Wayne County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Wayne County

After a DUI arrest in Wayne County, one of your most immediate concerns will be retrieving your impounded vehicle. Under Ohio Revised Code § 4513.61, law enforcement officers can order the immediate removal and storage of a vehicle when the driver is arrested for OVI. The longer your vehicle sits in the impound lot, the more you'll pay in storage fees, so acting quickly is critical. This guide provides the information you need to navigate the process of getting your car back.

Where Is Your Car?

When your vehicle is impounded, it's taken to a designated storage facility. In Wayne County, the primary impound lots are:

• Wayne County Towing LLC: 6819 Cleveland Rd, Wooster, OH 44691. Phone: (330) 317-6167.

Because the Wayne County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments operate using a rotating dispatch list, the exact location depends on proximity to the arrest site and tow operator availability.

How to Find Your Vehicle

If you don't know where your car was towed, here are a few ways to find out:

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer should have noted the name of the towing company on the paperwork you received.
• Call the arresting agency: Contact the records division of the arresting agency (e.g., the Wooster Police Department at 330-263-5200) to confirm the specific impound location and check if there's an administrative hold requiring a release document.
• Reference your booking number: Have your booking number ready when you call to help them locate your vehicle information faster.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Before heading to the impound lot, gather the necessary documents and payment.

Required Documents

• Valid, unexpired government-issued photo identification: This is essential to prove your identity.
• Vehicle registration or title: You must prove you are the registered owner of the vehicle. A copy of the registration or the vehicle title will suffice.
• Payment for fees: Be prepared to pay the towing and storage fees.
• Official police release form (if required): If the police placed a hold on your vehicle, you'll need a signed release form from the arresting agency.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you cannot retrieve the vehicle yourself.

• Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it: The registered owner must send someone with a valid license.
• They need: Their valid driver's license, a signed letter of authorization from you (the registered owner), and the vehicle's title or registration. The towing facility may require the letter of authorization to be formally notarized; confirm this with the lot manager before arrival.

Costs & Fees in Wayne County

Retrieving your vehicle involves paying towing and storage fees.

• Tow Fee: $129.00 maximum base fee (This is the statutory maximum established by PUCO for the physical removal of vehicles under 10,001 pounds).
• Daily Storage Rate: $17.00 per day (The absolute statutory maximum established by PUCO for vehicles under 10,001 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight Rating).

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day, starting the moment your vehicle is towed.

Payment

Cash is the standard payment method accepted by most Ohio impound lots. Call the impound lot at (330) 317-6167 in advance to confirm their accepted payment methods (cash, credit card, money order).

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day costs more money. Big Reds Towing advertises office hours extending until 6:00 PM, but arriving close to closing time can cause delays and result in an extra day of storage fees. Arrive no later than 4:30 PM to allow enough time for processing.

After 30 Days

If the vehicle remains unclaimed after a certain period (often 30 days), the impound lot can initiate a lien sale to recover the outstanding fees. Avoid this by acting promptly.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you're struggling to afford the fees:

• Contact a family member or friend: Ask if they can help cover the costs.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available: Some facilities may offer payment arrangements, but this is not guaranteed.

After Retrieval

• Inspect the vehicle immediately before leaving the lot: Check for any damage that may have occurred while the vehicle was in the impound lot's care.
• Document any damage with photos: Take photos of any dents, scratches, or other damage.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away: Notify the impound lot manager of any damage in writing before leaving the premises to protect your right to compensation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happens if my car has a hold on it from the police?

A: If the arresting agency places a hold on your vehicle due to vehicular assault or repeat OVI offenses, you'll need a release form from them before the impound lot can release the car.

Q: Can someone else pick up my car for me if I'm not able to?

A: Yes, but they must be the registered owner or have a notarized letter of authorization from the registered owner and present a valid driver's license and the vehicle's title or registration.

Q: What if I can't locate the title or registration to my vehicle?

A: Contact the Title Office at the Wayne County Clerk of Courts to obtain a replacement title or registration before attempting to retrieve your vehicle.