Clermont County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Clermont County

After a DUI arrest in Clermont County, Ohio, one of the most pressing issues is retrieving your vehicle from impound. Ohio law allows for vehicle impoundment following an OVI arrest, leading to immediate financial and logistical challenges. Understanding the process and acting quickly is crucial to minimize expenses and avoid further complications. This guide provides essential information on locating, claiming, and recovering your vehicle.

Where Is Your Car?

Following a DUI arrest, your vehicle is typically towed to a designated impound lot. In Clermont County, the exact location depends on the arresting agency and where the arrest occurred. Because Clermont County uses a rotational dispatch system for towing, the impound location varies.

How to Find Your Vehicle

Knowing where your car is located is the first step in getting it back. Here's how to find out:

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer is required to provide you with BMV Form 2255 (the ALS notice). This form often lists the tow destination on the back.
• Call the Clermont County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: If you've lost the paperwork or can't read it, contact the Clermont County Communications Center non-emergency dispatch line at (513) 732-2231 to trace the tow rotation log.
• Reference your booking number: Having your booking number ready when calling the Sheriff's Office can expedite the process.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you know where your vehicle is impounded, gather the necessary documents to claim it.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: Only the registered owner or someone with their explicit authorization can retrieve the vehicle.
• Vehicle registration or title: You must prove ownership of the vehicle.
• Proof of insurance: Current insurance documentation is required.
• Payment for fees: Be prepared to pay towing and storage fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the OVI arrest, you cannot personally retrieve the vehicle. In this case:

• Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it: The registered owner can authorize someone else to pick up the vehicle on their behalf.
• They need:
• Their valid driver's license.
• A signed, notarized letter from the registered owner explicitly authorizing them to retrieve the vehicle.
• The vehicle's title or registration.

Costs & Fees in Clermont County

Vehicle impoundment involves several fees that can quickly add up.

Typical fees include:

• Tow Fee: $150 - $190 base, dependent on vehicle weight class and local municipal caps.
• Daily Storage Rate: Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) regulated; typically $25 - $30 per day, plus tax.
• Admin/Processing Fee: $25 - $50 (Certified letter fee added after 5 days of abandonment).

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accrue daily, so it's crucial to act fast.

Payment

Contact the specific impound lot in advance to confirm their accepted payment methods. Most accept cash and major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, Amex), but checks are typically prohibited.

Timeline

Time is of the essence when retrieving your vehicle to minimize storage fees.

Act Immediately

Storage fees begin accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Each passing day increases the total cost.

After 5 Days

An admin/processing fee is added after 5 days of abandonment to cover the cost of the certified letter.

After 30 Days

Ohio law allows impound lots to initiate a lien sale if the vehicle remains unclaimed after a certain period, typically 30 days. Avoid this situation by acting promptly.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you are struggling to afford the impound fees, consider the following:

• Contact a family member or friend: Seek assistance from loved ones to help cover the costs.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available: Some impound lots may offer payment plans to ease the financial burden.

After Retrieval

Before leaving the impound lot with your vehicle:

• Inspect the vehicle immediately: Carefully examine the vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while in impound.
• Document any damage with photos: Take detailed 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 any damage in writing before leaving the premises.

By understanding the process and acting quickly, you can efficiently retrieve your vehicle and minimize the financial burden following a DUI arrest in Clermont County.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where will my car be towed after a DUI arrest in Clermont County? The location depends on the arresting agency and where the arrest occurred. The BMV Form 2255 should list the tow destination. You can also call the Clermont County Communications Center non-emergency dispatch line at (513) 732-2231 to trace the tow rotation log.

2. Can someone else pick up my car if my license is suspended? Yes, but the registered owner must provide a signed, notarized letter explicitly authorizing a named third party to retrieve the vehicle on their behalf. The authorized person must also present their valid driver's license and the vehicle's title or registration.

3. What happens if I wait too long to retrieve my vehicle? Storage fees accrue daily, increasing the total cost. After approximately 30 days, the impound lot can initiate a lien sale to recover the outstanding fees, resulting in the loss of your vehicle.