Putnam County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Putnam County

After a DUI arrest in Putnam County, Ohio, one of the most pressing issues is retrieving your impounded vehicle. Your vehicle is impounded to ensure public safety and to prevent further operation by someone suspected of driving under the influence. This guide provides the steps and information you need to get your car back as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Where Is Your Car?

Unlike some larger cities with centralized municipal lots, Putnam County utilizes a network of private towing companies. This means your car was likely towed to a private storage yard. According to research, individual law enforcement agencies are responsible for establishing their own independent wrecker policies and rotation lists for no-preference tows.

Here's how to locate your vehicle:

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided documentation indicating which towing company has your vehicle.
• Call the Putnam County Sheriff's Office: Contact the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office at (419) 523-3208 or the Ottawa Police Department at (419) 523-3449 to find out which specific private vendor is holding your vehicle.
• Reference your booking number: Have your booking number ready when you call to help them locate your information faster.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you know where your vehicle is impounded, gather the necessary documents for release. Missing paperwork will delay the process and add to storage fees.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: The person retrieving the vehicle must have a valid, un-suspended driver's license.
• Vehicle registration or title: You must prove ownership of the vehicle.
• Proof of insurance: Current insurance documentation is required.
• Official Police Release Form: You must secure the police release document from the Ottawa Police Station (136 N Oak Street) or the Sheriff's Office prior to visiting the tow yard.
• Payment for fees: Have sufficient funds to cover 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 personally retrieve the vehicle. In this case:

• Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it: They must have a valid driver's license.
• They need:
• Their valid driver's license
• A signed and notarized authorization letter from you, the registered owner, explicitly granting them permission to retrieve the vehicle. A photocopy or un-notarized note will not be accepted.
• The vehicle title or registration in your name.

Costs & Fees in Putnam County

Be prepared for a combination of fees when retrieving your vehicle.

• Daily Storage Rate: The regional average is $20.00 - $25.00 per day.
• Tow Fee: The regional average is $150.00 - $240.00 base rate.
• Admin/Processing Fee: An estimated regional average is $50.00 - $100.00.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day, starting from the moment your vehicle is towed. Under Ohio law (ORC 4513.601), any fee charged by a towing service for the removal of a motor vehicle must not exceed a "reasonable cost". However, the definition of reasonable varies, and storage fees begin accumulating at midnight.

Payment

Before heading to the impound lot, call them to confirm their accepted payment methods. Private impound lots engaged in police-directed towing almost universally restrict their accepted payment methods to exact cash only.

Timeline

Time is of the essence when retrieving your vehicle.

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day costs more money. A vehicle towed at 11:30 PM on a Friday will incur a second day of storage fees just thirty minutes later at midnight on Saturday.

After 30 Days

If a vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period (typically 30 days), the impound lot can initiate a lien sale to recover their costs. Avoid this by acting quickly.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you are struggling to afford the impound 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 lots may offer payment arrangements, but this is not guaranteed.

After Retrieval

Once you have your vehicle back:

• 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 pictures of any dents, scratches, or other issues.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away: Ensure you have a record of your report.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I pay the impound fees with a credit card? A: Private impound lots engaged in police-directed towing almost universally restrict their accepted payment methods to exact cash only. Call the specific operator holding your vehicle to confirm.

Q: What if the car is not in my name? A: Vehicles will exclusively be released to the registered owner documented on the vehicle's title, unless you have a signed and notarized authorization letter from the registered owner explicitly granting permission for the release to that specific individual.

Q: Where is the Putnam County Sheriff's Office located? A: The Putnam County Sheriff's Office is located at 1035 Heritage Trail, Ottawa, OH 45875.