Anderson County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Anderson County

After a DUI arrest in Anderson County, South Carolina, one of the most immediate concerns is retrieving your vehicle. South Carolina law mandates impoundment to prevent impaired drivers from continuing to operate their vehicles. This guide provides crucial information on how to locate, retrieve, and handle the associated costs of getting your car back.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for DUI, your vehicle is typically towed and impounded. This is standard procedure to ensure public safety. The arresting officer will arrange for a towing company to remove your car from the scene. Knowing where your car is and what steps to take next is essential to minimize storage fees and regain access to your vehicle.

Where Is Your Car?

Where your vehicle is towed depends on the arresting agency.

• City of Anderson Police Department: Vehicles are typically taken to the Public Works Complex (City of Anderson).
• Anderson County Sheriff's Office or South Carolina Highway Patrol: Vehicles are towed by a private wrecker service on a rotational list managed by the Sheriff's Office.

Here's how to find out exactly where your car is located:

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Check Your Arrest Paperwork: The arresting officer should provide documentation indicating the towing company used.
• Call the Anderson County Sheriff's Office: If you don't have the paperwork, contact their central dispatch at (864) 260-4444.
• Reference Your Booking Number: Provide your booking number to help them locate the towing record quickly.

If your vehicle was impounded by the City of Anderson Police Department, it is likely at:

Public Works Complex (City of Anderson) 1100 Southwood St. Anderson, SC 29624

If your vehicle was impounded by the Anderson County Sheriff's Office or the South Carolina Highway Patrol, you will need to contact the central dispatch at (864) 260-4444 to determine the exact location, as they utilize a private wrecker service rotation.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Retrieving your vehicle requires specific documentation and payment. Be prepared to present the following:

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 essential.
• Proof of Insurance: Current insurance documentation for the vehicle.
• Payment for Fees: You'll need to cover 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 yourself. In this case:

• Have a Licensed Friend or Family Member Retrieve It: Designate someone with a valid license to pick up the vehicle.
• They Need: Their valid driver's license, a signed authorization letter from you (the registered owner), and the vehicle title or registration.

Costs & Fees in Anderson County

The costs associated with retrieving your vehicle can add up quickly. Understanding these fees is vital to avoid further expenses.

For vehicles impounded by the City of Anderson Police Department, expect the following:

• Tow Fee: $200.00 (standard base fee)
• Daily Storage Rate: $25.00 per day (excluding weekends and city-approved holidays)

Additional fees may apply, including:

• Extra Labor: $30.00 per 1/4 hour (for complex recoveries)
• Collision Wrap: $25.00 per window (if windows are damaged)
• Tarp/Cover: $50.00
• Second Wrecker: $180.00 per hour

For vehicles towed by the Anderson County Sheriff's Office or the Highway Patrol, contact the towing company directly to confirm their rates, as they are private entities. These private rotation fees must align with maximum state tariffs set by the Department of Public Safety.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day (except weekends and holidays for City of Anderson impounds). Retrieve your vehicle as quickly as possible to minimize costs.

Payment

Call the impound lot in advance to confirm accepted payment methods. The Public Works Complex (City of Anderson) accepts cashier's checks, money orders, cash, and credit/debit cards (credit cards require matching photo ID). Personal checks are strictly prohibited.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day it remains impounded costs more money. The Public Works Complex (City of Anderson) has restrictive hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM - 3:15 PM.

After 30 Days

In South Carolina, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period (typically 30 days), the impound lot can initiate a lien sale to recover their costs. Do not let it reach this point.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you're struggling to afford the impound fees, consider these options:

• Contact a Family Member or Friend: Ask for financial assistance to cover the costs.
• Ask the Impound Lot About a Payment Plan: Some impound lots may offer payment arrangements, but this is not guaranteed.
• Consult with Your Attorney: In some cases, a DUI attorney may be able to negotiate or challenge the fees.

After Retrieval

• Inspect the Vehicle Immediately Before Leaving the Lot: Carefully examine your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.
• Document Any Damage with Photos: Take detailed photos of any scratches, dents, or other damage.
• Report Any Damage to the Lot Manager in Writing Before You Drive Away: Ensure you have a written record of the damage reported to the impound lot.

Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: Where do I pay the impound fees if my car was towed by the City of Anderson Police Department?*A: You must pay at the Court Collections Office at City Hall, located at 401 S. Main St., Anderson, SC 29624. After paying, you'll receive a receipt and Vehicle Release Form to present at the Public Works Complex.

**Q: What happens if I can't pick up my car from the City of Anderson Public Works Complex before 3:15 PM?*A: If you arrive after 3:15 PM, you will not be able to retrieve your vehicle that day and will incur an additional $25 storage fee for the following day.

**Q: Does the City of Anderson Public Works Complex charge storage fees on weekends?*A: No, the city explicitly excludes weekends and city-approved holidays from the $25-per-day storage fee calculation.