Berkeley County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Berkeley County

Being arrested for DUI in Berkeley County can be a disorienting experience. Beyond the legal ramifications, the immediate concern for many is: what happens to my car? Vehicles are routinely impounded following a DUI arrest for several reasons: to ensure public safety, to prevent further illegal activity, and as part of standard procedure following an arrest. Understanding the steps to retrieve your vehicle is crucial to minimize expenses and prevent further complications. This guide provides practical advice on navigating the vehicle retrieval process in Berkeley County, South Carolina.

Where Is Your Car?

The first step is determining where your vehicle was towed. In Berkeley County, law enforcement agencies utilize a rotational wrecker system of private contractors. This means there isn't a single, centralized county impound lot. To find your vehicle, you'll need to gather some information.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided documentation that includes the name of the towing company and potentially its contact information. This is the quickest and easiest way to find your car.
• Call the Berkeley County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: If you can't locate the paperwork or the information is missing, contact the Berkeley County Sheriff's Office non-emergency central records division at 843-719-4465. Provide them with your name, the date and approximate location of the arrest, and your vehicle's make, model, and license plate number. They should be able to tell you which towing company has your vehicle.
• Reference your booking number: Having your booking number readily available when contacting the Sheriff's Office will expedite the process.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you know where your car is impounded, contact the towing company to confirm their specific requirements for release. Generally, you'll need the following:

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: You (or the person retrieving the vehicle) must have a valid, unexpired driver's license.
• Vehicle registration or title: You must prove ownership of the vehicle. Bring either the vehicle's registration or the title.
• Proof of insurance: You'll need to demonstrate that the vehicle is currently insured.
• Payment for fees: Be prepared to pay 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.

• Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it: The easiest solution is to have someone with a valid license retrieve the vehicle for you.
• They need: Their valid driver's license, a signed letter of authorization from you explicitly granting them permission to pick up the vehicle, and the vehicle's title or registration in your name. The towing company may require the authorization letter to be notarized.

Costs & Fees in Berkeley County

Towing and storage fees can add up quickly, so understanding the cost structure is essential. South Carolina Code of State Regulations caps the maximum allowable fees that wrecker services on the SCHP rotation list can charge citizens. For a standard Class A light-duty tow, the fee cannot exceed a flat rate of $272.00, and daily storage is capped at $47.00 per day.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day. Retrieve your vehicle as quickly as possible to minimize expenses.

Payment

Call the impound lot in advance to confirm accepted payment methods. Most accept cash and major credit cards, but some may also accept money orders. Be aware that credit card processing fees may apply.

Timeline

Time is of the essence when retrieving your vehicle.

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day that passes increases the total cost.

After 30 Days

In South Carolina, if a vehicle remains unclaimed after a certain period (typically 30 days), the impound lot has the right to initiate a lien sale to recover their fees. This means they can legally sell your vehicle. Do not let it reach this point.

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: Ask for assistance to cover the costs.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available: Some impound lots may offer payment plans, but this is not guaranteed.
• Consult with a DUI attorney: An attorney may be able to negotiate with the towing company or challenge the fees in certain circumstances. Also, be aware that towing operators are legally mandated to keep a signed copy of the SCHP-approved fee schedule inside every wrecker cab at all times. Defendants who suspect they are being price-gouged at the impound lot should demand to see the SCHP-approved fee schedule. Charging in excess of these published maximums constitutes a severe regulatory violation.

After Retrieval

Before driving away with your vehicle, take these precautions:

• Inspect the vehicle immediately before leaving the lot: Carefully examine the vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was towed or stored.
• Document any damage with photos: Take detailed photos of any damage you find.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away: Notify the impound lot manager in writing about any damage you discovered. This documentation is crucial if you need to file a claim later.

Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: Where is the Hill-Finklea Detention Center?*A: The Hill-Finklea Detention Center is located at 300 California Avenue, Moncks Corner, SC 29461.

**Q: How can I find out which towing company has my vehicle?*A: Contact the Berkeley County Sheriff's Office non-emergency central records division at 843-719-4465 and provide them with the details of your arrest.

**Q: What is the maximum daily storage fee a towing company can charge in Berkeley County?*A: The maximum daily storage fee is capped at $47.00 per day, as per South Carolina Code of State Regulations.