Clarendon County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Clarendon County

Being arrested for DUI in Clarendon County, South Carolina, is a stressful experience, and dealing with the aftermath can feel overwhelming. One immediate concern is often: what happens to my car? In almost all DUI arrests, the vehicle is impounded and towed. This guide provides the essential steps to locate, retrieve, and protect your rights regarding your impounded vehicle in Clarendon County.

Where Is Your Car?

After a DUI arrest in Clarendon County, your vehicle is typically towed and stored at a local impound lot authorized by the South Carolina Highway Patrol (SCHP). Unlike some larger cities with centralized impound facilities, Clarendon County uses a rotation system among several private towing companies. This means your car could be at any one of a few different locations. Finding out where your car is located is the first critical step.

How to Find Your Vehicle

Here's how to determine where your vehicle was towed:

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided you with paperwork that includes the name and possibly the contact information of the towing company that took your vehicle. Start by carefully reviewing these documents.
• Call the Clarendon County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: If you can't find the information on your paperwork, contact the Clarendon County Sheriff's Office at 803-435-4414. Provide them with your name, date of birth, and vehicle information (make, model, and license plate number). They should be able to tell you which company towed your vehicle.
• Reference your booking number: When you call the Sheriff's Office, having your booking number ready will help them locate the information more quickly.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you know where your vehicle is impounded, you need to gather the necessary documents and payment to retrieve it. Be prepared, as impound lots strictly enforce their requirements.

Required Documents

You'll generally need the following documents:

• Valid driver's license: The person retrieving the vehicle must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration or title: You'll need to prove ownership of the vehicle. Bring the current registration or the vehicle title.
• Proof of insurance: You'll need to show proof of current insurance coverage for the vehicle.
• Payment for fees: Be prepared to pay the 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. Here are your options:

• Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it: The easiest solution is to have a licensed driver pick up the vehicle for you.
• They need: In addition to their valid driver's license, they will likely need a signed authorization letter from you (stating that you authorize them to pick up the vehicle on your behalf), and the vehicle title or registration. Contact the impound lot beforehand to confirm their specific requirements for third-party release.

Costs & Fees in Clarendon County

Towing and storage fees can add up quickly, so understanding the potential costs is essential. Towing fees in Clarendon County are capped by the SCHP fee schedule.

Typical towing fees in South Carolina can range from $150 to $300, but can be higher depending on the circumstances. Daily storage fees typically range from $25 to $50 per day. However, these are just estimates. Contact the specific impound lot holding your vehicle to confirm their exact fees.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accrue daily. The longer you wait, the more expensive it becomes to get your car back.

Payment

Call the impound lot in advance to confirm what forms of payment they accept. Most accept cash and major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard), but some may also accept money orders or certified checks. Knowing this in advance will prevent delays and unnecessary trips.

Timeline

Time is of the essence when it comes to retrieving your vehicle.

Act Immediately

As mentioned, storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day you delay costs you more money. Start the retrieval process as soon as possible after your release from jail.

After 30 Days

In South Carolina, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for a certain period (typically 30 days), the impound lot can initiate a lien sale to recover their costs. This means they can legally sell your vehicle to cover the outstanding towing and storage fees. Do everything you can to avoid this situation.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you're facing financial hardship and can't afford the towing and storage fees, consider these options:

• Contact a family member or friend: Ask if they can help you cover the costs.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available: Some impound lots may be willing to work with you on a payment plan. It's worth asking, though it's not guaranteed.
• Consult with a DUI attorney: In some cases, a DUI attorney may be able to negotiate with the impound lot to reduce the fees, or challenge the legality of the impoundment itself.

After Retrieval

Before driving your vehicle away from the impound lot, take these important steps:

• Inspect the vehicle immediately before leaving the lot: Carefully inspect the vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was in the impound lot's possession.
• Document any damage with photos: Take clear photos of any dents, scratches, or other damage you find.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away: Notify the impound lot manager of the damage in writing before you leave the premises. This creates a record of the damage and can help you pursue a claim for compensation if necessary.

By following these steps, you can navigate the process of retrieving your vehicle after a DUI arrest in Clarendon County, SC, and protect your rights.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long do I have to request an administrative hearing with the SCDMV after a DUI arrest in Clarendon County? You have 30 days from the date of your arrest to request an administrative hearing to contest your license suspension. Failing to do so within this timeframe will result in the suspension taking effect.
2. Where do I go to enroll in ADSAP (Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program) in Clarendon County? The nearest approved ADSAP provider is Clarendon Behavioral Health Services, located at 14 North Church Street, Manning, SC 29102. Enrollment is mandatory within 30 days of a license suspension being finalized.
3. What is the standard bail amount for a first-offense DUI in Clarendon County? The standard bail amount for a first-offense DUI in Clarendon County is typically up to $1,000, although this is ultimately at the Magistrate's discretion.