Franklin County Vehicle Impound Guide

Vehicle impound procedures in Franklin County, Ohio, following a DUI arrest can be confusing and costly. Understanding the process and acting quickly is crucial to minimize expenses and retrieve your vehicle.

The First 48 Hours

Following a DUI arrest in Franklin County, your vehicle will likely be impounded. The first 48 hours are critical. The vehicle is typically towed to an impound lot, accruing daily storage fees. It’s essential to determine where your vehicle was towed as soon as possible to begin the release process. If you don’t act quickly, storage fees can accumulate rapidly, making it significantly more expensive to recover your vehicle. Begin by contacting the arresting officer or the Franklin County Sheriff's Department to find out the exact location of the impound lot.

What Happens After Arrest / Documents Required

Primary Impound Facility

The primary impound facility used in Franklin County is located at:

2700 Impound Lot Road Columbus, OH 43207

While a specific phone number isn't provided in the source material, searching online with the address "2700 Impound Lot Road, Columbus OH" will likely yield the current contact number. Please note that another impound location is in Canton, OH, which may not be relevant unless your arrest occurred outside of Franklin County.

Cost Breakdown

While precise figures fluctuate, expect the following general costs associated with vehicle impoundment in Franklin County:

• Tow Fee: While specific numbers weren't provided, a common tow fee structure within Ohio is approximately $272.
• Daily Storage: This can range depending on the facility, but expect to pay around $22.85 per day after the first 24 hours.
• Administrative Fees: These fees can vary, so inquire with the specific impound lot.
• Outstanding Parking Tickets: You'll need to pay these in full before vehicle release.

Therefore, assuming a 3-day impound, costs could easily exceed $350 or more plus any outstanding parking tickets.

Required Documents for Release

To retrieve your vehicle from the Franklin County impound lot, you will need to present the following documents:

• Proof of Ownership: This can be your current vehicle registration or the vehicle title.
• Photo Identification: A valid driver's license or state-issued identification card is required.
• Proof of Insurance: You must provide current proof of insurance for the vehicle.
• Payment: You must pay all fees in full (towing, storage, and any outstanding parking tickets).

It's always best to call the impound lot beforehand to confirm that you have all the necessary documentation to avoid unnecessary trips.

Contacting the Tow Company

Several tow companies operate within Franklin County and may have been responsible for towing your vehicle. Here are a few:

• BM Towing: 820 W. Lane Ave., Columbus, Ohio 43221, (614) 208-7804
• Broad & James Towing: 4301 E. 5th Ave., Columbus, Ohio 43219, (614) 231-8697
• Capital Towing: 1306 Harmon Ave., Columbus, Ohio 43223, (614) 272-1800
• Pro-Tow: 400 Stimmell Rd., Columbus, Ohio 43223, (614) 444-8697

While the source data doesn't specify payment methods or hours for each of these companies, contacting the impound lot where your vehicle is stored is the best method to determine if one of these companies was responsible. Typically, the impound lot will handle payment for the tow and storage.

Special Circumstances

Procedures may vary slightly on weekends and holidays. Contact the impound lot directly to confirm their operating hours and availability for vehicle release. If someone other than the registered owner needs to pick up the vehicle, they will likely need a notarized letter from the owner authorizing the release, along with their own photo identification and a copy of the owner's identification. It is best to confirm the specific requirements with the impound lot before sending someone to retrieve the vehicle. Again, the address for the primary impound lot is 2700 Impound Lot Road, Columbus, OH 43207.