Wood County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Wood County

Following a DUI arrest in Wood County, Ohio, one of your most pressing concerns will be retrieving your vehicle. Vehicles are commonly impounded after a DUI arrest for several reasons, including public safety and to prevent further operation by a potentially impaired driver. Understanding the process and acting quickly is essential to minimize storage fees and avoid further complications.

Where Is Your Car?

In Wood County, vehicles are typically towed to one of two primary impound facilities, depending on the location of the arrest.

• VJ’s Towing & Rescue (The Northern/Commercial Hub): Located at 26725 Eckel Rd, Perrysburg, OH 43551. Their phone number is (419) 874-3251. VJ’s primarily serves the northern part of Wood County, including Perrysburg, Rossford, Northwood, and areas along I-75 North. They also handle heavy-duty recovery for commercial vehicles.

• Wright’s Tire & Auto (The Bowling Green Hub): Located at 2025 Victory Lane, Bowling Green, OH 43402. Wright’s can be reached at (419) 352-0387. They also have a secondary location at 26914 Eckel Rd, Perrysburg, OH 43551. Wright’s is the primary contractor for the Bowling Green area.

How to Find Your Vehicle

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

• Check your arrest paperwork: The tow company dispatched to the scene should be listed on the paperwork you received at the time of your arrest.
• Call the Wood County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: You can call (419) 354-9001 to inquire about the location of your vehicle.
• Reference your booking number: Having your booking number ready when you call can help them locate the information more quickly.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Before heading to the impound lot, make sure you have all the necessary documents and payment methods.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: You will need a valid driver's license to retrieve your vehicle, unless you have someone else pick it up for you (see below).
• Vehicle registration or title: Proof of ownership is required. Bring your vehicle 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

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you cannot legally drive the vehicle off the lot. In this case:

• Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it: You can authorize someone else to pick up the vehicle for you.
• They need:
• Their valid driver's license.
• A signed authorization letter from you, notarized if you are incarcerated.
• Vehicle title or registration.

Costs & Fees in Wood County

Towing and storage fees can add up quickly, so understanding the costs involved is crucial. Contact the relevant impound lot to confirm their current rates.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day, including weekends and holidays. Retrieve your vehicle as quickly as possible to minimize these costs. Wright’s Tire & Auto's administrative release of vehicles is strictly confined to business hours. A defendant arrested on Friday evening and released on bond Saturday morning faces a critical friction point because the office is closed. Consequently, the vehicle must sit in storage through Saturday and Sunday, accruing mandatory daily storage fees, until the office reopens on Monday morning. This operational policy effectively imposes a "weekend tax" on the defendant of approximately $50 to $100 in additional storage fees.

Payment

Call the impound lot in advance to confirm their accepted payment methods. While major credit cards are accepted, the systems are occasionally reported as "down" or "offline," making cash the only failsafe option.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day it sits in the lot costs you more money.

After 10 Days

If a vehicle remains unclaimed for 10 business days following impoundment, the law enforcement agency sends a notice via certified mail to the last known address of the registered owner. Failure to claim the vehicle or request a hearing within 10 days of the notice receiving date triggers the "abandonment" classification.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you're struggling to afford the impound fees:

• Contact a family member or friend to help cover the costs.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available. Some impound lots may offer payment plans.

After Retrieval

• Inspect the vehicle immediately before leaving the lot. Check for any damage that may have occurred while the vehicle was in impound.
• Document any damage with photos. Take photos of any damage you find.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away. Make sure to get a copy of the written report for your records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happens if I was arrested by Bowling Green Police Department? A: For arrests occurring within the municipal limits of Bowling Green, the vehicle remains legally in the constructive custody of the Police Division, regardless of its physical location at a private tow yard. The defendant must first travel to the Bowling Green Police Division to obtain a physical "Vehicle Release Form".

Q: What happens if I have unpaid municipal fines in Bowling Green? A: If you have unpaid municipal fines, the vehicle essentially becomes collateral, trapping the defendant in a debt spiral where they cannot retrieve the vehicle needed to generate the income to pay the fines.

Q: What is the Wood County Justice Center address and primary phone number? A: The Wood County Justice Center (Wood County Jail) is located at 1960 East Gypsy Lane Road, Bowling Green, OH 43402. The primary booking/info phone number is (419) 354-7744.