Gallia County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Gallia County

After a DUI arrest in Gallia County, one of the most pressing issues is retrieving your vehicle. Ohio law allows law enforcement to impound vehicles when the driver is arrested for OVI. This guide provides the steps to locate, retrieve, and protect your rights regarding your impounded vehicle in Gallia County. Ohio Revised Code 4513.61 grants law enforcement the authority to order the immediate storage of vehicles operated by impaired drivers.

Where Is Your Car?

The first step is determining where your vehicle was towed. There is no centralized database for impounded vehicles in Gallia County, so you'll need to contact the arresting agency or check your paperwork. The Gallia County Sheriff's Office, Gallipolis Police Department, or Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) Post may have been the arresting agency.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided documentation indicating the towing company used.
• Call the Gallia County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: Contact them to inquire about the location of your vehicle.
• Reference your booking number: Have your booking number ready when calling to help them locate your information quickly.

Given the geographic spread of Gallia County, law enforcement uses a rotational towing list. If Graham's Towing is unavailable, secondary providers such as Stapleton Towing & Neville Wrecker Service LLC or High Road Towing & Truck Center may be used.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you've located your vehicle, gather the necessary documents for retrieval.

Required Documents

• Valid photo identification.
• Proof of ownership: Vehicle registration or title.
• Proof of insurance.
• Payment for all applicable fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your driver's license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you cannot personally retrieve the vehicle unless you have limited driving privileges granted by the court. You will need someone else to pick it up for you.

• Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it: They must have a valid driver's license.
• They need: Their valid driver's license, a signed authorization letter from you allowing them to pick up the vehicle, and the vehicle's title or registration.

Costs & Fees in Gallia County

Towing and storage fees can add up quickly, so understanding the costs is essential. While exact fees vary by towing company, here's a general idea of what to expect:

Typical towing fees in Ohio range from $150 to $300. Daily storage fees are typically between $25 and $50 per day.

Graham's Towing & Auto Repair, a primary impound lot in Gallia County, charges a standard regional estimate of $25 per day for storage.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accrue daily, starting the moment your vehicle is towed. Contact the specific impound lot holding your vehicle to confirm their exact fees before heading over.

Payment

Call the impound lot in advance to confirm accepted payment methods. Cash is commonly required. Exact change is often recommended.

Timeline

Time is of the essence when retrieving your vehicle.

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day that passes increases the total cost. Graham's Towing, the most prominent provider in Gallia County, operates its administrative and release office strictly from Monday to Friday, closing entirely on weekends. If you are arrested on a Friday or Saturday night, you may accrue fees through the weekend with no ability to retrieve the vehicle until Monday morning.

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. To avoid this, take action as quickly as possible.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you're struggling to afford the towing and storage fees, consider these 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 lots may offer payment arrangements.

After Retrieval

Before leaving the impound lot with your vehicle:

• Inspect the vehicle immediately: Check for any damage that may have occurred while in custody.
• Document any damage with photos: Take detailed pictures of any scratches, dents, or other issues.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away: Obtain a signed copy of the report for your records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happens if my wallet and ID are locked in the impounded car? A: Towing operators generally permit the registered owner to access the vehicle solely to retrieve unattached personal property during business hours, but only if they can otherwise prove their identity to the lot attendant.

Q: What if my vehicle is subject to immobilization? A: Certain OVI offenses carry mandatory vehicle immobilization penalties. Towing companies are legally prohibited from releasing the vehicle without a specific "Journal Entry" form supplied by the Gallipolis Municipal Court explicitly authorizing the release.

Q: What if I'm arrested on the weekend and need my vehicle? A: Graham's Towing & Auto Repair operates its administrative and release office strictly from Monday to Friday, closing entirely on weekends. Be prepared to pay for extra days of storage until Monday.