Pickens County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Pickens County

A DUI arrest in Pickens County, South Carolina, triggers a series of immediate consequences, and one of the most pressing is often the impoundment of your vehicle. Understanding the process for retrieving your car, the associated costs, and the necessary paperwork is crucial to minimize expenses and avoid further complications. This guide provides practical steps to navigate the vehicle retrieval process in Pickens County after a DUI arrest.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you are arrested for DUI in Pickens County, the arresting officer will typically arrange for your vehicle to be towed and stored at an impound lot. This is standard procedure to prevent the vehicle from being left unattended and potentially causing a hazard. The vehicle will be held until you (or someone authorized by you) can provide the necessary documentation and payment to retrieve it. Time is of the essence, as storage fees accumulate daily.

Where Is Your Car?

The first step is determining where your vehicle was towed. The arresting officer should provide you with documentation indicating the name and location of the towing company. If you don't have this information readily available, there are other ways to locate your vehicle.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Check your arrest paperwork: The paperwork provided by the arresting officer should include the name and contact information for the towing company that has your vehicle. Look closely at all documents given to you at the time of your arrest.
• Call the Pickens County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: If you cannot locate the paperwork or the information is missing, you can contact the Pickens County Sheriff's Office at their non-emergency number. They should be able to assist you in locating your vehicle based on your name and date of arrest.
• Reference your booking number: When you call, having your booking number ready will help the Sheriff's Office quickly locate your vehicle information. The booking number is a unique identifier assigned to your arrest.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you have located your vehicle, you will need to gather the necessary documents to retrieve it. The impound lot will require specific paperwork to verify ownership and authorization.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: You (or the person retrieving the vehicle) must have a valid driver's license. If your license has been suspended due to the DUI arrest, you will need someone with a valid license to retrieve the vehicle for you.
• Vehicle registration or title: You must provide proof of ownership, such as the vehicle registration or title. This document confirms that you are the legal owner of the vehicle.
• Proof of insurance: You will need to provide proof of current insurance coverage for the vehicle.
• Payment for fees: Be prepared to pay all towing and storage fees. The amount will depend on the towing company's rates and the number of days the vehicle has been stored.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

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

• Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it: A licensed individual can retrieve the vehicle for you.
• They need:
• Their valid driver's license.
• A signed authorization letter from you, granting them permission to retrieve the vehicle. This letter should include your name, the vehicle's make and model, the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the name of the person you are authorizing.
• The vehicle title or registration in your name.

Costs & Fees in Pickens County

Towing and storage fees can add up quickly, so it's important to be aware of the potential costs involved. While exact rates vary, here are some typical ranges:

Typical towing fees in South Carolina run $150–$300. Daily storage is usually $25–$50 per day. Fees vary by lot — call ahead to confirm before you go.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day. Retrieve your vehicle as quickly as possible to minimize expenses.

Payment

Contact the impound lot in advance to inquire about their accepted methods of payment. Some lots accept cash, credit cards, and money orders, while others may have more limited options. Knowing this information ahead of time will prevent delays and ensure a smoother retrieval process.

Timeline

The timeline for retrieving your vehicle is critical, as storage fees accrue daily, and prolonged delays can lead to further complications.

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day your vehicle remains in the impound lot costs you more money. Contact the towing company as soon as possible to arrange for retrieval.

After 30 Days

In South Carolina, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period (typically 30 days), the impound lot has the right to 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 not let it reach this point. Make every effort to retrieve your vehicle as soon as possible to avoid losing it altogether.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you are facing financial difficulties and struggling to afford the towing and storage fees, explore the following options:

• Contact a family member or friend to help cover costs: Reach out to your support network and see if someone can assist you with the expenses.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available: Some impound lots may offer payment plans or installment options to help you manage the costs. Inquire about this possibility and see if it's a viable solution for your situation.
• Consult with your attorney: A DUI attorney may be able to negotiate with the impound lot on your behalf or challenge the fees in certain circumstances.

After Retrieval

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

• Inspect the vehicle immediately before leaving the lot: Carefully examine the vehicle for any signs of damage that may have occurred while it was in the impound lot's possession.
• Document any damage with photos: If you notice any damage, take clear photos as evidence.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away: Notify the impound lot manager of any damage in writing before you leave the premises. This will help protect your rights in case you need to file a claim for damages later.

Retrieving your vehicle after a DUI arrest in Pickens County requires prompt action, careful attention to detail, and a clear understanding of the associated costs and procedures. By following these steps, you can minimize expenses and ensure a smooth retrieval process.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where will DUI checkpoints be setup in Pickens County? The Pickens County Sheriff's Office frequently sets up DUI checkpoints at the intersection of Walhalla Highway at Terrapin Crossing Road in Pickens, and on Saluda Dam Road at North Fishtrap Road in Easley.
2. Where is the Pickens County DMV? The SCDMV Pickens Branch is located at 2133 Gentry Memorial Highway, Pickens, SC 29671.
3. How long does a DUI case typically take to resolve in Pickens County? Due to judicial backlogs, a standard DUI case in Pickens County can take close to a year to resolve.