Florence County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Florence County

After a DUI arrest in Florence County, South Carolina, one of the most immediate concerns is retrieving your vehicle. South Carolina law enforcement agencies impound vehicles for a variety of reasons following a DUI arrest, primarily to ensure public safety and prevent further operation of the vehicle by the impaired driver. Understanding the process for vehicle retrieval is crucial to minimize expenses and avoid further complications. This guide provides practical steps to help you navigate the process of getting your car back.

Where Is Your Car?

Unlike some larger cities with centralized municipal impound lots, Florence County utilizes a decentralized system involving private towing companies. This means your vehicle was likely towed to a private lot contracted by the arresting agency. Finding the specific lot holding your vehicle is the first step.

How to Find Your Vehicle

Locating your vehicle requires some detective work. Here are the primary methods:

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided you with paperwork that includes the name of the towing company that impounded your vehicle. This is the quickest and easiest way to find out where it is.

• Call the Florence County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: If you cannot find the tow company information on your paperwork, contact the Florence County Sheriff's Office. Their non-emergency line is (843) 665-2121. Provide them with your name, date of birth, and date of arrest. They should be able to provide you with the name and contact information for the towing company that has your vehicle. You may need to reference your booking number.

• Reference your booking number: Whether calling the Sheriff's Office or the South Carolina Highway Patrol Troop Five, having your booking number ready will expedite the process. The jail staff at the Florence County Detention Center generally does not possess the vehicle's location details, making it vital to contact the arresting agency directly.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you've located your vehicle, you'll need specific documents and payment to retrieve it.

Required Documents

Be prepared to present the following:

• Valid driver's license: You will need a valid driver's license to retrieve the vehicle. If your license was confiscated due to the DUI arrest (a common occurrence under South Carolina's implied consent laws), you'll need to follow the steps outlined below.
• Vehicle registration or title: Proof of ownership is essential. Bring the vehicle's registration or title.
• Proof of insurance: You must demonstrate that the vehicle is currently insured.
• Payment for fees: Be prepared to pay towing and storage fees. Contact the lot to determine the exact amount and acceptable payment methods.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

Under South Carolina's implied consent laws, your physical driver's license may have been confiscated at the scene of the arrest and replaced with a paper Notice of Suspension form. This presents a challenge when retrieving your vehicle, as the impound lot requires a valid photo ID.

• Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it: The easiest solution is to have a licensed friend or family member retrieve the vehicle on your behalf.
• They need: Their valid license, a signed authorization letter from you allowing them to pick up the vehicle, and the vehicle title or registration proving ownership.
• Bring a secondary form of government-issued photo identification: If someone else cannot retrieve the vehicle, bring a secondary form of government-issued photo identification (such as a passport) to the impound lot. The lot may accept this in lieu of your driver's license.

Costs & Fees in Florence County

Towing and storage fees can add up quickly, so understanding the cost structure is critical. South Carolina Regulation 38-600 sets maximum fees for towing companies operating on the state rotation list.

Typical towing fees in South Carolina are capped. The base tow charge cannot exceed $150, with administrative and impound processing fees capped at $50 each, and daily storage restricted to $30 per day. Defendants confronted with invoices wildly exceeding these amounts have grounds to challenge the fees and file a formal complaint with Troop Five headquarters.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day, starting 12 hours after the vehicle is towed. Retrieve your vehicle as quickly as possible to minimize expenses. A critical consumer protection exists within these regulations that defendants frequently overlook: a wrecker service cannot legally charge a storage fee for any days when an individual could not retrieve their vehicle due to an action or omission by the wrecker service itself.

Payment

Call the impound lot in advance to confirm accepted payment methods. Many prefer cash or certified funds.

Timeline

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

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing 12 hours after your vehicle is towed. Every day that passes increases the total cost. Make arrangements to retrieve your vehicle as soon as possible.

After 30 Days

Most states, including South Carolina, allow the impound lot to initiate a lien sale if the vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period, typically 30 days. This means the lot can sell your vehicle to recoup the unpaid towing and storage fees. Do not let it reach this point.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

The costs associated with towing and storage can be substantial, especially if you're facing other expenses related to your DUI arrest.

• Contact a family member or friend to help cover costs: If you're unable to afford the fees yourself, reach out to family or friends for assistance.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available: Some impound lots may offer payment plans, allowing you to pay the fees in installments. It's worth asking if this is an option.
• Consult with a DUI attorney: An attorney may be able to negotiate with the impound lot to reduce the fees or challenge the legality of certain charges.

After Retrieval

Before driving away with your vehicle, take these important steps:

• Inspect the vehicle immediately before leaving the lot: Carefully examine 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 damage you find.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away: Notify the lot manager of any damage in writing before you leave the premises. This will help protect your rights if you need to file a claim for damages later.

By following these steps, you can navigate the process of retrieving your vehicle after a DUI arrest in Florence County, South Carolina, and minimize the associated costs and complications. Remember to act quickly, gather the necessary documents, and be prepared to pay the required fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where will my car be towed after a DUI arrest in Florence County? Your car will be towed to a private towing company contracted by the arresting agency (Florence Police Department, Florence County Sheriff's Office, or South Carolina Highway Patrol Troop Five). Contact the arresting agency to find out which company has your vehicle.

2. Can I get my car back on the weekend in Florence County? South Carolina regulations require rotation wrecker services to allow vehicle retrieval between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, seven days a week (excluding state holidays). However, access on weekends can be difficult. Contact the specific lot to confirm their weekend availability.

3. What happens if I can't afford to get my car out of impound in Florence County? Storage fees accrue daily. If you cannot afford to retrieve your vehicle, contact the impound lot to discuss payment options. If the vehicle remains unclaimed, the lot can initiate a lien sale after a certain period.