Fayette County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Fayette County

After a DUI arrest in Fayette County, Ohio, one of your most immediate concerns will likely be retrieving your impounded vehicle. Ohio law mandates impoundment under certain circumstances, particularly if your driver's license is suspended due to failing a chemical test (Blood Alcohol Concentration of 0.08% or higher) or refusing to take one. This guide provides the essential steps and information needed to navigate the process of getting your car back.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you are arrested for DUI (also known as OVI in Ohio, for Operating a Vehicle Impaired) and your license is suspended under Ohio's Administrative License Suspension (ALS) law, the arresting officer will arrange for your vehicle to be towed and stored at a commercial impound lot. This is because you are legally prohibited from driving after the ALS takes effect. The ALS is triggered immediately at the moment of the arrest if you submit to a chemical test (breath, blood, or urine) and register a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) at or above the statutory limit of 0.08%, or if you refuse to submit to the chemical test.

Where Is Your Car?

Law enforcement agencies in Fayette County, including the Washington Court House Police Department and the Fayette County Sheriff's Office, use a rotational list of contracted towing providers. Here are two primary impound lots used in Fayette County:

• Parrish Towing & Transport: 1229 Robinson Rd SE, Washington Court House, OH 43160. Phone: (740) 335-9966.
• All-Season's Towing & Roadside: 419 Cherry St, Washington Court House, OH 43160. Phone: (740) 313-2677.

How to Find Your Vehicle

Several methods can help you determine where your vehicle is impounded:

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer should provide documentation indicating the name and contact information of the towing company.
• Call the Fayette County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: Contact the Fayette County Sheriff's Office at 740-335-6170. Provide your vehicle's license plate number or Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to determine the impound location.
• Reference your booking number: Your booking number from the Fayette County Jail may expedite the process of locating your vehicle.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Retrieving your vehicle requires specific documentation and adherence to the impound lot's procedures.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: The person retrieving the vehicle must have a valid, unexpired driver's license. If your license is suspended, see the section below.
• Vehicle registration or title: You must provide proof of ownership, such as the vehicle's registration or title.
• Proof of insurance: Current proof of insurance for the vehicle is required.
• Payment for fees: You must pay all applicable towing and storage fees before the vehicle will be released.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you cannot legally drive the vehicle yourself. Here's how to proceed:

• Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it: The registered owner (you) must be present at the impound lot with a person who has a valid driver's license.
• They need:
• Their valid driver's license.
• A signed authorization letter from you (if you cannot be present). Most impound facilities require a strictly notarized document explicitly granting a third party permission to retrieve the vehicle on their behalf.
• Vehicle title or registration in your name as proof of ownership.

Costs & Fees in Fayette County

The costs associated with retrieving your vehicle can be substantial. While the exact fees can vary, here's a general overview:

• Daily Storage Rate: CONFIRMED UNAVAILABLE (Subject to PUCO statutory limits, typically ~$25/day)
• Tow Fee: CONFIRMED UNAVAILABLE (Subject to PUCO statutory limits, typically ~$150 base)
• Admin/Processing Fee: CONFIRMED UNAVAILABLE (Typically ~$25 processing fee)

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

Payment

Contact the specific impound lot in advance to confirm their accepted payment methods. Most facilities accept cash, and some may accept credit cards or certified checks. Be prepared to pay the full amount due before the vehicle is released.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees begin accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Each day that passes increases the total cost. Timing and Fee Compounding represent a significant economic threat. Impound storage fees accrue on a strict 24-hour or calendar-day basis.

After 30 Days

In Ohio, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for a certain period (often 30 days), the impound lot may have the right to initiate a lien sale to recover their costs. This means they can sell your vehicle to cover the outstanding fees. Do not let it reach this point.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

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

• Contact a family member or friend: Ask for assistance in covering the costs.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available: Some impound lots may offer payment plans or installment options. Inquire about this possibility.

After Retrieval

• 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 detailed photographs of any damage.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away: Notify the impound lot manager of the damage in writing before removing the vehicle from the premises. This creates a record of your claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I get my personal belongings out of the car before retrieving it? In some cases, impound lots may allow you to retrieve essential personal belongings from the vehicle before you have the funds to pay the full impound fees. Contact the specific impound lot to inquire about their policy.
2. What happens if my car is subject to immobilization or forfeiture due to a repeat OVI offense? According to Ohio Revised Code regulations, if you are arrested for OVI and have two or more prior OVI offenses within the past ten years, your vehicle may be subject to mandatory immobilization or forfeiture. In these cases, the license plates will be seized, and release is impossible until the Washington Court House Municipal Court issues a signed release order.
3. How do I challenge the validity of the tow? To contest the validity of the tow itself, you must request a tow hearing. The deadline to request this hearing and the associated filing fees are dictated by the local municipal court rules, though challenging a standard OVI arrest tow is exceptionally difficult unless the underlying arrest is proven to be entirely without probable cause.