Hampton County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Hampton County

Being arrested for DUI in Hampton County, South Carolina, is a stressful experience, and one of the first things you'll likely worry about is your vehicle. After a DUI arrest, your car is typically impounded for safety and evidentiary reasons. Understanding the process of how to retrieve your vehicle is crucial to minimizing additional expenses and complications. This guide provides immediate, practical steps you can take to get your car back as quickly as possible.

Where Is Your Car?

The first step is locating where your vehicle was towed. Hampton County utilizes a decentralized wrecker rotation list, meaning the Hampton County Sheriff's Office works with multiple private towing companies. Because Hampton County doesn't have a centralized municipal impound lot, you will need to actively locate which company has your vehicle.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided paperwork that includes the name and contact information of the towing company that impounded your vehicle. This is the quickest way to find your car.
• Call the Hampton County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: If you can't find the paperwork, contact the Hampton County Sheriff's Office at their non-emergency number to inquire about your vehicle's location.
• Reference your booking number: When you call, provide your booking number (if you have it) to help them locate the information more efficiently.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you've located your vehicle, gather the necessary documents to retrieve it. The impound lot will require specific paperwork to release the vehicle.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: You (or the person retrieving the vehicle) must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration or title: You'll need to provide proof of ownership, such as the vehicle registration or title.
• Proof of insurance: You must show proof 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 can still retrieve your vehicle, but you'll need someone with a valid license to do it for you.

• 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 vehicle title or registration in your name.

Costs & Fees in Hampton 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 generally range from $150 to $300. Daily storage fees typically range from $25 to $50 per day. However, because Hampton County utilizes private towing companies, these fees can vary.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day. The longer you wait, the more it will cost. Retrieve your vehicle as quickly as possible to minimize expenses.

Payment

Contact the impound lot in advance to confirm what forms of payment they accept. Some may accept cash, credit cards, or money orders, while others may have more limited options. Knowing this ahead of time will prevent delays and ensure a smooth retrieval process.

Timeline

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

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day that passes adds to the total cost. Contact the towing company as soon as possible after your release.

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 their costs. This means they can legally sell your vehicle to cover the outstanding towing and storage fees. Do everything you can to avoid this situation.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you're struggling to afford the towing and storage 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 impound lots may offer payment plans, allowing you to pay off the fees in installments. It's worth inquiring about this possibility.
• Consult with a DUI attorney: A DUI attorney can potentially negotiate with the impound lot on your behalf or explore legal options to challenge unreasonable fees.

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 impounded.
• Document any damage with photos: Take clear photos of any scratches, dents, or other damage you find.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away: Notify the impound lot manager of the damage in writing, and keep a copy of the report for your records. This is crucial for filing a claim later if necessary.

By following these steps, you can navigate the process of retrieving your vehicle after a DUI arrest in Hampton County, South Carolina, more efficiently and minimize potential complications.

Frequently Asked Questions

**1. How long does the Hampton County Detention Center typically hold vehicles after a DUI arrest?*The Hampton County Detention Center does not hold vehicles. Vehicles are towed by private companies on a rotation basis. Contact the Hampton County Sheriff's Office at (803) 914-2200 to determine which company towed your vehicle.

**2. What are the typical operating hours for the Hampton County Magistrate Court where I might need to file paperwork related to my vehicle retrieval?*The Hampton County Magistrate Court is located at 411 Cemetery Road, P.O. Box 1299, Varnville, SC 29944 and is open Monday-Thursday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM; Friday 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM.

**3. Is there a specific ADSAP (Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program) provider in Hampton County that can assist with requirements related to reinstating my driving privileges after a DUI?*Yes, the New Life Center, located in Hampton, is a state-approved ADSAP provider. You can contact them to learn more about program requirements and enrollment.