville Police Department located at 500 South Greene Street, Greenville, NC 27834.

2What happens if I wait longer than 24 hours to get my car from the impound lot in Pitt County? After the first 24 hours, you will be charged a daily storage fee, which is capped at $25 per day in Greenville.

3What is the deadline to contest the tow of my vehicle in Pitt County? You must file a written request for a probable cause hearing with the Pitt County Magistrate’s Office, located within the detention complex at 124 New Hope Road, within 72 hours of the towing event.