Auglaize County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Auglaize County

After a DUI arrest in Auglaize County, Ohio, one of the most immediate concerns is retrieving your vehicle. Vehicles are commonly impounded following a DUI arrest for several reasons: as part of the arrest procedure, for evidence, or because there was no sober, licensed driver available to take possession of the vehicle. Understanding the impound process and acting quickly is essential to minimize storage fees and avoid further complications.

Where Is Your Car?

The first step is locating your vehicle. The arresting officer should inform you of where your car is being towed and provide documentation. However, if you are unsure, you can take these steps:

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Check your arrest paperwork: The name and contact information for the towing company should be listed on the paperwork provided by the arresting officer.
• Call the Auglaize County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: You can contact the Auglaize County Sheriff's Office at 419-739-6575 to inquire about the location of your vehicle.
• Reference your booking number: Have your booking number ready when you call to help them locate your information quickly.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you know where your vehicle is impounded, contact the lot to confirm their specific requirements for release. Here are the documents you’ll generally need:

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: The person retrieving the vehicle must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration or title: You must provide proof of ownership.
• Proof of insurance: Current insurance documentation for the vehicle is required.
• Payment for fees: Be prepared to pay all towing and storage fees. The Auglaize County Clerk of Courts explicitly refuses to accept personal or business checks for the payment of traffic citations, OVI fines, and court costs. Payments must be executed via physical cash, money order, or through the county's online portal utilizing Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express.

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: 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 Auglaize County

Towing and storage fees can add up quickly. While exact fees vary by impound lot, here are some general guidelines:

Typical towing fees in Ohio range from $150 to $300. Daily storage fees typically range from $25 to $50 per day.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accrue daily, significantly increasing the total cost.

Payment

Contact the specific impound lot in advance to verify which payment methods they accept. Some may accept cash only, while others may take credit cards or money orders.

Timeline

Act Immediately

The clock starts ticking the moment your vehicle is towed. Each day that passes adds to the storage fees.

After 30 Days

In Ohio, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for a certain period (typically 30 days), the impound lot can initiate a lien sale to recover their costs. Avoid this situation by acting promptly.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you are struggling to afford the impound fees:

• Contact a family member or friend: Ask for assistance in covering the costs.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available: Some lots may offer payment arrangements.

After Retrieval

Before driving away with your vehicle:

• Inspect the vehicle immediately before leaving the lot: Look for any new damage that may have occurred while the vehicle was in impound.
• Document any damage with photos: Take clear photos of any damage as evidence.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away: Make sure to file a written report with the impound lot manager before leaving the premises. This creates a record of the damage and supports any potential claims.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I get my personal belongings out of the car before I retrieve it? A: Contact the impound lot to ask about their policy on retrieving personal belongings. Some lots allow you to remove essential items before paying the full impound fees, but this varies.

Q: What if I think the impound was illegal?

Q: Can I post bail at the Auglaize County Sheriff's Office if the Municipal Court is closed? A: Yes. If the municipal courthouse is closed, bail and bond payments for traffic and OVI citations can be posted physically at the Sheriff's Office front lobby 24 hours a day.