Crawford County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Crawford County

After a DUI arrest in Crawford County, Ohio, one of your immediate concerns is likely getting your vehicle back. Vehicles are commonly impounded following a DUI arrest to ensure public safety and to prevent further operation of the vehicle by the impaired driver. Understanding the process for vehicle retrieval and acting quickly can help minimize storage fees and prevent further complications.

Where Is Your Car?

The arresting agency determines where your vehicle is towed. Because OVI arrests in Crawford County may be executed by multiple agencies, including the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP), the Crawford County Sheriff's Office, or the Bucyrus or Galion Police Departments, the impound location depends on where the stop occurred and the rotation list used by dispatch. To find your vehicle, start with the documentation you received at the time of your arrest.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided documentation that includes the name of the towing company and its contact information. This is the fastest way to locate your vehicle.
• Call the Crawford County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: If you cannot locate the paperwork or the information is missing, contact the Crawford County Sheriff's Office non-emergency dispatch line to inquire about the location of your vehicle.
• Reference your booking number: Have your booking number ready when you call, as this will help them locate your records more efficiently.

If the Sheriff's Office executed the arrest, the dispatch center will cross-reference the date, time, and location of the stop against their tow rotation ledger to identify the specific towing company that has your vehicle.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you've located your vehicle, contact the impound lot to confirm their specific release procedures and payment options. Generally, you will need the following:

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license (or a licensed person picking it up for you): You must present a valid, government-issued photo identification to retrieve your vehicle. However, Ohio law mandates that the arresting officer confiscate your driver's license if your Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) is at or above 0.08% or if you refuse to submit to chemical testing, due to Administrative License Suspension (ALS).
• Vehicle registration or title: You must provide proof of ownership of the vehicle.
• Proof of insurance: You must show current proof of insurance for the vehicle.
• Payment for fees: You will need to pay all applicable towing and storage fees before the vehicle is released.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license was confiscated, you can still retrieve your vehicle, but you'll need assistance:

• Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it: The registered owner must be physically accompanied to the tow yard by a second, fully licensed and insured driver who will assume operational control of the vehicle upon its release.
• They need: Their valid license, a signed authorization letter from you, and the vehicle title or registration. If you are incarcerated in the Crawford County Jail, you will need a notarized letter of authorization explicitly granting permission for a designated third party to retrieve the vehicle on your behalf. Obtaining a notary seal while incarcerated requires coordination with detention facility administrative staff or a visiting attorney.

Costs & Fees in Crawford County

Towing and storage fees can add up quickly. It is essential to understand the potential costs involved in retrieving your vehicle.

Typical towing fees in Ohio run $129.00 maximum base rate (vehicles under 10k lbs). Daily storage is capped at $17.00 per day maximum (vehicles under 10k lbs). However, municipalities like Galion or Bucyrus may append an additional "administrative impound fee" that ranges from $75.00 to $350.00. Fees vary by lot and municipality — call ahead to confirm before you go. Bloomfield Towing is located at 102 Lawn Ave, Bucyrus, OH 44820, and their number is (419) 562-5254. Hensley Towing and Recovery is located at 3282 State Route 98, Bucyrus, OH 44820, and their number is (419) 689-2922.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day. Retrieve your vehicle as quickly as possible.

Payment

Tow yards universally mandate exact cash payments for the release of vehicles impounded pursuant to law enforcement directives. Call the impound lot in advance to confirm accepted payment methods (cash is typically required).

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 costs more money.

After 30 Days

Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code 4513.70, an individual maintains the right to file a civil action to dispute the legality of the tow or the reasonableness of the fees assessed within 30 days of the receipt of the invoice for towing or storage services. The civil action must be formally filed within 30 days of the receipt of the invoice for towing or storage services at the Crawford County Municipal Court. Most states allow the lot to initiate a lien sale if the vehicle is unclaimed. Do not let it reach this point.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

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

• Contact a family member or friend to help cover costs: Pooling resources can make it easier to pay the fees and retrieve your vehicle promptly.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available (some offer this): While not always an option, it's worth inquiring whether the impound lot offers any payment plans or arrangements.

After Retrieval

Once you have paid the fees and are ready to take possession of your vehicle:

• Inspect the vehicle immediately before leaving the lot: Check for any damage that may have occurred while the vehicle was in their care.
• Document any damage with photos: Take detailed 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 of the damage with the impound lot before leaving the premises.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I pay the impound fees with a credit card?

• Most impound lots in Crawford County require cash payments for releases related to law enforcement impounds. Call the specific lot to confirm their accepted payment methods.

1. What happens if my car was impounded due to a second DUI offense?

• If the OVI arrest represents a secondary or tertiary offense within the statutory lookback period, Ohio law frequently mandates temporary vehicle immobilization or permanent forfeiture. In such scenarios, the towing facility is legally barred from releasing the vehicle under any circumstances without the presentation of a "Court Immobilization Journal Entry" or a direct release order signed by a judge of the Crawford County Municipal Court.

1. Where is the Crawford County Jail located?

• The Crawford County Jail is located at 3613 Stetzer Road, Bucyrus, OH 44820.