Allendale County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Allendale County

Being arrested for DUI in Allendale County can be a disorienting experience, and one of the first things you’ll likely worry about is your vehicle. South Carolina law allows law enforcement to impound your vehicle following a DUI arrest. This guide provides immediate, practical steps to locate, retrieve, and handle the associated costs. Understanding the process and acting quickly is crucial to minimizing expenses and further complications.

Where Is Your Car?

After a DUI arrest, your vehicle is typically towed to a local impound lot. The arresting officer should inform you of the towing company's name and location, but it's easy to forget details in a stressful situation. If you don't recall where your car was towed, here's how to find out:

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Check your arrest paperwork: The officer should have provided you with paperwork that includes the name and contact information for the towing company that impounded your vehicle. This is the easiest and fastest way to locate your car.
• Call the Allendale County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: The Allendale County Sheriff's Office can assist you in locating your vehicle. Their non-emergency number can provide information on where vehicles are typically towed after an arrest.
• Reference your booking number: When you were booked into the Allendale County Detention Center, you were assigned a booking number. This number can help the Sheriff's Office quickly locate your records and provide information about your vehicle. You can use the South Carolina Department of Corrections inmate search to potentially find your booking information, but contacting the Sheriff's Office directly is the most reliable method.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Before heading to the impound lot, gather all necessary documents to ensure a smooth retrieval process.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: You (or the person retrieving the vehicle) must have a valid driver's license. The impound lot will verify the license to ensure the person picking up the car is authorized to do so.
• Vehicle registration or title: You'll need to provide proof that you own the vehicle. A valid vehicle registration or the vehicle's title will suffice.
• Proof of insurance: South Carolina law requires all vehicles to be insured. You must provide proof of current insurance coverage for the vehicle.
• Payment for fees: Be prepared to pay towing and storage fees. Contact the impound lot ahead of time to determine the exact amount and accepted payment methods.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license was suspended due to the DUI arrest, you cannot retrieve the vehicle yourself. However, you can authorize someone else to pick it up on your behalf, provided they meet certain requirements:

• Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it: Ask a trusted friend or family member with a valid driver's license to pick up the vehicle.
• They need: their valid license, a signed authorization letter from you, vehicle title or registration: They will need their valid driver's license, a signed letter from you authorizing them to retrieve the vehicle, and the vehicle's title or registration to prove ownership.

Costs & Fees in Allendale County

Towing and storage fees can add up quickly, so understanding the costs involved is essential. While specific rates for Allendale County impound lots are not available, typical towing fees in South Carolina generally range from $150 to $300. Daily storage fees usually range from $25 to $50 per day.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accrue daily, so retrieving your vehicle as soon as possible is crucial to minimize expenses.

Payment

Contact the impound lot in advance to confirm the accepted payment methods. Most lots accept cash, but some may also accept credit cards or money orders. Knowing their payment policies beforehand will prevent delays and ensure you can retrieve your vehicle without issues.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Every day your vehicle remains in the impound lot, the storage fees increase. Act immediately to locate your vehicle and gather the necessary documents for retrieval.

After 30 Days

According to South Carolina Code Section 56-5-2525, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period, the impound lot can initiate a lien sale to recover the outstanding fees. This typically occurs after 30 days. Do everything possible to retrieve your vehicle before it reaches this stage.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you're struggling to afford the towing and storage fees, consider these options:

• Contact a family member or friend to help cover costs: Reach out to your support network and ask for assistance.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available (some offer this): Some impound lots may offer payment plans to help you manage the costs. It's worth inquiring about this option.
• Consult with a DUI attorney: In some cases, a DUI attorney can negotiate with the impound lot to reduce the fees or challenge their validity. Because Allendale's population is low, you may need to seek counsel from the broader 14th Judicial Circuit or larger cities.

After Retrieval

Before driving away with your vehicle, take these important steps:

• Inspect the vehicle immediately before leaving the lot: Carefully examine the vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.
• Document any damage with photos: Take photos of any scratches, dents, or other damage as evidence.
• 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. This creates a record of the damage and can help you pursue a claim for compensation if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

**1. How long do I have to request an Implied Consent Hearing after a DUI arrest in Allendale County?*You have 30 days from the date of your arrest to request an Implied Consent Hearing with the South Carolina Office of Motor Vehicle Hearings (OMVH). Missing this deadline will forfeit your right to appeal your license suspension.

**2. Where do I go to handle SCDMV paperwork in Allendale County?*The SCDMV Fairfax Branch is located at 3657 Allendale Fairfax Rd, Fairfax, SC 29827. However, it's only open on Wednesdays from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Plan accordingly.

**3. Where can I complete ADSAP requirements in Allendale County?*The New Life Center, located at 571 Memorial Avenue, Allendale, SC 29810, is the local DAODAS affiliate that administers ADSAP services in Allendale County. You can contact them at 803-584-4238.