Anderson County License Hearing Guide

Navigating the DMV and Vehicle Impound After a DUI in Anderson County, SC

If you've been arrested for DUI in Anderson County, South Carolina, your immediate concerns likely revolve around your driver's license and getting your vehicle back. The process involves navigating both the criminal court system and the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), formally known as the Office of Motor Vehicle Hearings (OMVH). Understanding the specific procedures in Anderson County is crucial to protecting your rights and minimizing disruption to your life.

Understanding the Dual-Track System

South Carolina operates a dual-track system for DUI offenses. This means you'll face both criminal charges in a local court (either a summary court or municipal court) and an administrative license suspension handled by the OMVH. Failing to address both can lead to significant consequences.

The Critical First Steps: Vehicle Impound and Towing

The immediate aftermath of a DUI arrest involves dealing with your impounded vehicle. The process varies depending on which law enforcement agency made the arrest.

City of Anderson Police Department Impounds:

If the Anderson Police Department arrested you within the city limits, your vehicle is likely impounded at the City of Anderson Public Works facility located at 100 Civic Center Blvd, Anderson, SC 29625. Here's what you need to do:

1. Payment First: You cannot retrieve your vehicle directly from Public Works. You must first pay the towing and storage fees at the City of Anderson Revenue Collections office located at 305 N Main St, Anderson, SC 29621.
2. Fees: Expect to pay a $100 towing fee, plus a $15 per day storage fee.
3. Hours of Operation: The Revenue Collections office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Public Works operates from 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday through Friday. Note that Public Works closes for lunch between 11:30 AM and 12:30 PM. Plan accordingly to avoid delays.
4. Required Documentation: Bring your driver's license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance.
5. Weekend/Holiday Delays: If your arrest occurs on a Friday night or before a holiday, you will likely have to wait until the following business day to begin the retrieval process.

Anderson County Sheriff's Office and Highway Patrol Impounds:

If the Anderson County Sheriff's Office or the South Carolina Highway Patrol made the arrest (typically outside the Anderson city limits), your vehicle was towed by a private wrecker service on a rotational list.

1. Contact Dispatch: To find out where your vehicle is located, call the Anderson County Sheriff's Office central dispatch at (864) 260-4444.
2. Private Towing Fees: Private towing companies charge their own storage rates, which can accrue daily, including weekends and holidays. These fees must align with the maximum state tariffs set by the Department of Public Safety.
3. Prompt Action is Key: Due to the continuous accrual of storage fees, it's crucial to contact dispatch and retrieve your vehicle as soon as possible.

The Administrative License Suspension: Requesting a Hearing

A DUI arrest triggers an automatic suspension of your driver's license. You have 30 days from the date of your arrest to request an administrative hearing with the OMVH to challenge the suspension. This is a critical deadline. Missing it means your license will be suspended automatically.

1. Requesting the Hearing: You must request the hearing in writing and send it to the address provided on your temporary alcohol restricted license (TARL) or suspension notice.
2. Hearing Location: The OMVH hearing will likely be held in Greenville, SC.
3. Purpose of the Hearing: At the hearing, you can challenge the basis for your license suspension. This is a complex legal process, and having legal representation can significantly improve your chances of success.

DUI Enforcement Patterns in Anderson County

Knowing where and when DUI enforcement is most active can help you understand the context of your arrest. The Anderson Police Department, Anderson County Sheriff's Office, and South Carolina Highway Patrol actively patrol the area.

• Sobriety Checkpoints: Common locations include Interstate 85 entrance and exit ramps, US-29 at the Georgia state line, and the Highway 76 and Highway 178 corridors leading toward Clemson.
• Peak Enforcement Times: Friday and Saturday nights between 6:00 PM and 3:00 AM.
• Special Campaigns: "Saturation Saturday," "Hands Across the Border," and holiday crackdowns (Christmas, New Year's Eve, Fourth of July, "Blackout Wednesday").

Specialized DUI Task Forces

The Anderson County Sheriff's Office operates specialized DUI task forces funded by grants from the South Carolina Office of Highway Safety. These officers are highly trained in administering Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs), including Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) evaluations. This means that challenging the validity of the SFSTs can be more difficult in Anderson County.

Next Steps

After a DUI arrest in Anderson County, your immediate priority should be to contact the Anderson County Sheriff's Office at (864) 260-4444 if you do not know where your vehicle is located.