Wyandot County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Wyandot County

After a DUI arrest in Wyandot County, one of your immediate concerns is likely getting your vehicle back. Vehicles are typically impounded following a DUI arrest for several reasons, including public safety and as part of an administrative hold. Understanding the process and acting quickly is crucial to minimize storage fees and prevent further complications. This guide provides the steps you need to take to retrieve your vehicle.

Where Is Your Car?

In Wyandot County, vehicles are towed to private towing companies authorized by the Wyandot County Sheriff’s Office and the Upper Sandusky Police Department. Here are the primary towing services used in the area:

• Ed’s 24 Hour Service: 205 Commerce Way, Upper Sandusky, OH 43315
• Upper Sandusky Road Service: 110 Berry Street and 845 E Wyandot Ave, Upper Sandusky, OH 43351

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided documentation indicating which towing company has your vehicle.
• Call the Wyandot County Sheriff's Office: Contact the Wyandot County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line at (419) 294-2362. Provide your name and booking number (if available) to inquire about the location of your vehicle.
• Reference your booking number: This number can help the Sheriff's Office quickly locate information related to your arrest and impound.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Before heading to the impound lot, ensure you have the necessary documents and are prepared for the fees. Keep in mind that in Wyandot County, the tow yard cannot release the vehicle without a "Release Form" from the arresting agency (Sheriff or Upper Sandusky PD) or a court order.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: You or the person retrieving the vehicle must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration or title: Proof of ownership is required.
• Proof of insurance: Current insurance documentation for the vehicle.
• Payment for fees: Be prepared to pay all applicable towing and storage fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

Due to the Administrative License Suspension (ALS) that typically follows a DUI arrest, you may not have a valid driver's license. In this case:

• Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it: The "Two Person Rule" requires the owner to be present to sign for the vehicle, but a second individual with a valid license must drive it off the lot.
• They need: Their valid driver's license, a signed authorization letter from you (the registered owner), and the vehicle's title or registration.

Costs & Fees in Wyandot County

Towing and storage fees can accumulate quickly. Be prepared for these expenses:

• Daily Storage: Contact Ed's 24 Hour Service and Upper Sandusky Road Service directly to inquire about their specific daily storage fees.
• Base Tow Rate: Expect a base tow rate of $150.00 - $200.00.
• After-Hours Gate Fee: $45.00 - $55.00.
• Admin/Processing Fee: $30.00 - $50.00.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accrue every day, including weekends and holidays. Act immediately to minimize these costs. In Wyandot County, if an arrest occurs on a Friday night, and the vehicle is subject to a specific court hold, you likely cannot obtain the release paperwork until the Upper Sandusky Municipal Court opens on Monday morning. This "weekend gap" guarantees a minimum of three days of storage fees.

Payment

Call the impound lot in advance to confirm accepted payment methods. Ed’s 24 Hour Service accepts credit cards. However, other operators, or specific mandates from the Upper Sandusky Police Department, may require cash or money order specifically payable to the Police Department for the administrative fee. The administrative fee is $45.00, based on Sandusky PD examples. Be prepared with cash liquidity.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day your vehicle remains at the impound lot, the costs increase.

After 30 Days

If a vehicle is unclaimed for an extended period (typically 30 days), Ohio law allows the towing company to initiate a lien sale to recover their costs. Do not allow the situation to reach this point.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you are unable to afford the impound fees:

• Contact a family member or friend: Seek assistance from loved ones to help cover the costs.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available: Some towing companies may offer payment plans or other arrangements.

After Retrieval

• Inspect the vehicle immediately: Before leaving the lot, carefully inspect your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while in custody.
• Document any damage with photos: Take detailed photos of any dents, scratches, or other damage.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing: Notify the impound lot manager of any damage in writing before you drive away. This creates a record of the damage and can be helpful if you need to file a claim later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where is the Upper Sandusky Municipal Court located? A: The Upper Sandusky Municipal Court is located at 119 North Seventh Street, Upper Sandusky, OH 43351.

Q: What happens if I can't get the "Release Form" from the Sheriff's Office on the weekend? A: If your arrest occurs on a Friday night, you will likely not be able to retrieve your vehicle until Monday morning when the Upper Sandusky Municipal Court opens and the Sheriff's Office is available to provide the necessary release form.

Q: Where can I pay my reinstatement fees after my license suspension in Wyandot County? A: You can pay reinstatement fees at Wyandot County DR #8814. Keep in mind that there may be a 24-48 hour processing lag before the suspension is cleared in the Law Enforcement Automated Data System (LEADS).