Perry County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Perry County

After a DUI arrest in Perry County, one of your most immediate concerns is likely getting your vehicle back. Vehicles are typically impounded following a DUI arrest for several reasons: to ensure public safety, prevent further impaired driving, and as part of standard procedure. Understanding the process and acting quickly is crucial to minimize storage fees and avoid further complications. Here's what you need to know.

Where Is Your Car?

Perry County utilizes a rotational system of private towing companies dispatched by the Perry County Sheriff's Office and the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP). This means there isn't a single, centralized impound lot. Your vehicle was likely towed to one of these private lots:

• Rotational Private Tow Lots (e.g., Bill's Towing, Kings Towing)
• Address: CONFIRMED UNAVAILABLE (Varies based on dispatched contractor)
• Phone: (740) 342-4123 (Perry County Sheriff Non-Emergency/Property Retrieval)

How to Find Your Vehicle

Locating your vehicle requires prompt action:

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided information about the towing company used.
• Call the Perry County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: Call (740) 342-4123 to verify which specific towing company has your vehicle. Reference your booking number when you call, if possible, to help them locate the information faster.
• Reference your booking number: Knowing your booking number can help the Sheriff's Office quickly locate your vehicle information.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Be prepared with the necessary documents and payment to streamline the retrieval process.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license (or a licensed person to drive the vehicle)
• Vehicle registration or title (proof of ownership)
• Proof of insurance
• Payment for all applicable fees

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you cannot legally drive the vehicle off the lot yourself. In this case:

• Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it: A person with a valid, unexpired driver's license must be physically present to drive the vehicle off the private tow lot.
• They will need:
• Their valid driver's license
• A signed authorization letter from you (though this may not always be required, it's good to have)
• Vehicle title or registration in your name (or proof of ownership)

Costs & Fees in Perry County

The costs associated with impound and storage can add up quickly, so understanding the fee structure is essential. Unfortunately, specific towing fees and daily storage rates are CONFIRMED UNAVAILABLE for Perry County.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day. The sooner you retrieve your vehicle, the less you'll pay.

Payment

Contact the specific impound lot identified by the Sheriff's dispatch before going there to confirm their accepted payment methods. Many rural towing agencies in Perry County prefer cash or may charge premium administrative fees for credit card processing.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees begin accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day of delay increases the total cost. The fastest and least financially devastating method for vehicle retrieval is to immediately dispatch a sober, fully licensed family member with exact cash to the designated lot the morning following the arrest, possessing the vehicle's title, proof of active insurance, and a valid photo ID.

After 30 Days

While Ohio law doesn't specify a precise timeframe, generally, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period (typically 30-60 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

The financial burden of an OVI, especially the impound fees, can be significant.

• Contact a family member or friend: Ask for assistance to cover the costs.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available: Some companies may offer a payment arrangement, but this is not guaranteed.
• Consult with a local DUI attorney in our attorney directory: An attorney may be able to negotiate fees or challenge the impoundment if it was not legally justified. Under ORC 4511.195(D)(4), defense counsel can motion the court to force the seizing agency (the state or political subdivision) to pay the accrued towing and impound expenses if the vehicle was legally parked at the time of the arrest.

After Retrieval

• Inspect the vehicle immediately before leaving the lot: Check for any damage that may have occurred while in impound.
• Document any damage with photos: Take clear pictures of any dents, scratches, or other issues.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away: Obtain a signed copy of the report for your records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where will my car be impounded after a DUI arrest in Perry County? A: Perry County uses a rotational system of private towing companies. Contact the Perry County Sheriff's Office at (740) 342-4123 to determine which lot has your vehicle.

Q: What is the standard bail amount for a first-offense DUI in Perry County? A: The standard bail for a first-offense DUI (OVI) is $525.00 (M1 Offense: $500 bond + $25 state surcharge).

Q: Where do I post bail for an OVI arrest in Perry County? A: During regular court business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM), bonds are processed directly at the Perry County Municipal Court Clerk's Office. Outside of these operational hours, bonds must be posted directly with the Perry County Sheriff's Office or the Southeastern Ohio Regional Jail (SEORJ) records division.