Greenville County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Greenville County

Being arrested for DUI in Greenville County can be a disorienting experience. Beyond the immediate legal concerns, you're likely wondering what happens to your vehicle. Typically, after a DUI arrest, your vehicle is impounded and towed to a local storage lot. This guide provides the steps you need to take to retrieve your vehicle as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Where Is Your Car?

The first step is determining where your vehicle was towed. Unlike some cities that operate a central impound lot, Greenville County primarily uses a decentralized system involving private towing companies dispatched through a rotation plan. According to Greenville County Sheriff's Office General Order 207 (GO-207), deputies are prohibited from recommending specific towing services. If you didn't request a specific company at the scene, the Greenville County Sheriff's Office Communications Center dispatched the next available wrecker from their rotation list.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided documentation that includes the name and contact information for the towing company that took your vehicle. This is often noted on a "Towed Vehicle Report." If the Greenville Police Department (GPD) ordered the tow, you need the physical "gold-colored copy" of this report to release the vehicle.
• Call the Greenville County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: If you cannot locate the paperwork, contact the Greenville County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line to inquire about the location of your vehicle.
• Reference your booking number: When calling to inquire, provide your booking number to help them locate your information quickly. You can use the online inmate search portal to find booking details.

If the Greenville Police Department (GPD) ordered the tow, and you don't have the "gold-colored copy" of the Towed Vehicle Report, you must go to the GPD front desk located at 4 McGee Street, Greenville, SC 29601, to obtain a replacement copy. You will need to show proper government-issued identification and your vehicle registration or title.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you know where your vehicle is impounded, gather the necessary documents for retrieval.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: You (or the person retrieving the vehicle) must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration or title: Proof of ownership is essential.
• Proof of insurance: Current insurance documentation for the vehicle.
• 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. Here's how to proceed:

• Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it: The easiest solution is to have someone with a valid license pick up the vehicle for you.
• They need: Their valid driver's license, a signed authorization letter from you (stating they have your permission to retrieve the vehicle), and the vehicle's title or registration to prove ownership.

Costs & Fees in Greenville County

Towing and storage fees can add up quickly, making it crucial to act fast. While specific rates vary by towing company, here's a general idea of what to expect:

Typical towing fees in South Carolina can range from $150 to $300. Daily storage fees are generally between $25 and $50 per day. It's essential to call the specific impound lot holding your vehicle to confirm their exact fees and accepted payment methods.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day. The longer you wait, the more expensive it becomes to retrieve your vehicle.

Payment

Contact the impound lot in advance to confirm which payment methods they accept. Most accept cash, but policies on credit cards and money orders vary. Knowing this ahead of time will save you a trip.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees begin accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every passing day increases the financial burden.

After Seven Days

South Carolina law protects consumers against excessive storage fees. Under House Bill 3729, a towing company can only charge for a maximum of seven business days of storage until they send formal notification of the vehicle's location to the registered owner and any lienholders via registered, certified, or electronically tracked mail. After this notification is sent, they can resume charging daily storage rates.

After 30 Days

In many states, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period (usually around 30 days), the impound lot can initiate a lien sale to recover their costs. This means they can legally sell your vehicle. Do everything possible to prevent it from reaching this point.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you're struggling to afford the impound fees, consider these options:

• Contact a family member or friend: Ask for assistance in covering the costs.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available: Some lots may offer payment arrangements, but this is not guaranteed.
• Consult with a DUI attorney: An attorney may be able to negotiate fees or challenge the legality of the tow in certain situations.

After Retrieval

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where do I go to get my "Towed Vehicle Report" if the Greenville Police Department towed my car? A: You must go to the Greenville Police Department front desk at 4 McGee Street, Greenville, SC 29601. Bring your government-issued ID and vehicle registration or title.

Q: What happens if my vehicle was seized because it was my third DUI offense? A: In Greenville County, for a third or subsequent DUI offense, your vehicle is transported to the Greenville County Vehicle Service Center, not a private lot. The ignition and trunk keys are surrendered to the Seizure Coordinator.

Q: Can I contest the legality of the tow? A: Yes, you can request a tow hearing through the Magistrate Court in the jurisdiction where the vehicle is stored. Filing this civil lawsuit requires a $150.00 filing fee.