Watauga County Vehicle Impound Guide

Navigating a DUI Impound in Watauga County: What You Need to Know

If you've been arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Watauga County, North Carolina, you’re likely facing not only legal charges, but also the immediate headache of impounded vehicle. Getting your car back from impound in Watauga County can be a confusing and costly process. Here’s a detailed breakdown to help you navigate the system.

Understanding Impoundment After a Watauga County DUI

When you're arrested for DUI in Watauga County, your vehicle is typically impounded. This is standard procedure whether you're stopped by the Boone Police Department (BPD), the Watauga County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO), the Appalachian State University Police Department (APD), or the North Carolina State Highway Patrol (NCSHP). The specific reason for the impoundment usually falls under state law related to impaired driving or potential safety hazards. Because Watauga County is served by these 4 agencies, it is critical to quickly identify which agency arrested you.

Locating Your Impounded Vehicle

Unlike some larger jurisdictions with centralized impound lots, Watauga County utilizes various towing services, often operating as a local monopoly. Finding your vehicle requires immediate action.

1. Identify the Arresting Agency: Determine which law enforcement agency made the arrest (BPD, WCSO, APD, or NCSHP). This will significantly narrow down where your vehicle was likely towed.
2. Contact the Agency: Call the non-emergency number for the arresting agency. Explain you need to locate your impounded vehicle following a DUI arrest. They can provide the name and contact information for the towing company used.

• Boone Police Department: (828) 268-6900
• Watauga County Sheriff’s Office: (828) 264-3761
• Appalachian State University Police Department: (828) 262-2150
• NC State Highway Patrol: (828) 264-3344 (Troop E, District 6 - Boone)

1. Contact the Towing Company: Once you have the towing company’s information, call immediately to inquire about the vehicle’s location, impound fees, and required documentation for release. Be prepared to provide your name, driver's license number, vehicle make and model, and license plate number.

Impound Fees: A Predatory Economic Reality

Watauga County's towing environment is considered a "predatory economic" situation, meaning fees can quickly escalate. Expect to pay:

• Towing Fee: Typically several hundred dollars.
• Daily Storage Fee: This fee accrues daily, and can quickly become substantial.
• Administrative Fees: Additional fees may be tacked on for paperwork and processing.

These fees must be paid before the vehicle is released. If you do not have the money to pay the fees, consider reaching out to family or friends for financial assistance.

Required Documentation for Vehicle Release

To reclaim your vehicle, you'll need to provide the towing company with specific documentation. Typically, this includes:

1. Valid Driver's License: Even though your license may be suspended or revoked due to the DUI arrest, you'll need to present it for identification purposes.
2. Vehicle Registration: Proof that you are the registered owner of the vehicle.
3. Proof of Insurance: Current insurance policy for the vehicle.
4. Release Form (If Applicable): In some cases, the arresting agency may require you to obtain a release form from them before the towing company will release the vehicle. Ask the towing company and the arresting agency if this is needed.

If the vehicle is not registered in your name, you’ll need a notarized letter from the registered owner authorizing the release to you.

Addressing the Potential for a DMV Revocation

A DUI arrest in North Carolina triggers an immediate, temporary revocation of your driver's license. This is separate from any court-ordered suspension that may result from a conviction. This creates a conundrum: you need a valid license to get your car out of impound, but your license may be revoked. It may be worth calling the North Carolina DMV and inquiring about hardship options to get your car.

Taking Action to Reclaim Your Vehicle

1. Act Quickly: Impound fees accrue daily. The longer you wait, the more expensive it will be to reclaim your vehicle.
2. Gather Required Documents: Assemble all necessary documentation before heading to the towing company.
3. Prepare for Payment: Confirm the acceptable forms of payment with the towing company (cash, credit card, etc.) and be prepared to pay the full amount.
4. Document Everything: Keep copies of all receipts and documents related to the impound and release of your vehicle.

Remember the Watauga County Detention Center is located at 184 Hodges Gap Road, Boone, NC 28607. This is where you will be processed and possibly released on bond after the arrest. Knowing this address can be helpful for coordinating transportation and contacting family or friends.

Reclaiming your vehicle after a DUI arrest in Watauga County requires prompt action and careful attention to detail. Contact the Boone Police Department at (828) 268-6900 to find out where your car was towed.