Rowan County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Rowan County

After a DUI arrest in Rowan County, North Carolina, one of your most pressing concerns is likely getting your vehicle back. Vehicles are typically impounded following a DUI arrest for several reasons, including safekeeping, evidence preservation, or as part of a statutory seizure. Understanding the process and acting quickly is essential to minimize storage fees and prevent further complications. Rowan County relies on a decentralized network of private towing companies, making the retrieval process slightly more complex than in areas with a central impound facility.

Where Is Your Car?

Unlike some areas with a centralized municipal impound lot, Rowan County uses a rotation list of private towing companies contracted by law enforcement. This means your car could be at any one of several different locations. To find out where your vehicle was towed, you'll need to do some immediate investigating. If the North Carolina State Highway Patrol executed the arrest, the defendant may utilize the state's online Towed Vehicle Search portal by entering the vehicle identification number (VIN) or license plate; however, this system routinely experiences a 24-hour data latency.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided you with paperwork indicating the name of the towing company and possibly their contact information. This is the quickest way to determine where your vehicle is located.
• Call the Rowan County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: If you cannot locate the paperwork, you can call the non-emergency dispatch line for either the Rowan County Sheriff's Office or the Salisbury Police Department, depending on which agency made the arrest. They can tell you which towing company was called to the scene.
• Reference your booking number: When you call, have your booking number ready, as this will help them locate your information more efficiently.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you've located your vehicle, contact the towing company to confirm their operating hours, accepted payment methods, and specific requirements for vehicle release. Be prepared to provide the following:

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: You, or the person retrieving the vehicle, must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration or title: You must prove ownership of the vehicle. A copy of the vehicle registration or the vehicle title will suffice.
• Proof of insurance: You'll need to show proof 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 driver's license is suspended or revoked due to the DUI arrest, you cannot retrieve the vehicle yourself. In this case, you have two options:

• Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it: A licensed driver can pick up the vehicle on your behalf.
• They need: Their valid driver's license, a signed authorization letter from you (stating they have permission to retrieve the vehicle), and the vehicle title or registration in your name.

Costs & Fees in Rowan County

Towing and storage fees can add up quickly, so it's important to understand the potential costs involved. While private towing companies possess inherent pricing autonomy, those operating on the Highway Patrol rotation list are bound by specific financial regulations. By administrative rule (14B NCAC 07A.0116), a rotation wrecker service cannot charge fees for a police-requested tow that exceed the rates they charge for standard, non-rotation service calls. They are required to submit an approved price list to the District First Sergeant, and this list must be kept on file at the place of business. However, friction arises during off-hours: state regulations permit wrecker services to charge up to a 10% premium on towing fees for recovery and transport operations executed after 5:00 PM or on weekends.

Typical towing fees in North Carolina average $150–$300. Daily storage rates average $40 - $60 per day. However, these fees can vary between different towing companies.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day, including weekends and holidays. The sooner you retrieve your vehicle, the less you'll have to pay.

Payment

Contact the impound lot in advance to confirm which payment methods they accept. Most accept cash, certified checks, and major credit cards. Some may accept money orders.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees begin accruing on the next calendar day following the initial tow.

After 30 Days

In North Carolina, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for a certain period (usually 30 days), the towing company can initiate a lien sale to recover their costs. This means they can sell your vehicle to the public. Do not let it reach this point.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

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

• Contact a family member or friend to help cover costs: Ask for assistance from someone who can help you pay the fees.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available: Some towing companies may offer payment plans, but this is not guaranteed.
• Consult with your attorney: In some cases, your attorney may be able to negotiate the fees or challenge the legality of the impoundment.

After Retrieval

Before driving your vehicle off the lot, take the following precautions:

• Inspect the vehicle immediately before leaving the lot: Check for any damage that may have occurred while the vehicle was in their possession.
• Document any damage with photos: Take photos of any damage you find.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away: Notify the lot manager of any damage in writing and obtain a copy of the report.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I get my personal belongings out of the car before retrieving it? A: Yes, most impound lots will allow you to remove personal belongings from the vehicle. However, they may require you to inventory the items and sign a release form.

Q: What if the car isn't registered in my name? A: Only the registered owner of the vehicle can retrieve it, unless they provide a notarized letter authorizing someone else to do so.

Q: What if I think the tow was illegal? A: Under North Carolina General Statute § 20-219.11, the owner of a towed vehicle has a statutory right to request a judicial hearing to determine if probable cause existed for the law enforcement tow. The request must be filed in the county where the vehicle was towed, specifically at the warrant-issuing magistrate's office in Salisbury. Upon receipt of the request, the magistrate is legally obligated to set a hearing within 72 hours.