Dorchester County Vehicle Impound Guide

Under South Carolina Code § 56-5-2930, an arrest for driving under the influence triggers an immediate sequence of logistical events. Officers do not allow arrested drivers to leave their vehicles parked on the shoulder of the highway. The arresting agency orders an immediate tow to clear the roadway. This applies whether the arrest was executed by the South Carolina Highway Patrol, the Sheriff's Office, or municipal officers in Summerville. Your vehicle is transported directly to a private storage lot. You are taken to the local detention center. Retrieving your vehicle requires completing specific administrative steps and paying mandatory fees.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When law enforcement officers arrest you for operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they must secure the scene. They will not allow a passenger to drive your vehicle away unless that person is sober, present at the scene, and explicitly authorized by the officer. In almost all instances, the officer calls a towing service from a dispatch rotation list.

The towing company acts as an agent of the law enforcement department to remove and store the vehicle. This is a civil process run by private businesses, separate from your criminal case. The court does not handle the release of your vehicle, and the judge at your bond hearing cannot waive your towing fees. You must deal directly with the private towing company that holds your vehicle.

Where Is Your Car?

Law enforcement agencies in this jurisdiction do not own or operate vehicle impound lots. They rely entirely on private towing operators who participate in a rotating call system. This means your vehicle could be at one of several private facilities.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Examine your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer must provide a physical towing receipt or impound form. This document lists the specific storage lot name, address, and phone number.
• Contact the dispatch center: If you do not have the paperwork, call the consolidated dispatch center non-emergency line at (843) 873-5111.
• Provide your booking details: State your full name, the date of the arrest, and the vehicle license plate or Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to the dispatcher.

Knowing which agency arrested you helps narrow down the search. The South Carolina Highway Patrol, the Sheriff's Office, and the Summerville Police Department use different rotation logs, though all coordinate through the same central dispatch system.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Towing operators must verify ownership and legal driving status before releasing any impounded vehicle. You cannot simply walk into a lot and demand your keys.

Required Documents

• Valid Driver's License: If your license was suspended due to an administrative license revocation for refusing a breath test, you cannot legally drive. You must bring a licensed driver with you.
• Proof of Ownership: Present the physical vehicle title or a current registration card.
• Proof of Insurance: Provide a physical, active auto insurance card.
• Payment: Bring the exact amount required for towing and storage fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

You must bring a licensed driver to the storage lot if your driving privileges are suspended. They must present a valid driver's license. If you cannot physically attend the release, you must provide a notarized letter of authorization. This letter must explicitly name the person authorized to claim the vehicle and include the vehicle's year, make, model, and VIN.

Costs & Fees

Towing rates for standard passenger vehicles in South Carolina typically range from $150 to $300 for the initial hookup and flatbed transport. Storage fees accumulate daily. Expect to pay between $25 and $50 for each calendar day the vehicle remains in the lot.

Storage fees start accumulating the exact calendar day your vehicle is towed. If your vehicle is towed at 11:45 PM, you will be charged for a full day of storage at midnight. Call the towing facility before you travel there to verify the exact balance.

Payment

Towing companies operating in the area generally accept cash, major credit cards, or money orders. Most companies refuse personal checks. Confirm the accepted payment methods during your initial phone call to avoid delays.

Timeline

Daily storage fees make immediate action necessary. Delaying retrieval by even a few days can result in a bill that exceeds the market value of the vehicle.

Act Immediately

The clock starts the moment the tow truck hooks your vehicle. Every day of delay increases your financial liability.

After 30 Days

Under South Carolina Code Section 56-5-5635, unclaimed vehicles are subject to foreclosure and public sale. If a vehicle remains unclaimed for 30 days, the towing operator can initiate a lien sale to recover their costs. You will lose ownership of the vehicle permanently if this process occurs.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Towing companies will not release a vehicle without full payment of all accrued fees. If you lack the funds, you must find alternative solutions immediately.

Contact family members or close friends to secure an emergency loan. Some towing operators may offer payment plans, but this is rare and entirely at their discretion.

After Retrieval

Inspect your vehicle thoroughly before signing any release paperwork or driving off the lot. Towing operators are liable for damage caused by negligent handling.

Walk around the vehicle and check for new body damage, scratches, or tire issues. Check the interior to ensure all personal property remains intact. Take clear photographs of any damage immediately. Report any issues to the lot manager in writing before leaving the property.