Edgefield County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Edgefield County

Being arrested for DUI in Edgefield County can be a stressful and confusing experience. Beyond the legal ramifications, one of the first practical problems you'll face is retrieving your vehicle. This guide provides essential information on locating your car, understanding the associated costs, and navigating the retrieval process efficiently.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you are arrested for DUI in Edgefield County, your vehicle is typically impounded for a few key reasons. Because you are being taken into custody, you are unable to legally operate the vehicle. Leaving it unattended on the roadside poses a hazard to other drivers. The Edgefield County Sheriff's Office or South Carolina Highway Patrol (SCHP) will arrange for a towing company to remove your vehicle to an impound lot. This protects public safety and ensures the vehicle is stored securely until it can be legally claimed. Understanding this process is the first step in getting your car back.

Where Is Your Car?

Locating your vehicle is the first crucial step. Unlike some larger cities, Edgefield County does not operate a single, centralized impound lot. Instead, the Edgefield County Sheriff’s Office and the SCHP utilize a rotational system of approved private towing companies. This means your car could be at any one of several different lots in the area.

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 documentation that includes the name and contact information for the towing company that took your vehicle. This is the quickest and easiest way to find out where it is.
• Call the Edgefield County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: If you can't find the paperwork, contact the Edgefield County Sheriff's Office at their non-emergency number. They can access dispatch records and provide you with the towing company's information.
• Reference your booking number: When you call, be prepared to provide your booking number (assigned when you were processed at the Edgefield County Detention Center, located at 200 Railroad Street, Edgefield, SC 29824; phone 803-637-4124). This will help them quickly locate the relevant records.

Keep in mind that, due to the rural nature of Edgefield County and the fact that its administrative infrastructure has not modernized as fast as the urban growth, getting this information may require manual phone calls and some patience.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you know where your car is impounded, you need to gather the necessary documents and prepare for the fees.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: The person retrieving the vehicle must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration or title: You need to prove ownership of the vehicle.
• Proof of insurance: You must show that the vehicle is currently insured.
• Payment for fees: Be prepared to pay all towing and storage fees in full.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you cannot personally retrieve the vehicle. In this case:

• Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it: A licensed driver can pick up the vehicle on your behalf.
• They need:
• Their valid driver's license.
• A signed authorization letter from you, granting them permission to retrieve the vehicle. The impound lot requires an original, notarized letter – copies or faxes are not accepted.
• A copy of the vehicle title or registration in your name.

Costs & Fees in Edgefield County

Towing and storage fees can add up quickly, so understanding the cost structure is crucial. South Carolina law sets maximum rates for these fees.

Typical towing fees in South Carolina are capped at $272.00. Daily storage is capped at $47.00 per day for a Class A Wrecker, which is what is used for most passenger vehicles. Fees vary by lot, so call ahead to confirm the exact amounts before you go.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accrue every day, including weekends and holidays. Retrieve your vehicle as quickly as possible to minimize expenses.

Also be aware of the "12-hour Storage Window Trap:" If your vehicle is impounded for less than 12 hours spanning two calendar days, you should only be charged for one day of storage.

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. Personal checks are often not accepted.

Gate Fees and After-Hours Access Penalties: Retrieving a vehicle outside of standard business hours incurs significant financial penalties. Towing yards operating on the rotation list routinely apply a "Gate Fee" for opening the facility and releasing a vehicle during evenings, weekends, or recognized state holidays.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day that passes costs you more money.

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 the outstanding 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 are struggling to afford the towing and storage fees, consider the following:

• Contact a family member or friend: Ask if they can help cover the costs.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available: Some impound lots may offer a payment plan, but this is not guaranteed.
• Consult with a DUI attorney: In some cases, an attorney may be able to negotiate or challenge the fees.

After Retrieval

Before leaving the impound lot with your vehicle:

• Inspect the vehicle immediately: Carefully examine the vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was in the lot's possession.
• Document any damage with photos: Take clear photos of any scratches, dents, or other damage.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away: Obtain a written acknowledgement of the damage from the lot manager. This documentation is crucial if you need to file a claim for damages later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where is the Edgefield County impound lot? A: Edgefield County does not use a single impound lot. Instead, the Edgefield County Sheriff’s Office and SCHP use a rotation of private towing companies. Contact the arresting agency with your booking number to find out which company has your vehicle.

Q: How long do I have to get my car out of impound in Edgefield County? A: You should retrieve your vehicle as soon as possible to avoid accruing excessive storage fees. After approximately 30 days, the impound lot may begin the process of selling your vehicle to recover the fees.

Q: What happens if I can't afford to get my car out of impound in Edgefield County? A: Contact family or friends for assistance. Inquire with the impound lot about payment plans. Consult with a DUI attorney to explore options for negotiating or challenging the fees.