Transylvania County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Transylvania County

A DUI arrest in Transylvania County can be a stressful and confusing experience. One immediate concern is often: what happens to my vehicle? North Carolina law allows law enforcement to impound your vehicle following a DWI arrest. This guide provides a step-by-step process for locating, reclaiming, and minimizing costs associated with your impounded vehicle in Transylvania County.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for Driving While Impaired (DWI) in Transylvania County, your vehicle is typically towed and impounded. This is done to ensure public safety and prevent further operation of the vehicle by an impaired driver. The vehicle will be held at a local towing company's impound lot until you (or someone authorized by you) can retrieve it. Understanding the process and acting quickly is crucial to minimizing storage fees and preventing further complications.

Where Is Your Car?

The first step is locating your vehicle. The arresting officer should provide information about where your car was towed. If you don't have this information readily available, don't panic. Here's how to find it:

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Check your arrest paperwork: The name and contact information for the towing company used to impound your vehicle should be listed on the paperwork provided by the arresting officer.
• Call the Transylvania County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: If you cannot locate the paperwork, call the Transylvania County Sheriff’s Office at (828) 884-3169. Provide them with your name, date of birth, and the date and location of your arrest. They should be able to provide the name of the towing company.
• Reference your booking number: Having your booking number handy when you call can help expedite the process.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you know where your vehicle is impounded, contact the towing company to confirm their hours of operation and accepted forms of payment. You'll need specific documentation to retrieve your vehicle.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: You (or the person retrieving the vehicle) must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration or title: Proof of ownership is required. Bring either the vehicle registration or the title.
• Proof of insurance: You must provide proof of current insurance coverage for the vehicle.
• Payment for fees: Be prepared to pay all towing and storage fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license has been suspended due to the DUI arrest, you cannot personally retrieve the vehicle. Here's how to proceed:

• 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, granting them permission to retrieve the vehicle
• The vehicle title or registration (proving ownership)

Costs & Fees in Transylvania County

Towing and storage fees can quickly add up, so it's essential to understand the potential costs involved. Transylvania County relies on private towing contractors. The fees are often "true cost" ordinances.

Typical towing fees in North Carolina generally range from $150 to $300. Daily storage fees typically range from $25 to $50 per day. However, these are estimates. The actual fees will vary depending on the specific towing company used. Call the impound lot directly to confirm their exact fees and payment policies before you go.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accrue daily. The longer you wait, the more expensive it will be to get your car back.

Payment

Contact the impound lot in advance to confirm what forms of payment they accept. Most accept cash, and many accept credit cards. Some may also accept money orders or certified checks. Do not assume they accept a particular form of payment; always confirm beforehand.

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 that passes adds to the total cost.

After 30 Days

In North Carolina, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period (typically 30 days), the towing company can initiate a lien sale to recover their costs. This means they can legally sell your vehicle to cover the outstanding towing and storage fees. Do everything possible to retrieve your vehicle before it reaches this point.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

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

• Contact a family member or friend: Ask for assistance in covering the costs.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available: Some towing companies may offer payment plans, allowing you to pay off the fees in installments. This is not a guarantee, but it's worth asking.
• Consult with a DUI attorney: An attorney may be able to negotiate with the towing company to reduce the fees or challenge the legality of the impoundment in certain circumstances.

After Retrieval

Before driving your vehicle away from the impound lot, take these precautions:

• Inspect the vehicle immediately: Carefully examine the vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was in the impound lot's possession.
• Document any damage with photos: Take clear photos of any dents, scratches, or other damage you find.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing: Before leaving the lot, notify the manager in writing about any damage you discovered. This will help protect your rights if you need to file a claim later.

Retrieving your vehicle after a DUI arrest in Transylvania County requires prompt action and careful attention to detail. By following these steps, you can minimize costs and ensure a smoother process.

Frequently Asked Questions

**1. Where is the Transylvania County DMV office where I can reinstate my license?*There is no full-service DMV office located within Transylvania County. You may need to travel to a neighboring county to handle license-related matters.

**2. Where will my vehicle be towed after a DUI arrest in Brevard?*All DWI arrestees in the county, regardless of the arresting agency, are transported to the Transylvania County Detention Center at 153 Public Safety Way, Brevard. The arresting officer will arrange for your vehicle to be towed by a private company. Check your paperwork for the tow company's name and contact information.

**3. Does Transylvania County have a Veterans Treatment Court?*While Transylvania County has a significant veteran population, you should verify with the Clerk of Superior Court whether District 42 has adopted a Veterans Treatment Court, which could offer specific diversionary considerations.