Delaware County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Delaware County

After a DUI arrest in Delaware County, Ohio, one of the most immediate concerns is retrieving your vehicle. Ohio law mandates impoundment following a DUI (Operating a Vehicle under the Influence - OVI) arrest. The arresting officer transports you to the Delaware County Jail, leaving your vehicle on the roadside, where it's then towed to an impound lot. Understanding the process and acting quickly is crucial to minimize storage fees and avoid further complications.

Where Is Your Car?

Your vehicle is likely at one of the following impound lots:

• Heavy Metal Towing & Recovery
• Address: 320 London Road Ste D2, Delaware, OH 43015
• Phone: (614) 622-9617
• Joe's Towing & Auto Repair
• Address: Delaware, OH (Exact impound yard address unavailable)
• Phone: 740-363-7170
• Betts Garage
• Address: CONFIRMED UNAVAILABLE
• Phone: CONFIRMED UNAVAILABLE

Determining the exact location of your vehicle requires contacting the arresting agency.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Check your arrest paperwork: The tow company's name and contact information should be listed on the tow slip provided by the arresting officer.
• Call the arresting agency: If you don't have the tow slip, contact the Delaware County Sheriff's Office or the Delaware City Police to inquire about your vehicle's location.
• Reference your booking number: Having your booking number from the Delaware County Jail will help them locate the relevant records more quickly.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Before heading to the impound lot, gather all the necessary documents to avoid delays.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: The person retrieving the vehicle must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration or title: Proof of ownership is essential.
• Proof of insurance: Current insurance documentation for the vehicle.
• Payment for fees: Be prepared to pay the towing and storage fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you cannot retrieve the vehicle yourself. You'll need someone with a valid license to do it for you.

• Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it: They must present their valid driver's license.
• Authorization: The impound lot may require a signed authorization letter from you, granting them permission to retrieve your vehicle.
• Vehicle title or registration: They will still need to provide proof of ownership.

Costs & Fees in Delaware County

Impound fees can add up quickly, so understanding the costs involved is important. Heavy Metal Towing & Recovery charges the following fees:

• Tow Fee: $144.00 (base rate)
• Daily Storage Rate: $22.00 per day
• Administrative/Processing Fee: $25.00

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day, including weekends and holidays. The longer your vehicle remains at the impound lot, the more you'll have to pay.

Payment

Heavy Metal Towing & Recovery accepts cash or approved company checks ONLY. Consumer credit cards and debit cards are expressly refused on-site for impound transactions unless the individual has successfully negotiated and obtained prior, pre-approved authorization from the facility's management before their arrival. Call the impound lot in advance to confirm their current payment policies and ensure you have the correct form of payment.

Timeline

Act Immediately

The timeline for retrieving your vehicle is crucial. Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day that passes increases the total cost.

After 30 Days

If a vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period, the impound lot may have the right to initiate a lien sale to recover their costs. This typically happens after 30 days. Do not let it reach this point. Contact the impound lot immediately to start the retrieval process.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Retrieving your vehicle can be financially challenging, especially after a DUI arrest.

• Contact a family member or friend: Ask for assistance to help cover the towing and storage fees.
• Ask the impound lot about a payment plan: Some impound lots may offer payment plans, but this is not guaranteed. Inquire about this option.
• Consult with your attorney: In some cases, your attorney may be able to negotiate or challenge the fees.

After Retrieval

Once you've paid the fees and have the necessary paperwork, you can retrieve your vehicle.

• Inspect the vehicle immediately before leaving the lot: Carefully examine the vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.
• Document any damage with photos: Take clear photos of any dents, scratches, 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. This will help you file a claim if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I get my car out on the weekend if I was arrested on Friday night? A: Heavy Metal Towing & Recovery is closed on weekends. You will likely have to wait until Monday morning to retrieve your vehicle, incurring additional storage fees.

Q: What happens if I can't afford to get my car out of impound? A: Storage fees will continue to accrue, and after a certain period (typically 30 days), the impound lot may initiate a lien sale to recover their costs.

Q: What if someone else owns the car? Can they get it out for me? A: Yes, as long as they have a valid driver's license, the vehicle registration or title, and proof of insurance. Heavy Metal Towing & Recovery mandates that the registered owner must be physically present. If the owner is incarcerated, the facility generally requires a formally notarized letter or a legally executed power of attorney specifically designating the third party as an authorized agent, explicitly listing their driver's license number, before access to the vehicle or its contents is granted.