Highland County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Highland County

After a DUI arrest in Highland County, Ohio, one of the most immediate concerns is retrieving your vehicle. Your car is typically impounded at the time of your arrest for several reasons: as evidence, for public safety, or as a consequence of the arrest itself. Understanding the process for locating, paying for, and retrieving your vehicle is crucial to minimize expenses and legal complications. This guide provides the steps you need to take to get your car back as quickly as possible.

Where Is Your Car?

Unlike larger cities with centralized municipal impound lots, Highland County operates using a rotational system of private towing companies. This means the Highland County Sheriff's Office and the Hillsboro Police Department use a list of approved towing companies, dispatching the next one on the list when a vehicle needs to be towed. Because of this system, you won't be able to simply go to a central location to find your vehicle. You'll need to determine which specific company towed it.

How to Find Your Vehicle

Here's how to locate your impounded vehicle:

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided documentation indicating which towing company took your vehicle. Look for this information on any forms you received at the time of your arrest.
• Call the Highland County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: If you can't find the information on your paperwork, contact the Highland County Sheriff's Office at 937-393-1421. Provide them with your name, date of birth, and date of arrest.
• Reference your booking number: Having your booking number handy when you call can help the Sheriff's Office locate your information more quickly.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you've located your vehicle, contact the towing company to confirm their specific requirements for release. Generally, you will need the following:

Required Documents

• Valid photo ID: A driver's license is ideal, but a state-issued photo ID or passport may also be accepted.
• Vehicle registration or title: This proves you are the legal owner of the vehicle.
• Proof of insurance: You'll need to show that the vehicle is currently insured.
• Payment for fees: Be prepared to pay all towing and storage fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

One of the biggest challenges after a DUI arrest is the Administrative License Suspension (ALS). If your license was confiscated due to failing or refusing a chemical test, you cannot legally drive the vehicle yourself. In this case, you have two options:

• Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it: The registered owner must still physically appear at the impound lot to claim the vehicle, utilizing a state-issued photo ID (such as a passport or non-driver state ID) to prove identity. Simultaneously, they must bring a second, licensed individual to legally operate the vehicle.
• They need: their valid driver's license, a signed authorization letter from you explicitly granting them permission to retrieve the vehicle on your behalf (this letter may need to be notarized), and the vehicle's title or registration. Standard photocopies or verbal authorizations are universally rejected by private lots to prevent liability.

In specific OVI scenarios—such as a repeat offense, an offense involving a suspended license, or a crash resulting in property damage—the arresting agency will place an investigative or immobilization hold on the vehicle. The private tow yard is legally prohibited from releasing the vehicle under such holds. The defendant or their representative must first physically travel to the Hillsboro Municipal Court or the arresting police department to obtain a formal "Journal Entry" or release order, which often requires the payment of a civil bond or the presentation of valid insurance documentation. Only with this court-stamped documentation in hand can they proceed to the private tow yard.

Costs & Fees in Highland County

Towing and storage fees are regulated by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO). For a standard passenger vehicle (under 10,001 lbs), the base tow fee is capped at $144.00. The daily storage fee is capped at $22.00 per day, and an administrative processing fee is capped at $25.00.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every calendar day, including weekends and holidays.

Payment

Contact the impound lot in advance to confirm which payment methods they accept. Many require exact cash, but some may also accept credit cards or money orders. Be prepared to pay the full amount due before the vehicle will be released.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day you delay retrieving your vehicle adds to the total cost.

After an Undetermined Period

If a vehicle is left unclaimed the tow company will begin a lien process against the vehicle. Do not let it reach this point.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

The costs associated with towing and storage can be a significant burden. If you're struggling to afford the fees:

• 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, but this is not guaranteed.

After Retrieval

Before leaving the impound lot:

• Inspect the vehicle immediately: Carefully examine the vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was in the tow yard's possession.
• Document any damage with photos: Take clear photos of any damage you find.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away: Obtain a written acknowledgement of your damage report from the lot manager. This will be crucial if you need to file a claim for damages later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I avoid having my car towed at a DUI checkpoint in Highland County? A: Under Ohio law, you can legally turn around or take an alternate route to avoid a checkpoint, as long as you do so legally and safely. Be aware that police often monitor areas near checkpoints for traffic infractions.

Q: How long do I have to appeal the Administrative License Suspension (ALS) in Highland County? A: You must request an ALS appeal hearing either at your initial court appearance (arraignment) or strictly within 30 days of that initial appearance. If the BMV mails a subsequent notice of suspension, the deadline printed on that notice dictates the timeline, which can legally be as short as 10 days from the date of the notice.

Q: Where is the Highland County BMV located? A: The Highland County BMV is located at 1575 North High Street, Suite 500, Hillsboro, OH 45133. You can call them at (937) 393-3991. Consider using the BMV's "Get In Line Online" system to reduce wait times.