Washington County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Washington County

After a DUI arrest in Washington County, Ohio, one of the most immediate concerns is retrieving your vehicle. Vehicles are typically impounded for a few reasons: as a traffic hazard, incident to arrest, or, in some cases, due to Ohio law §4511.195 mandating seizure for repeat offenders. Understanding the process and acting quickly can minimize storage fees and prevent further complications.

Where Is Your Car?

Several towing companies operate in Washington County, and law enforcement agencies utilize a rotational dispatch list. Here are some primary impound locations:

• Pine Tree Towing & Recovery: 174 Enterprise Dr, Marietta, OH 45750. Phone: (740) 439-0000 / (888) 732-2302.
• Westfall Towing and Recovery: 28415 OH-7, Marietta, OH 45750.

How to Find Your Vehicle

If you're unsure where your vehicle was taken, here are a few ways to find out:

• Check Your Arrest Paperwork: The arresting officer typically notes the towing company on the paperwork provided at the time of your arrest.
• Call the Washington County Sheriff's Office: Contact the Records Unit at (503) 846-2700 or the Marietta Police Department non-emergency dispatch to inquire which company towed your vehicle.
• Reference Your Booking Number: Have your booking number ready when you call to help them locate your vehicle information quickly.

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: Essential for proving your ability to legally operate the vehicle. However, because your license may have been seized due to the OVI arrest, you may need someone else to drive.
• Vehicle Registration or Title: Proof of ownership is mandatory.
• Proof of Insurance: Current insurance documentation for the vehicle.
• Payment for Fees: Towing and storage fees must be paid before the vehicle is released.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you have two options:

• Have a Licensed Friend or Family Member Retrieve It: The registered owner must be physically present with their proof of ownership. They must bring a second individual possessing a valid driver's license to legally operate the vehicle off the premises.
• Notarized Authorization: If the registered owner cannot be present, a notarized letter of authorization is generally required by Ohio tow yards.

Costs & Fees in Washington County

Vehicle retrieval involves several fees. Here's a breakdown:

• Daily Storage Rate: Expect to pay approximately $17.00 - $25.00 per day.
• Tow Fee: Base towing fees typically range from $100.00 - $180.00, as regulated by local ordinance and the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO).
• Admin/Processing Fee: An administrative fee of around $25.00 - $75.00 may also be applied.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day, including weekends and holidays. Retrieve your vehicle as quickly as possible to minimize expenses. Ohio law (ORC 4513.60 and 4513.601) dictates that towing services cannot charge fees exceeding the "reasonable cost" of removal.

Payment

Contact the impound lot in advance to confirm accepted payment methods. Pine Tree Towing & Recovery accepts cash and credit cards (Visa, MasterCard).

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees begin accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Delays, especially over weekends or holidays, can significantly increase the total cost. Pine Tree Towing & Recovery is open Monday-Friday from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. After-hours release is possible, subject to availability and gate fees. Call (740) 439-0000 at least 30 minutes prior to arrival to ensure a lot attendant is present. Arrive by 4:30 PM to ensure adequate time for paperwork processing and vehicle location.

After 30 Days

If a vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period (typically 30 days), the impound lot can initiate a lien sale to recover unpaid fees. Do not allow the situation to reach this point.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

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

• Seek Assistance: Contact a family member or friend who may be able to help cover the costs.
• Payment Plan: Inquire with the impound lot about potential payment plans. Some companies may offer this option.

After Retrieval

Before leaving the impound lot, take these crucial steps:

• Inspect the Vehicle: Carefully examine the vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while in the lot's possession.
• Document Damage: Take photos of any damage you find.
• Report Damage: Immediately report any damage to the lot manager in writing before driving the vehicle off the premises. This creates a record of your claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I get my personal belongings out of the car before paying the fees? A: Yes. Ohio law (ORC 4513.61) allows you to retrieve personal items from your stored vehicle without paying the tow fee immediately, provided the items are not considered evidence. The tow yard may charge an after-hours retrieval fee if you attempt to collect belongings outside of standard business hours.

Q: What if the police have placed a "hold" on my vehicle? A: If your vehicle was seized under Ohio Revised Code 4511.195 (mandatory repeat-offender statute), the towing company cannot release the vehicle without written authorization from the Marietta Police Department or the Washington County Sheriff's Office. You may file a motion with the Marietta Municipal Court asking for the release of the vehicle.

Q: Where is the Marietta BMV located? A: The Marietta BMV / Deputy Registrar is located in the Frontier Shopping Center at 142 B Gross St, Marietta, OH 45750.