Miami County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Miami County

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

Following an arrest for Operating a Vehicle Impaired (OVI) in Miami County, Ohio, one of the immediate consequences is the impoundment of your vehicle. This is standard procedure, and understanding how to retrieve your car is crucial to minimizing expenses and getting back on track. Your vehicle is impounded to ensure public safety and to prevent further operation while impaired. The impound process begins as soon as the tow truck is dispatched.

Where Is Your Car?

The Miami County Sheriff’s Office uses a rotation list of private towing companies for impound services. This means your car could be at any of several lots in the area. Here's one potential location:

• Randy's Towing & Recovery: 2820 Stone Circle Dr (office address)

How to Find Your Vehicle

1. Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided you with paperwork indicating which towing company has your vehicle.
2. Call the Miami County Sheriff's Office: If you cannot locate the paperwork, contact the Miami County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line to inquire about the location of your vehicle.
3. Reference your booking number: When you call, providing your booking number will help them locate your vehicle more efficiently.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Gathering the necessary documents and preparing for payment are crucial steps in reclaiming your vehicle.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: If your license is suspended, see the section below.
• Vehicle registration or title: Proof of ownership is essential.
• Proof of insurance: You must demonstrate 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

Due to the Administrative License Suspension (ALS) that goes into effect after an OVI arrest, you may not have a valid driver's license. In this case, you have a few options:

• Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it: The easiest solution is to have a friend or family member with a valid license retrieve the vehicle.
• They need:
• Their valid driver's license.
• A signed authorization letter from you, granting them permission to pick up the vehicle on your behalf.
• The vehicle registration or title.

Costs & Fees in Miami County

Impound fees can accumulate quickly, so understanding the cost structure is essential.

• Daily Storage Fee: $N/A

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day, including weekends and holidays. It's crucial to retrieve your vehicle as quickly as possible to minimize these costs.

Payment

Contact the impound lot in advance to confirm accepted payment methods. Research indicates that Randy’s Towing has a strict "Cash Only" policy. They generally do not accept credit cards for impound release fees.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day that passes adds to the total cost, so act quickly. This is especially important if your arrest occurred on a Friday evening, as weekend bottlenecks at the Miami County Safety Building can delay the release process, and fees continue to accrue.

After 30 Days

In many jurisdictions, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period (often 30 days), the impound lot can initiate a lien sale to recover their costs. Do not let it reach this point.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you are facing financial hardship and cannot afford the impound fees, consider the following:

• Contact a family member or friend: Ask for assistance to cover the costs.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available: While not guaranteed, some impound lots may offer payment plans.

After Retrieval

Before driving away with your vehicle, take the following steps:

• Inspect the vehicle immediately before leaving the lot: Carefully examine the vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.
• Document any damage with photos: Take photos of any damage you find.
• 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 the damage and can be helpful if you need to file a claim later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long do I have to get my car out of impound in Miami County? A: While there isn't a specific deadline, storage fees accrue daily, and after approximately 30-60 days, the impound lot may begin the process of selling the vehicle to recoup costs.

Q: Can I get my belongings out of the car before I have the money to pay for the impound fees? A: Contact the impound lot to inquire about their policy on retrieving personal belongings. Access may be limited, and they may have specific procedures.

Q: What happens if I just abandon my car at the impound lot? A: If you abandon your vehicle, the impound lot will eventually sell it to cover the fees. However, you may still be responsible for any remaining balance if the sale price doesn't cover the full amount owed.