Lee County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Lee County

Being arrested for DUI in Lee County, South Carolina, is a stressful experience. One of the immediate concerns is often: what happens to my car? In most DUI arrests, the vehicle is impounded and towed from the scene. This guide provides the essential steps to locate, retrieve, and handle the associated costs of getting your car back.

Where Is Your Car?

After a DUI arrest, your vehicle is typically towed to a local impound lot or towing company storage facility. Lee County does not operate its own impound lot. Therefore, it's crucial to determine where your vehicle was taken as soon as possible to minimize storage fees.

How to Find Your Vehicle

Here's how to locate your impounded 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 used. This is the easiest and quickest way to find your car.
• Call the Lee County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: If you can't find the paperwork or the information is missing, contact the Lee County Sheriff's Office. Their non-emergency number is available through their website. Provide them with your name, date of birth, and date of arrest. They should be able to provide you with the name and phone number of the towing company.
• Reference your booking number: Having your booking number ready when you call the Sheriff's Office will help them locate your information faster.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you've located your vehicle, contact the towing company to confirm their retrieval procedures, hours of operation, and accepted payment methods. You will generally need the following:

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 required. Bring either the vehicle registration or the title.
• Proof of insurance: You'll need to show proof that the vehicle is currently insured.
• Payment for fees: Be prepared to pay towing and storage fees (more on this below).

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license has been suspended due to the DUI arrest, you cannot personally retrieve the vehicle. Here's what you can do:

• Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it: The easiest solution is to have someone with a valid driver's license 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, and the vehicle's title or registration.

Costs & Fees in Lee County

Towing and storage fees can add up quickly. It's crucial to understand the potential costs involved. Typical towing fees in South Carolina range from $150 to $300. Daily storage fees typically range from $25 to $50 per day. However, these are just estimates, and fees vary by towing company.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accrue daily, starting the moment your vehicle is towed. The longer you wait, the more expensive it becomes.

Payment

Call the impound lot or towing company in advance to confirm what forms of payment they accept. Most accept cash, and some accept credit cards or money orders. Do not assume they take a specific payment method.

Timeline

Act Immediately

The key to minimizing costs is to act as quickly as possible. Contact the towing company immediately after locating your vehicle to understand their procedures and arrange for retrieval.

After 30 Days

If a vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period, the towing company can initiate a lien sale to recover their costs. South Carolina law allows them to sell the vehicle to cover unpaid towing and storage fees. To avoid this, retrieve your vehicle promptly.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you're facing financial hardship and can't 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 towing companies may offer payment plans or partial payment options. It doesn't hurt to ask.
• Consult with a DUI attorney: In some cases, a DUI attorney may be able to negotiate fees or challenge their validity.

After Retrieval

Before driving away, carefully inspect your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while in the possession of the towing company.

• Inspect the vehicle immediately before leaving the lot: Walk around the vehicle and carefully examine it for any scratches, dents, or other damage.
• 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 towing company manager in writing about any damage before you leave the premises. This creates a record of your claim.

By understanding the process and acting quickly, you can navigate the complexities of retrieving your vehicle after a DUI arrest in Lee County and minimize the associated costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where will my car be towed after a DUI arrest in Lee County? Your car will be towed to a local impound lot or the storage facility of the towing company contracted by the arresting officer. Contact the Lee County Sheriff's Office to find out the specific location.
2. Can someone else pick up my car for me if my license is suspended? Yes, a licensed driver can retrieve your vehicle with a valid driver's license, your vehicle's registration or title, proof of insurance, and a signed authorization letter from you.
3. What happens if I can't afford to get my car out of impound? Talk to the impound lot about payment options, ask for help from family or friends, or consult with a DUI attorney about potential legal options.