Van Wert County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Van Wert County

Following a DUI arrest in Van Wert County, one of your most immediate concerns is likely retrieving your vehicle. Vehicles are commonly impounded after a DUI arrest for several reasons: as evidence, for safety (to prevent further operation by an impaired driver), or due to administrative license suspension (ALS) laws. Understanding the process and acting quickly is crucial to minimize fees and avoid further complications.

Where Is Your Car?

In Van Wert County, your vehicle is likely at the primary impound lot:

• Hague Towing and Repair
• Address: 315 N Wall St, Van Wert, OH 45891
• Phone: 567-644-3905
• Hours of Operation: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year

How to Find Your Vehicle

If you're unsure where your vehicle was towed, here are a few ways to locate it:

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided a tow slip indicating the specific towing company used.
• Call the Van Wert County Sheriff's Office: Contact the non-emergency dispatch to trace your vehicle's location.
• Reference your booking number: This can help the Sheriff's Office quickly locate your vehicle information. The Van Wert County Sheriff's Office restricts its current inmate and active warrant roster exclusively to a proprietary mobile application ("Van Wert County Sheriff OH"). For elderly relatives or those without smart devices, they must bypass the digital route entirely and call the booking line directly at 419-238-2464.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Gathering the necessary documents and preparing payment are essential steps in the vehicle retrieval process.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: If your license is suspended, the person retrieving the vehicle must have a valid license.
• Vehicle registration or title: Proof of ownership is required to claim the vehicle.
• Proof of insurance: Ensure you have current insurance documentation for the vehicle.
• 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 retrieve the vehicle yourself. In this case:

• Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it: This is the most common solution.
• They need: Their valid driver's license, a signed authorization letter from you (if required by the impound lot), and the vehicle title or registration.

Costs & Fees in Van Wert County

Retrieval costs include towing fees and daily storage fees. Contact Hague Towing and Repair at 567-644-3905 to determine their towing fee and daily storage rate.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day, starting from the moment your vehicle is towed. The longer you wait, the more expensive it becomes.

Payment

Call Hague Towing and Repair in advance at 567-644-3905 to confirm which payment methods they accept (cash, credit card, money order, etc.).

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees begin accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every passing day increases the total cost. Contact Hague Towing and Repair at 567-644-3905 to determine their specific fees.

After 30 Days

In many jurisdictions, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period, the impound lot can initiate a lien sale to recover their costs. Avoid this situation by acting promptly.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you're facing financial hardship and 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 impound lots may offer payment arrangements.

After Retrieval

Before leaving the impound lot with your vehicle:

• Inspect the vehicle immediately: Carefully examine the vehicle for any new damage that may have occurred while in impound.
• Document any damage with photos: Take clear pictures of any scratches, dents, or other damage.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away: Obtain a written acknowledgment of the damage from the lot manager. This will be crucial if you need to file a claim later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does the Van Wert County Correctional Facility have an online inmate search? A: No, the Van Wert County Sheriff's Office restricts its current inmate and active warrant roster exclusively to a proprietary mobile application ("Van Wert County Sheriff OH").

Q: Where is the Van Wert Municipal Court located? A: The Van Wert Municipal Court is located at 102 East Main Street, Van Wert, Ohio 45891.

Q: What are the visitation hours at the Van Wert County Correctional Facility? A: Visitation hours are limited solely to Thursdays (1:00 PM – 3:00 PM) and Saturdays (1:00 PM – 3:00 PM, and a brief evening window from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM).