McCormick County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in McCormick County

Being arrested for DUI in McCormick County, South Carolina, is a stressful experience. On top of the legal challenges, you're likely facing the immediate problem of getting your vehicle back. South Carolina law dictates that if you're arrested for DUI, your vehicle will be impounded. This guide provides the information you need to navigate the process of retrieving your car, minimizing fees, and protecting your rights. Time is of the essence, as storage fees accumulate daily.

Where Is Your Car?

The first step is locating your vehicle. McCormick County does not operate a centralized, government-run impound lot. Instead, the McCormick County Sheriff’s Office and other law enforcement agencies use a rotation list of private towing companies. This means your car could be at any one of several different locations, potentially even outside of McCormick County.

How to Find Your Vehicle

Here's how to determine where your vehicle was towed:

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided you with paperwork that includes the name and contact information of the towing company that impounded your vehicle. This is the quickest and easiest way to find out where your car is located.
• Call the McCormick County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: If you can't find the paperwork or the information is missing, contact the McCormick County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency dispatch at (864) 465-3211. Provide them with your name, date of arrest, and the location where you were arrested. They should be able to tell you which towing company has your vehicle.
• Reference your booking number: When you call, have your booking number ready. This will help the Sheriff’s Office quickly locate your information and provide you with the necessary details.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you know where your vehicle is impounded, you need to gather the necessary documents and prepare for the associated costs.

Required Documents

You will generally need the following documents to retrieve your vehicle:

• 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. This can be in the form of your vehicle registration or the vehicle title.
• 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 due to the DUI arrest (or for any other reason), you cannot legally drive the vehicle yourself. In this case, you have two options:

• 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, and the vehicle title or registration to prove ownership.

Costs & Fees in McCormick County

The costs associated with retrieving your vehicle can add up quickly. Towing and storage fees are regulated by the South Carolina Highway Patrol (SCHP), but the exact amounts can vary.

Typical towing fees in South Carolina range from $150 to $300. Daily storage fees typically run between $25 and $50 per day.

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

GOLD DUST: Given that McCormick County relies on a rotation list of private towing operators, confirm the exact amount of all potential fees with the specific impound lot before you go to retrieve your vehicle.

Payment

Call the impound lot in advance to confirm accepted payment methods. Many rural impound lots in McCormick County may not accept credit cards and may require payment in exact cash.

Timeline

Act Immediately

The timeline for retrieving your vehicle is critical. Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day that passes adds to the overall cost.

After 30 Days

In South Carolina, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for a certain period (typically 30 days), the impound lot has the right to initiate a lien sale. This means they can sell your vehicle to recover the unpaid towing and storage fees. Do everything you can to prevent this from happening.

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: Ask for assistance from someone who can help you pay the fees.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available: Some impound lots may be willing to work with you on a payment plan. It's worth asking, but be prepared for them to say no.
• Consult with your attorney: Your DUI attorney may be able to negotiate with the towing company to reduce the fees or challenge the legality of the impoundment.

After Retrieval

Before leaving the impound lot 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 impound lot's possession.
• Document any damage with photos: Take detailed photos of any damage you find.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away: Inform the lot manager of the damage in writing and obtain a signed copy of the report for your records. This will be crucial if you need to file a claim for damages later.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where will my car likely be towed in McCormick County after a DUI arrest? Since McCormick County lacks a central municipal impound lot, your vehicle will be towed to a private towing company on a rotation list used by the McCormick County Sheriff’s Office. Contact the Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line at (864) 465-3211 to find out which company has your car.
2. Can I pay the impound fees with a credit card in McCormick County? Many rural impound lots prefer cash to avoid credit card chargeback disputes. Always call the specific impound lot ahead of time to confirm their accepted payment methods.
3. What happens if I can't retrieve my vehicle from the impound lot in McCormick County within 30 days? After 30 days, the impound lot can initiate a lien sale to recover unpaid towing and storage fees. This means they can sell your vehicle. Contact the impound lot immediately to discuss options if you're facing difficulty paying the fees.