Licking County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Licking County

A DUI arrest in Licking County can trigger a cascade of immediate problems, and one of the most pressing is often dealing with your impounded vehicle. In Ohio, when you are arrested for Operating a Vehicle Impaired (OVI), the arresting officer will often have your vehicle towed and impounded. This is standard procedure to ensure public safety and prevent further potential offenses. Understanding how to retrieve your vehicle, the associated costs, and the necessary steps is crucial to minimizing the disruption to your life. This guide provides a clear roadmap for navigating the impound process in Licking County.

Where Is Your Car?

The first step is locating where your vehicle was towed. The arresting officer should provide you with documentation that includes the name of the towing company and the location of the impound lot. If you do not have this information readily available, there are a couple of ways to obtain it.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Check your arrest paperwork — The paperwork provided by the arresting officer at the time of your arrest should list the name and contact information for the towing company that has your vehicle.
• Call the Licking County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line — You can contact the Licking County Sheriff's Office for assistance in locating your vehicle. Their non-emergency number can provide information on where vehicles are typically impounded following an arrest in the county.
• Reference your booking number — When you were processed at the Licking County Justice Center, you were assigned a booking number. According to the Licking County criminal justice system, upon release from the facility, former inmates are granted the ability to log into a public portal (www.smartinmate.com) using their assigned booking ID number and a personalized password.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you have located your vehicle, you need to gather the necessary documentation to claim it. Impound lots are strict about releasing vehicles only to authorized individuals with proper identification and proof of ownership.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license (or a licensed person picking it up for you)
• Vehicle registration or title
• Proof of insurance
• Payment for fees

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your driver's license is suspended due to the OVI arrest (an Administrative License Suspension), you cannot personally retrieve the vehicle. In this case, you have two options:

• Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it — A licensed driver can pick up the vehicle on your behalf.
• 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 in your name.

Costs & Fees in Licking County

Retrieving your vehicle from the impound lot involves paying towing and storage fees. These fees can accumulate quickly, so it's important to act promptly.

Typical towing fees in Ohio range from $150 to $300. Daily storage fees generally run between $25 and $50 per day. However, these fees can vary between different impound lots.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accrue daily. The sooner you retrieve your vehicle, the less you will pay.

Payment

Before heading to the impound lot, call them to confirm their accepted methods of payment. Most impound lots accept cash, and some may also accept credit cards or money orders. Knowing this information in advance will save you time and potential frustration. The Licking County Municipal Clerk's Office maintains a strict policy: payment must be rendered in full before the clerk will transmit the release authorization to the BMV.

Timeline

Time is of the essence when it comes to retrieving your vehicle from the impound lot.

Act Immediately

Storage fees begin accumulating the moment your vehicle is towed. Each passing day adds to the total cost of retrieval.

After 30 Days

In Ohio, if a vehicle remains unclaimed at an impound lot for a certain period (typically 30 days), the lot has the right to initiate a lien sale. This means they can sell your vehicle to recover the outstanding fees. To avoid this, take immediate action to retrieve your vehicle.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

The cost of retrieving a vehicle can be a significant financial burden, especially after a DUI arrest. Here are some options if you are struggling to afford the fees:

• Contact a family member or friend to help cover costs — Reach out to your support network for financial assistance.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available — Some impound lots may offer payment plans or allow you to pay the fees in installments. It's worth inquiring about this possibility.

After Retrieval

Once you have paid the fees and retrieved your vehicle, there are a few important steps to take:

• Inspect the vehicle immediately before leaving the lot — Carefully examine the vehicle for any signs of damage that may have occurred while it was in the impound lot's possession.
• Document any damage with photos — Take photographs of any dents, scratches, or other damage you find.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away — Notify the impound lot manager of any damage you discovered and provide them with a written report and copies of your photographs. This will help protect your rights if you need to file a claim for damages later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where will my car be impounded after a DUI arrest in Licking County? A: The arresting officer will determine where your car is towed. Check your arrest paperwork for the tow company name, or call the Licking County Sheriff's Office for assistance.

Q: What happens if I can't pick up my car from the impound lot right away? A: Storage fees will accrue daily, increasing the total cost of retrieval. Contact the impound lot to understand their fee structure and payment options.

Q: Can someone else pick up my car for me if my license is suspended? A: Yes, a licensed driver can retrieve your vehicle with your written authorization, their valid license, and the vehicle's registration or title.