Horry County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Horry County

A DUI arrest in Horry County, South Carolina, is a stressful experience, and dealing with the aftermath can feel overwhelming. Besides the legal consequences, you also have the immediate issue of retrieving your vehicle. Following a DUI arrest, it's common for your vehicle to be impounded. This guide provides immediate, practical steps to locate, retrieve, and protect your rights concerning your impounded vehicle in Horry County.

Where Is Your Car?

After a DUI arrest, your vehicle is typically towed and stored at a local impound lot. The arresting officer usually arranges the tow. It's crucial to determine where your car was taken as quickly as possible to minimize storage fees.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided you with paperwork that includes the name and contact information of the towing company. This is the fastest way to locate your vehicle.
• Call the Horry County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: If you cannot find the paperwork or the information is missing, contact the Horry County Sheriff's Office. Their non-emergency number can be found through the Horry County Department Directory. They should be able to provide the tow company's information based on your arrest details. The Horry County Police Department may also have information; you can find contact details on the Horry County Police Department website.
• Reference your booking number: When you were processed at the J. Reuben Long Detention Center, a booking number was assigned to your case. You can use this number when contacting the Sheriff's Office or Police Department to help them locate your vehicle information more efficiently.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Before heading to the impound lot, gather all necessary documents to avoid delays and ensure a smooth retrieval process.

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. Bring either the vehicle registration or the title.
• Proof of insurance: You must demonstrate that the vehicle is currently insured.
• Payment for fees: Be prepared to pay all towing and storage fees. Contact the impound lot ahead of time to confirm their accepted payment methods.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you cannot personally retrieve the vehicle. However, you can authorize someone else to do so on your behalf.

• Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it: A licensed individual can pick up the vehicle for you.
• They need:
• Their valid driver's license
• A signed authorization letter from you, granting them permission to retrieve the vehicle.
• The vehicle's title or registration, proving your ownership.

Costs & Fees in Horry County

Towing and storage fees can quickly add up, so understanding the costs involved is crucial.

Typical towing fees in South Carolina range from $150 to $300. Daily storage fees usually range from $25 to $50 per day. These are typical figures, but fees can vary by impound lot.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate daily, so retrieving your vehicle as quickly as possible is essential to minimize expenses.

Payment

Contact the specific impound lot in advance to confirm their accepted payment methods. Many accept cash and credit cards, but some may require a money order or certified check. Knowing this beforehand will prevent unnecessary trips and delays.

Timeline

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

Act Immediately

Storage fees begin accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day that passes increases the total cost.

After 30 Days

In South Carolina, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for a certain period (typically 30 days), the impound lot can initiate a lien sale to recover their costs. Do not allow the situation to reach this point. Contact the impound lot immediately to arrange retrieval.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Facing a DUI arrest often brings unexpected financial strain. If you're struggling to afford the towing and storage fees, consider the following 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 or allow you to pay in installments. It's worth inquiring about this possibility.
• Consult with a DUI attorney: In some cases, a DUI attorney may be able to negotiate or challenge the fees on your behalf. The Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) initiative tracked 1,331 finalized DUI cases within Horry County between January 2019 and March 2024 and found that the county demonstrated a finalized DUI conviction rate of merely 31 percent. This low conviction rate may provide opportunities for a skilled attorney to negotiate on your behalf.

After Retrieval

Before driving away from the impound lot, take the following precautions:

• Inspect the vehicle immediately: Carefully examine the vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while in the impound lot's possession.
• 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: Immediately notify the impound lot manager of any damage and obtain written acknowledgment of your report. This documentation is crucial if you need to file a claim for damages later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does the Horry County Sheriff's Office keep a record of my DUI arrest? A: Arrest records are generally maintained indefinitely, but expungement may be possible under certain conditions. Consult with a DUI attorney to explore your options.

Q: Does the Horry County court system offer any diversion programs for DUI offenders? A: While Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) exists, standard DUI charges are usually ineligible unless your attorney successfully negotiates a reduction to a lesser charge like reckless driving.

Q: Where are DUI sobriety checkpoints typically located in Horry County? A: The Horry County Police Department, South Carolina Highway Patrol, and Myrtle Beach Police Department frequently establish sobriety checkpoints along U.S. Highway 17, U.S. Highway 501, and South Carolina Highway 9, as well as near nightlife districts like Ocean Boulevard.