Greene County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Greene County

After a DUI arrest in Greene County, one of your most pressing concerns is likely retrieving your vehicle. Ohio law allows law enforcement to impound vehicles following an arrest. Understanding the process, required documents, and associated costs is crucial to getting your car back as quickly and affordably as possible. This guide provides the essential information you need to navigate the vehicle retrieval process in Greene County.

Where Is Your Car?

The first step is determining where your vehicle was towed. Greene County does not operate its own municipal tow yards; instead, it contracts with private towing companies. Several companies may be used depending on the location of the arrest.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided you with paperwork that includes the name and contact information of the towing company that impounded your vehicle. This is the fastest and easiest way to locate your car.
• Call the Greene County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: If you cannot locate the paperwork or the information is missing, you can call the Greene County Sheriff's Office non-emergency number to inquire about the location of your vehicle.
• Reference your booking number: When contacting the Sheriff's Office, provide your booking number, if available. This will help them locate your records more efficiently.

Sandy's Towing and Recovery is a primary impound lot for the Fairborn/Beavercreek jurisdiction, and Moorman's Towing & Body Shop handles impounds for the Xenia area. Sandy's Towing also has a Xenia branch.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you've located your vehicle, you'll need to gather the necessary documents and payment to retrieve it.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: You (or the person retrieving the vehicle) must have a valid, state-issued driver's license.
• Vehicle registration or title: You must provide proof of ownership in the form of the vehicle's registration or title.
• Proof of insurance: You'll need to show proof of current insurance coverage for the vehicle.
• Payment for fees: Be prepared to pay all 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.

• Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it: A licensed driver can retrieve the vehicle on your behalf.
• 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 Greene County

Towing and storage fees can add up quickly. Be sure to understand the cost structure before retrieving your vehicle. Sandy's Towing charges a base tow fee of $145.00 for standard passenger vehicles and up to $175.00 for heavier equipment, plus a $10.00 administrative fee. Daily storage rate is $25.00 per day. These fees are typical for Ohio.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day, starting at midnight. Retrieve your vehicle as quickly as possible to minimize costs.

Payment

Call the impound lot in advance to confirm accepted payment methods. Some lots accept cash, credit cards, and money orders. Sandy's Towing requires secure digital payment exclusively via their website utilizing the PayPal payment gateway.

Timeline

Time is of the essence when it comes to retrieving your impounded vehicle.

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day that passes increases the total cost.

After 30 Days

Ohio law typically allows impound lots to initiate a lien sale if a vehicle remains unclaimed after a certain period, often 30 days. This means the lot can sell your vehicle to recoup the unpaid fees. Do not let it reach this point.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you are struggling to afford the towing and storage fees, consider the following options:

• Contact a family member or friend: Ask for assistance in covering the costs.
• Ask the impound lot about a payment plan: Some impound lots may offer payment plans, allowing you to pay the fees in installments.

After Retrieval

Before leaving the impound lot with your vehicle, take these important steps:

• Inspect the vehicle immediately: Carefully examine the vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was in the lot's possession.
• Document any damage with photos: Take photos of any dents, scratches, or other damage.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away: Notify the lot manager of any damage in writing, and obtain a copy of the report for your records. This is crucial for filing a claim later if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I get my belongings out of the car before I retrieve it? A: Contact the impound lot to inquire about their policy on retrieving personal belongings from the vehicle before paying the full impound fees. Some lots may allow this, while others may require full payment first.

Q: What happens if the car is not in my name? A: Ohio law dictates that a vehicle can only be released to the titled owner. The owner must execute a notarized statement or a specific Vehicle Power of Attorney authorizing the towing company to release the asset to the designee.

Q: What if the arresting agency has placed an evidentiary hold on the vehicle? A: If the arresting agency determines the vehicle was involved in a compounding felony (e.g., vehicular assault or severe property damage), they may place an evidentiary hold on the asset. The tow yard is legally barred from releasing the vehicle until the municipal police department's Auto Recovery Unit or evidence division generates a formal, written release order.