Trumbull County Vehicle Impound Guide
Impound Cost Calculator — Trumbull County, Ohio
Calculate how much it will cost to retrieve your vehicle from the impound lot.
*Estimated fees shown. Actual fees in Trumbull County may vary. Contact the impound lot directly for exact costs.
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The First 48 Hours Are Critical
After a arrest in Trumbull County, your vehicle is likely towed to an impound lot. Storage fees accumulate daily, making time your biggest enemy.
What Happens Immediately After Arrest
- 1
Vehicle is towed (usually within 30 minutes of arrest)
- 2
Tow company notifies impound lot (charges start immediately)
- 3
Storage fees begin accruing daily in Trumbull County
- 4
Administrative fees added (varies by lot)
Documents You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle
- Valid photo ID (driver's license or state ID)
- Vehicle registration or title
- Proof of insurance
- Payment for all fees (see calculator above)
- Release authorization (if not the registered owner)
Can Someone Else Pick Up My Car?
Yes, but they'll need:
- • Written authorization from the registered owner
- • Copy of owner's ID
- • Their own valid ID
- • Proof of insurance in their name or the owner's name
Find Impound Lots in Trumbull County
Call Before You Go
Verify your vehicle is at this lot and confirm the exact amount owed before making the trip. Hours and fees may change without notice.
The Impound “Poverty Trap”
Many people can't afford to get their car out immediately, but waiting only makes it worse.
Here's the vicious cycle:
Can't afford the first 3 days of storage + admin fees
Wait a week to save money → fees double
Can't get to work without car → lose income
Wait 2 weeks → fees triple or quadruple
After 30 days → Car may be auctioned by the lot
What You Can Do
- • Borrow money from family/friends (pay them back later, cheaper than daily fees)
- • Use a credit card (even with interest, cheaper than impound fees)
- • Sell non-essential items quickly
- • Ask your employer for an advance
- • Check if your auto insurance covers towing/storage (some policies do)
If your vehicle has been impounded after a DUI arrest in Trumbull County, Ohio, understand that you must arrive at the Howland Township Police Department, or wherever your vehicle is impounded, no later than 3:00 PM to begin the release process, or face an additional $25.00 storage fee. Navigating the impound and release process can be a significant challenge, but understanding the local procedures can save you time and money. This guide provides crucial information to help you retrieve your vehicle and secure your release from jail.
Phase 1: Vehicle Impound & Towing in Trumbull County
The immediate aftermath of a DUI arrest often involves the impoundment of your vehicle. This is a high-priority situation, as daily storage fees can quickly accumulate. Trumbull County utilizes both municipal impound lots and private towing contractors, making it essential to determine where your vehicle is located.
Identifying Your Vehicle's Location
If your vehicle was impounded in Howland Township or the Warren area, it may be at the municipal lot. However, with only 25 vehicle spaces, the Howland Township lot fills up quickly. To find out where your vehicle is being held, contact the arresting agency's non-emergency dispatch line.
If the municipal lot is full, or if the arrest occurred in a jurisdiction relying on private towing, your vehicle will be at one of the contracted private towing facilities. The primary rotation includes:
- Allen's Towing: 2220 N River Rd, Warren, OH 44483. Phone: (330) 638-6123.
- Bud's Towing: 3625 Youngstown-Kingsville Rd, Cortland, OH 44410. Phone: (330) 638-6757.
- May's Towing: 255 Chestnut Ave, Warren, OH 44483. Phone: (330) 393-6066.
- Pantalone's Towing: 214 Langley St, Niles, OH 44446. Phone: (330) 652-8045.
- Emerine's Towing: 3779 Mahoning Ave, Warren, OH 44483. Phone: (330) 847-6949.
Avoiding Common Impound Traps
Several "traps" can delay the release of your vehicle and increase costs. Be aware of these potential issues:
- The "Daily Cutoff" Processing Trap: Municipal lots, like the one in Howland Township, have a strict payment processing cutoff time. While the facility may advertise closing at 4:00 PM, no payments or release processing will be initiated after 3:30 PM. Arrive no later than 3:00 PM to avoid an additional day's storage fee.
- The "Exact Cash" Mathematical Trap: Municipal lots often require exact cash payments. Clerks cannot break large bills. Call ahead to verify the exact amount due, accounting for the fact that storage fees are calculated based on calendar days. An impound at 11:30 PM on Tuesday and a retrieval at 9:00 AM on Wednesday equals two full days of storage.
- The "Suspended Owner / Two Driver" Trap: If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest and you are the sole registered owner of the vehicle, you cannot legally drive it off the lot. Bring two validly licensed drivers with you at the time of release – one to drive your vehicle and one to drive the transport vehicle.
- The Rejection of Digital Documentation: Digital copies of insurance or registration displayed on smartphones or tablets are not accepted. Bring physical, printed copies of your insurance card and original paper registration/title.
The Risk of Vehicle Forfeiture
Under Ohio Revised Code Section 4513.61, any vehicle left unclaimed in the municipal impound lot after 15 consecutive days will be declared a public nuisance. The township can then dispose of, scrap, or auction the vehicle to recover storage costs. Act quickly to secure the release or establish a payment protocol.
Phase 2: Bail Bonds & Jail Release
If you were not released on a field summons or personal recognizance bond, you will be held at the Trumbull County Jail.
Understanding the Release Process
The Trumbull County Jail processes inmate releases 24/7, but releases are unscheduled and depend on administrative capacity. The time between posting bail and physical release can vary. The standard surety fee for a bail bond in Ohio is 10% of the total bond amount.
Potential Delays
Shift changes, meal distributions, and internal scheduling can pause the release process. Constant inquiries to the intake desk officers will not expedite the paperwork.
Inmate Account Funding
If you need funds for commissary, hygiene items, or phone calls, Trumbull County uses the "Access Corrections" system. Funds can be deposited via the Access Corrections mobile application, online at their web portal, or through automated telephone deposits.
Avoiding OVI Checkpoints
A unique aspect of Ohio law allows drivers to avoid OVI checkpoints. If you see a checkpoint ahead, you can legally turn around or take an alternate route. However, you must do so without violating any traffic laws. An illegal U-turn, crossing a double yellow line, or failing to use a turn signal will result in a targeted traffic stop. These checkpoints are typically initiated at 8:00 PM and remain operational until midnight or later on Friday and Saturday nights, and around holidays.
To find out where your vehicle is being held, contact the arresting agency's non-emergency dispatch line.
Sources
Ohio Transportation Code
Trumbull County Towing Regulations
Ohio Department of Licensing and Regulation
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