Scioto County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Scioto County

After a DUI arrest in Scioto County, one of the most immediate concerns is retrieving your vehicle. Ohio law requires the removal of a vehicle when the driver is arrested for OVI. This guide provides the essential steps to locate, claim, and recover your car to minimize storage fees and prevent further complications. The City of Portsmouth actively utilizes vehicle impoundment as a revenue stream. In 2021, the municipal impound lot generated over $259,000 in net profit. This creates an incentive for aggressive towing enforcement.

Where Is Your Car?

Following a DUI arrest, your vehicle is typically towed to either a municipal impound lot or a private towing company contracted by law enforcement. In Scioto County, your vehicle may be at one of the following locations:

• Scioto Valley Wrecker Service: 19908 Island Rd, Circleville, OH 43113
• Hamilton’s Towing: 951 Hinkley Hollow Rd, Portsmouth, OH 45662

Due to the towing rotation system, your vehicle could be at either location. Contacting the arresting officer or local dispatch is critical to confirm where your vehicle was taken.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer should note the name and contact information of the towing company on the paperwork provided at the time of your arrest.
• Call the Scioto County Sheriff's Office: You can contact the Scioto County Sheriff's Office at (740) 354-7566 to inquire about the location of your vehicle.
• Reference your booking number: Providing your booking number to the Sheriff's Office can help them quickly locate your vehicle's impound location.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Retrieving your vehicle requires specific documentation and payment. Be prepared to present the following:

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: You (or the person retrieving the vehicle on your behalf) must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration or title: You must provide either the original vehicle registration or the vehicle title to prove ownership.
• Proof of insurance: Current proof of insurance for the vehicle is typically required.
• Payment for fees: You must 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. You have two options:

• Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it: A licensed driver can retrieve the vehicle on your behalf.
• They need: Their valid driver's license, a signed letter authorizing them to pick up the vehicle on your behalf (notarized may be required), and the vehicle's original title or current registration.

Costs & Fees in Scioto County

Towing and storage fees can accumulate quickly, creating a significant financial burden. Understanding these costs is crucial for prompt retrieval.

• Daily Storage Rate: The daily storage rate at local impound lots ranges from $50.00 to $160.00 depending on the size of the vehicle.
• Tow Fee: Towing fees can range from $200.00 for light vehicles to $575.00 for heavy-duty vehicles.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day, starting 24 hours after the initial tow. Retrieve your vehicle as quickly as possible to minimize expenses.

Payment

Many private impound lots operating on law enforcement rotation in Ohio mandate cash-only payments. Before heading to the impound lot, call to confirm their accepted payment methods. Confirm the exact amount due, as many lots may not have sufficient change on-site.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees begin accruing 24 hours after your vehicle is towed. Each passing day adds to the financial burden. Immediate action is essential to minimize costs.

After 30 Days

If a vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period (typically 30 days), Ohio law allows the impound lot to initiate a lien sale to recover outstanding fees. Avoid this situation by retrieving your vehicle promptly.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you are struggling to afford the impound fees, consider the following:

• Contact a family member or friend: Reach out to family or friends who may be able to provide financial assistance.
• Ask the impound lot about a payment plan: Some impound lots may offer payment plans, allowing you to pay the fees in installments.

After Retrieval

• Inspect the vehicle immediately: Before leaving the impound lot, carefully inspect your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while in their care.
• Document any damage: Take photos of any damage you find.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing: Notify the impound lot manager in writing about any damage before you drive the vehicle away. This creates a record of the damage and can be helpful if you need to file a claim later.

Browse licensed bail bondsmen serving Scioto County in our bail bond directory.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where will my car be towed after a DUI arrest in Scioto County? Your car will likely be towed to Scioto Valley Wrecker Service or Hamilton’s Towing, but you must confirm with the Scioto County Sheriff’s Office.
2. How much does it cost per day to store my car at the impound lot in Scioto County? Storage fees range from $50.00 to $160.00 per day.
3. What happens if I can't afford to get my car out of impound in Scioto County? After about 30 days, the impound lot can begin the process of selling your vehicle to cover the storage fees.