Union County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Union County

After a DUI arrest in Union County, one of the most pressing issues is retrieving your impounded vehicle. Understanding the process, required documents, and associated fees is crucial to minimize expenses and avoid further complications. This guide provides a step-by-step approach to help you navigate the vehicle retrieval process in Union County.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you are arrested for DUI (Operating a Vehicle under the Influence, or OVI), law enforcement typically impounds your vehicle for several reasons. This ensures public safety by preventing an intoxicated driver from continuing to operate the vehicle. It also allows law enforcement to secure the vehicle as potential evidence in the case. Your vehicle will be towed to a private impound lot contracted by the arresting agency. The clock starts ticking immediately, as storage fees accumulate daily.

Where Is Your Car?

Union County utilizes a decentralized, private towing rotation system. This means the specific impound lot holding your vehicle depends on which company was next on the dispatch list at the time of your arrest. Knowing where your car is located is the first step in getting it back.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided documentation indicating the name of the towing company and potentially the location of the impound lot.
• Call the Union County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: If you cannot locate the paperwork, contact the Union County Sheriff's Communications Center at 937-645-4110. Provide your name, date of birth, and details of the arrest to inquire about the vehicle's location.
• Reference your booking number: Having your booking number handy when you call can help expedite the process.

The Union County Sheriff's Office mandates that any private towing company participating in the law enforcement rotation must maintain a physical, secure storage lot strictly within the geographic borders of Union County.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you've located your vehicle, gather the necessary documents to claim it. Failure to provide the required paperwork will result in denial of release, and storage fees will continue to accrue.

Required Documents

• Valid Driver's License: The person retrieving the vehicle must have a valid, non-suspended driver's license.
• Vehicle Registration or Title: You must provide proof of ownership, such as the vehicle's registration or title.
• Proof of Insurance: You'll need to show proof of current insurance coverage for the vehicle.
• Payment for Fees: Be prepared to pay all towing and storage fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

An OVI arrest in Ohio generally triggers an immediate Administrative License Suspension (ALS) imposed by the BMV. If your license is suspended, you cannot legally drive the vehicle off the lot.

• Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it: The registered owner of the vehicle must physically be present to sign the release paperwork, but they must be accompanied by a secondary individual possessing a valid driver's license who will assume physical control of the steering wheel upon exiting the lot.
• They need: their valid license, a signed authorization letter from you (the registered owner), and the vehicle title or registration.

Costs & Fees in Union County

Towing and storage fees can quickly add up, so understanding the cost structure is essential.

Typical towing fees in Ohio are capped by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO). Maximum base fee capped at $129 (Vehicles <10,001 lbs) to $216 (Vehicles >10,001 lbs). Daily storage rates are also regulated: Maximum $17/day (Vehicles <10,001 lbs) to $29/day (Vehicles >10,001 lbs).

In addition to the towing and storage fees, if your vehicle was towed as a result of an arrest by the Marysville Police Division, you must first respond physically to the Marysville Police Department to obtain an administrative release. This process requires the payment of a $250 "Vehicle Release Fee," which must be paid strictly in cash or via money order made payable to the City of Marysville.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accrue every day. Retrieve your vehicle as quickly as possible to minimize expenses.

Payment

Call the impound lot in advance to confirm accepted payment methods. Most lots accept cash, certified checks, Discover, Mastercard, and Visa. The Marysville Police Department requires cash or money order for the $250 Vehicle Release Fee.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day that passes increases the total cost. The vehicle retrieval process in Union County is fraught with administrative traps that can cause daily storage fees to compound rapidly if not navigated with precision.

After 30 Days

Most states, including Ohio, allow the impound lot to initiate a lien sale if the vehicle remains unclaimed for a specific period (typically 30-60 days). This means they can sell your vehicle to recover the outstanding fees. Do not let it reach this point.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you are struggling to afford the towing and storage fees, consider the following options:

• Contact a family member or friend: Ask for assistance in covering the costs.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available: Some impound lots may offer payment plans or installment options.

After Retrieval

• Inspect the vehicle immediately before leaving the lot: Carefully examine the vehicle for any new damage that may have occurred while in the impound lot's possession.
• Document any damage with photos: Take detailed photos of any damage as evidence.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away: Notify the impound lot manager of the damage in writing before leaving the premises. This creates a record of your claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where do I pay the $250 Vehicle Release Fee in Marysville? A: You must pay the $250 Vehicle Release Fee in cash or money order directly to the Marysville Police Department.

Q: What happens if my car registration is expired? A: If the arresting officer determined that the vehicle was operating with expired registration (over six months) at the time of the OVI stop, an absolute hold is placed on the vehicle. The tow lot is legally prohibited from releasing the car until this administrative defect is cured. Before attempting to navigate the police release or the tow yard, the owner must first visit the local Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) office to either secure current, valid registration or obtain a temporary moving permit that is specifically dated for the exact day of the intended release.

Q: Can I get a ride to pick up my vehicle after my license is suspended? A: Yes, but the registered owner of the vehicle must physically be present to sign the release paperwork, and they must be accompanied by a secondary individual possessing a valid driver's license who will assume physical control of the steering wheel upon exiting the lot.