Dillon County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Dillon County

A DUI arrest in Dillon County, South Carolina, is a stressful and confusing experience. Beyond the legal ramifications, you're likely wondering what happens to your vehicle. Typically, after a DUI arrest, your car is impounded and towed to a local storage facility. Understanding the process of retrieving your vehicle is crucial to minimize costs and avoid further complications. This guide provides immediate, practical steps to help you navigate the vehicle retrieval process in Dillon County.

Where Is Your Car?

The first step is determining where your vehicle was towed. The arresting officer should have provided you with documentation indicating the towing company and its location. If you don't have this information readily available, don't panic. There are other ways to locate your vehicle.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Check your arrest paperwork: The most direct way to find your car is to carefully review the paperwork provided by the arresting officer. The name and contact information for the towing company used should be clearly listed.
• Call the Dillon County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: If you can't find the information on your paperwork, contact the Dillon County Sheriff's Office. You can find their non-emergency phone number on the Dillon County Sheriff's Office website. Explain the situation, provide your name and date of arrest, and they should be able to provide the name and phone number of the impound lot where your vehicle is being held.
• Reference your booking number: When you call the Sheriff's Office, having your booking number available will help them locate your information more quickly.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you've located your vehicle, contact the impound lot to confirm their specific requirements for release. Generally, you'll need the following:

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license (or a licensed person picking it up for you): You, or the person retrieving the vehicle on your behalf, must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration or title: You'll need to provide proof of ownership. A copy of your vehicle registration or the vehicle title will suffice.
• Proof of insurance: You must 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 yourself. You have two options:

• Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it: The easiest solution is to have a licensed driver retrieve the vehicle for you. They will need their valid license, a signed authorization letter from you granting them permission to pick up the vehicle, and the vehicle title or registration in your name.
• They need: their valid license, a signed authorization letter from you, vehicle title or registration

Costs & Fees in Dillon County

Towing and storage fees can add up quickly, so it's important to understand the potential costs involved.

Typical towing fees in South Carolina range from $150 to $300. Daily storage fees typically run between $25 and $50 per day. These figures are estimates, and the actual fees will vary depending on the specific impound lot. Call the impound lot directly to confirm their exact fee schedule before you go to retrieve your vehicle.