Sandusky County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Sandusky County

After a DUI arrest in Sandusky County, one of the first things you'll need to address is retrieving your vehicle. Vehicles are typically impounded following a DUI arrest for several reasons, including public safety and to prevent further operation by the impaired driver. Understanding the process and acting quickly is essential to minimize storage fees and avoid further complications.

Where Is Your Car?

Unlike major cities with centralized municipal lots, Sandusky County utilizes a decentralized system with private towing companies on rotation. This means your vehicle could be at one of several locations. Here are a few known active entities on the Sandusky regional towing rotation:

• Sandusky Towing LLC: 3606 Venice Rd, Sandusky, OH 44870. Phone: N/A.
• T-N-T Towing: 913 N Depot St, Sandusky, OH 44870. Phone: N/A.
• T-N-T Towing: 913 North Depot Street. Phone: 419-626-0041
• Wilsons Towing and Recovery: 349 Tiffin Avenue. Phone: 419-656-6664
• Foster Towing: 2504 Hayes Avenue. Phone: 419-621-2020
• Lucky Towing: 2504 Hayes Avenue. Phone: 419-621-2021
• Perkins Towing: 2610 Old Railroad Road. Phone: 419-627-2992

To determine the precise location of your impounded vehicle, you will need to contact the Sandusky County Sheriff's Office dispatch center directly by calling 419-627-5900. Be prepared to provide your vehicle's license plate number or your name and booking information.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Check Your Arrest Paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided documentation indicating the towing company that took your vehicle.
• Call the Sandusky County Sheriff's Office: Contact the Sandusky County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line at 419-627-5900. Provide your name, date of birth, and details about your vehicle.
• Reference Your Booking Number: If you have your booking number from the jail, provide this to the Sheriff's Office or the towing companies, as it can help them locate your vehicle more quickly.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Before heading to the impound lot, make sure you have all the necessary documentation to avoid delays or denial of release.

Required Documents

• Valid Driver's License: You will need a valid driver's license to retrieve the vehicle, as private tow operators and police records departments strictly mandate that vehicles only be released to individuals possessing a valid driver's license. However, in OVI cases, the arrested individual's driver's license is frequently seized and suspended immediately at the time of arrest via an Administrative License Suspension (ALS).
• Vehicle Registration or Title: You must provide proof of ownership, such as the vehicle's registration or title.
• Proof of Insurance: Current proof of insurance for the vehicle is required.
• 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 legally drive the vehicle off the lot. In this case:

• Have a Licensed Friend or Family Member Retrieve It: The easiest solution is to have a friend or family member with a valid license and insurance retrieve the vehicle for you.
• They Need: Their valid driver's license, a signed authorization letter from you (if you are not present), and the vehicle's title or registration in your name.

Costs & Fees in Sandusky County

Understanding the costs involved in retrieving your vehicle is crucial for planning and budgeting.

• Daily Storage Rate: The standard baseline rate for forfeited/impounded vehicles is $25.00 per day.
• Tow Fee: Tow fees are variable, but legally capped at "Reasonable Cost" per Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) Rule 4901:2-24-03.
• Admin/Processing Fee: There is a $45.00 mandatory municipal service fee for release authorization.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day. The "Weekend Trap" can be costly. If you are arrested on a Friday night, you might not be able to retrieve your vehicle until Monday morning because the Fremont Police Records Division is open only from 6:30 AM to 5:30 PM, Monday through Friday, and is closed on all city-observed holidays. This means your vehicle is entirely irretrievable until 6:30 AM on Monday morning.

Payment

Contact the impound lot in advance to confirm their accepted payment methods. Some may accept cash, credit cards, or money orders. Knowing this ahead of time will prevent any last-minute issues.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day that passes increases the total cost. Contact the towing company and the Fremont Police Records Division (if needed for release authorization) as soon as possible.

After 30 Days

In Ohio, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period (typically 30 days), the impound lot can initiate a lien sale to recover their costs. Do not let it reach this point. Make arrangements to retrieve your vehicle well before this deadline.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you are struggling to afford the towing and storage fees:

• Contact a Family Member or Friend: Ask if they can help cover the costs.
• Ask the Impound Lot if a Payment Plan Is Available: Some impound lots may offer payment plans, but this is not guaranteed. It's worth asking.
• Consult with Your Attorney: In some cases, your attorney may be able to negotiate or challenge excessive fees. Under Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) Rule 4901:2-24-03, any fee charged by a towing service for the removal of a motor vehicle ordered by law enforcement "shall not exceed the reasonable cost".

After Retrieval

• Inspect the Vehicle Immediately Before Leaving the Lot: Before driving away, carefully inspect your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.
• Document Any Damage with Photos: Take photos of any scratches, dents, or other damage.
• Report Any Damage to the Lot Manager in Writing Before You Drive Away: Notify the impound lot manager of the damage in writing before you leave the premises. This will help you if you need to file a claim later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happens if I wait too long to get my car out of impound in Sandusky County? A: If you don't claim your vehicle within a certain timeframe (usually around 30 days), the impound lot can begin the process of selling it to cover the accrued fees.

Q: Can I get my belongings out of my car before I have the money to pay the impound fees? A: Contact the specific impound lot to inquire about their policy on retrieving personal belongings from your vehicle. Some may allow it, while others may require you to pay a portion of the fees first.

Q: What if I think my car was improperly towed in Sandusky County? A: If a vehicle owner believes the vehicle was towed improperly or placed on an unjustified investigative hold, they have the right to request a formal tow hearing. However, Fremont authorities explicitly warn that "a tow hearing might not occur the same day when you leave your message". Because tow fees continue to accumulate while awaiting the hearing, local protocols advise owners to pay the fees upfront to retrieve the vehicle, with the promise of future reimbursement if the hearing officer rules in their favor.