Cuyahoga County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Cuyahoga County

After a DUI arrest in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, one of your immediate concerns is likely getting your vehicle back. Vehicles are commonly impounded following a DUI arrest for several reasons: as evidence, because the driver is legally unable to operate it, or because it poses a hazard if left at the scene. Understanding the process and acting quickly is essential to minimize expenses and avoid further complications.

Where Is Your Car?

The first step is determining where your vehicle was towed. The arresting officer should provide you with documentation indicating the towing company used. If you do not have this information readily available, there are a few ways to locate your vehicle.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Check your arrest paperwork: The name of the towing company and the impound lot's contact information are typically written on the forms given to you by the arresting officer. This is the quickest and most direct way to find your car.
• Call the Cuyahoga County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: If you cannot find the paperwork, you can contact the Cuyahoga County Sheriff's Office for assistance. They can usually locate the vehicle based on your name, date of arrest, or vehicle description.
• Reference your booking number: When you call, providing your booking number will help them locate your information more efficiently.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you've located your vehicle, contact the impound lot to confirm their specific requirements for release. However, you will generally need the following:

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: You will need to present a valid driver's license to claim the vehicle, unless you have someone else retrieve it for you (see below).
• Vehicle registration or title: Proof of ownership is required. Bring your vehicle registration or title. A copy may be acceptable, but it's best to have the original.
• Proof of insurance: You must demonstrate that the vehicle is currently insured.
• Payment for fees: Be prepared to pay all applicable towing and storage fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you cannot personally retrieve the vehicle. However, you can authorize someone else to pick it up on your behalf.

• Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it: A licensed driver can retrieve your vehicle.
• They need:
• Their valid driver's license.
• A signed authorization letter from you, granting them permission to pick up the vehicle.
• The vehicle title or registration in your name.

Costs & Fees in Cuyahoga County

Towing and storage fees can add up quickly, so understanding the potential costs is crucial.

Typical towing fees in Ohio range from $150 to $300. Daily storage fees typically range from $25 to $50 per day. These are just estimates. Contact the specific impound lot holding your vehicle to confirm their exact fee schedule.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accrue daily, starting the moment your vehicle is impounded. The longer you wait, the more expensive it becomes to retrieve your vehicle. The City of Cleveland Vehicle Impound Unit on Quigley Road requires payment of all outstanding parking and traffic camera tickets before releasing a seized vehicle.

Payment

Call the impound lot in advance to determine what forms of payment they accept. Many accept cash and major credit cards, but some may require a money order or certified check. Knowing this in advance will prevent delays and unnecessary trips.

Timeline

Time is of the essence when it comes to vehicle impoundment.

Act Immediately

Begin the retrieval process as soon as possible. Storage fees accrue daily, increasing the total cost.

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. This means they can sell your vehicle to cover the outstanding fees. Do everything possible to retrieve your vehicle before this happens.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you are facing financial hardship and cannot afford the towing and storage fees, consider the following:

• Contact a family member or friend to help cover costs: Explore all possible options for borrowing or receiving financial assistance.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available: Some impound lots may offer payment plans, allowing you to pay the fees in installments. It's worth asking if this is an option.
• Consult with your attorney: Your DUI attorney may be able to negotiate with the impound lot to reduce the fees or challenge the impoundment if there were procedural errors. Ohio law (R.C. 4513.61) protects your right to retrieve personal items from the vehicle (wallet, phone, keys, medication) without paying the tow fees or retrieving the vehicle itself.

After Retrieval

Before driving away from the impound lot, take these important steps:

• Inspect the vehicle immediately before leaving the lot: 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 scratches, dents, or other damage.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away: Notify the impound lot manager in writing about any damage you find before leaving the premises. This creates a record of the damage and strengthens your claim if you need to seek compensation for repairs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long do I have to get my car out of impound in Cuyahoga County? A: While there isn't a strict deadline, the impound lot can begin a lien sale process after approximately 30 days. It's best to retrieve your vehicle as soon as possible to avoid additional fees and the risk of losing your vehicle.

Q: Can I get my personal belongings out of my impounded car without paying the fees in Cuyahoga County? A: Yes. Under Ohio law (R.C. 4513.61), you have the right to retrieve personal items such as your wallet, phone, keys, and medication from the vehicle without paying any fees.

Q: What if the police didn't tell me where my car was towed in Cuyahoga County? A: Contact the Cuyahoga County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line. They should be able to help you locate your vehicle using your name, date of arrest, or vehicle information.