Hocking County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Hocking County

After a DUI arrest in Hocking County, Ohio, one of the most pressing concerns is often retrieving your vehicle. Vehicles are typically impounded following a DUI arrest to ensure public safety and to prevent further operation of a vehicle by someone suspected of driving under the influence. Understanding the impound and retrieval process is crucial to minimize expenses and avoid losing your vehicle permanently. This guide provides a step-by-step overview of how to navigate the process in Hocking County.

Where Is Your Car?

Unlike larger cities with centralized municipal impound lots, Hocking County utilizes a rotational system of private towing contractors. This means the specific lot holding your vehicle depends on which company was next on the rotation list when you were arrested. There is no central impound lot for Hocking County.

To find out where your vehicle was towed, you'll need to contact the arresting agency. Because the Logan Police Department and the Hocking County Sheriff's Office utilize certified rotational towing lists rather than a centralized facility, the specific lot holding a seized vehicle depends entirely on which private contractor was next in the queue at the exact moment of the arrest.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided documentation indicating which towing company took possession of your vehicle.
• Call the Hocking County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: If your arrest was initiated by the Hocking County Sheriff's Office or the Sheriff's Interdiction Unit, call their non-emergency dispatch center at (740) 385-2131. The dispatchers maintain logs of rotational assignments and can direct you to the appropriate private impound yard.
• Call the Logan Police Department: If the arrest was executed by the Logan Police Department, inquiries must be directed to their 24-hour dispatch line at (740) 385-6866.
• Reference your booking number: Having your booking number ready when you call can help expedite the process.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you've located your vehicle, gather the necessary documents for retrieval. Be prepared to present these items to the impound lot.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: The person retrieving the vehicle must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration or title: You'll need to prove ownership of the vehicle.
• Proof of insurance: You must show current proof of insurance 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. In this case:

• Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it: Ask someone with a valid license to pick up the vehicle for you.
• They need: Their valid driver’s license, a signed authorization letter from you granting them permission to retrieve the vehicle, and the vehicle's title or registration.

Costs & Fees in Hocking County

Towing and storage fees can add up quickly, so understanding the cost structure is essential.

Typical towing fees in Ohio generally range from $150 to $300. Daily storage fees typically run between $25 and $50 per day. However, because Hocking County utilizes private towing companies, fees can vary.

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

Payment

Call the impound lot in advance to confirm which payment methods they accept. Most accept cash and major credit cards, but some may also accept money orders or certified checks.

Timeline

Time is of the essence when retrieving your vehicle to minimize storage fees.

Act Immediately

Storage fees begin accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Contact the appropriate dispatch center immediately to locate your vehicle and begin the retrieval process.

After 72 Hours

Under Ohio administrative guidelines, vehicles left unclaimed for more than 72 hours can be designated as legally abandoned.

After 30 Days

If a vehicle remains unclaimed and all outstanding fines, delinquent fees, impoundment fees, and towing charges are not paid, the vehicle may be sold at public auction 30 days after formal notice is provided to the registered owner.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you're struggling to afford the impound fees, consider these options:

• Contact a family member or friend: Ask for financial assistance to help cover the costs.
• Ask the impound lot about a payment plan: Some impound lots may offer payment plans to help you manage the expense.

After Retrieval

Before driving away with your vehicle:

• Inspect the vehicle immediately before leaving the lot: Carefully examine the vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while in impound.
• Document any damage with photos: Take pictures of any damage as evidence.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away: Notify the impound lot manager of any damage in writing before you leave the premises. This creates a record of your claim.

Navigating the vehicle impound process after a DUI arrest can be stressful. By understanding the procedures specific to Hocking County and acting quickly, you can retrieve your vehicle efficiently and minimize expenses. If you need assistance with bail, browse licensed bail bondsmen serving Hocking County in our bail bond directory.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I find out which towing company has my car in Hocking County? Call the Logan Police Department at (740) 385-6866 if they made the arrest, or the Hocking County Sheriff's Office at (740) 385-2131 if they made the arrest. They maintain the rotational towing lists.
2. What happens if I can't afford to get my car out of impound in Hocking County? Storage fees accumulate daily. If the vehicle is unclaimed and fees unpaid after approximately 30 days, the lot can sell it at auction.
3. Can I get my personal belongings out of my impounded car in Hocking County even if I can't retrieve the vehicle itself? Yes. Under OH law §4513.61, you have a right to retrieve personal property, but the lot can charge an after-hours fee.