Lexington County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Lexington County

Being arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Lexington County, South Carolina, triggers a series of immediate actions. One of the most pressing is dealing with your vehicle, which is almost always impounded. This guide provides practical steps to locate, retrieve, and protect your rights regarding your impounded vehicle in Lexington County. Time is of the essence, as storage fees accumulate daily.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you are arrested for DUI and are the only occupant of the vehicle, or if there is no sober, licensed passenger available, the arresting officer will have your vehicle towed. This is standard procedure to ensure public safety and prevent further impaired driving. The impoundment is considered "incident to arrest." Your immediate priority should be determining where your car was taken and understanding the steps to get it back.

Where Is Your Car?

Lexington County does not have a single, centralized impound lot. Instead, the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department and the South Carolina Highway Patrol (SCHP) use a network of private towing companies. Finding out which company towed your vehicle is the first crucial step.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided you with documentation that includes the name of the towing company that took possession of your vehicle. Look for this information on any forms you received at the time of your arrest.
• Call the Lexington County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: If you cannot locate the paperwork or the information is missing, contact the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department at 803-785-8230. Provide them with your name, date of birth, and the approximate location where you were arrested. They should be able to tell you which towing company has your vehicle.
• Reference your booking number: Having your booking number ready when you call can expedite the process of locating your vehicle.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you know where your vehicle is impounded, gather the necessary documents to retrieve it. Towing companies in Lexington County are legally prohibited from releasing a vehicle without proper authorization.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: The person retrieving the vehicle must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration or title: You must provide proof of ownership of the vehicle. A valid vehicle registration or the vehicle title will suffice.
• Proof of insurance: You will need to show proof that the vehicle is currently insured.
• Payment for fees: Be prepared to pay all towing and storage fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended or you do not have a valid driver's license, you can still have someone else retrieve the vehicle 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.
• A copy of the vehicle title or registration in your name.

Costs & Fees in Lexington County

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

Typical towing fees in South Carolina are around $150.00 for a standard Class A tow. Daily storage rates in Lexington County range from $25.00 to $40.00 per day. The Lexington County Sheriff’s Department (LCSD) baseline is $25.00/day, while the SCHP Class A Wrecker maximum is $40.00/day.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day. Retrieving your vehicle as quickly as possible will save you money. Under South Carolina Code Section 56-5-5635, an impounded vehicle can be sold at auction if the fees go unpaid.

Payment

Call the impound lot in advance to confirm accepted payment methods. Most towing companies accept cash and major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, Amex). Some may also accept money orders.

Timeline

Prompt action is crucial to minimize expenses and prevent complications.

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day that passes increases the amount you owe.

After 5 Days

If you believe the impoundment was improper (e.g., lacked probable cause), you have only five (5) days from the date of the tow to submit a written request for an administrative hearing to challenge the impoundment. Petitions should be filed within the appropriate Lexington County Magistrate Court.

After 30 Days

Under South Carolina Code Section 56-5-5635, if an impounded vehicle remains unclaimed and the associated fees go unpaid, the towing company is legally authorized to apply to the Department of Motor Vehicles to identify lienholders and subsequently initiate public auction proceedings to satisfy the accrued debt.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you are struggling to afford the towing and storage fees, consider the following options:

• Contact a family member or friend to help cover costs: Borrowing money from someone you know can provide immediate financial relief.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available: Some towing companies may offer payment plans, allowing you to pay the fees in installments.
• Consult with your attorney: A DUI attorney may be able to negotiate with the towing company to reduce the fees or challenge the impoundment altogether.

After Retrieval

Before driving away with your vehicle, take the following precautions:

• Inspect the vehicle immediately before leaving the lot: Carefully examine the vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was in the towing company's possession.
• Document any damage with photos: Take detailed photographs of any damage you find.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away: Notify the towing company in writing of any damage before you leave the premises. This will help protect your rights if you need to file a claim for damages later.

Retrieving your vehicle after a DUI arrest in Lexington County requires prompt action and careful attention to detail. By following these steps, you can minimize expenses, protect your rights, and get back on the road.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where is the Lexington County Sheriff's Department headquarters where I get the vehicle release form? The Lexington County Sheriff’s Department headquarters is located at 521 Gibson Road. The front desk operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and they are responsible for processing and issuing the official vehicle release forms.
2. How long do I have to request a hearing if I think my car was wrongly impounded? You have five (5) days from the date the vehicle was towed to submit a written request for an administrative hearing challenging the impoundment.
3. What happens if I can't afford to get my car out of impound in Lexington County? Under South Carolina Code Section 56-5-5635, if an impounded vehicle remains unclaimed and the associated fees go unpaid, the towing company can apply to the Department of Motor Vehicles to identify lienholders and start a public auction to pay the debt.