Anderson County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Anderson County

After a DUI arrest in Anderson County, Tennessee, one of your first concerns is likely retrieving your vehicle. Vehicles are typically impounded following a DUI arrest for several reasons, including preventing further impaired driving and as evidence in your case. Understanding the impound and retrieval process can save you time and money. This guide provides the necessary steps to locate, claim, and protect your rights regarding your vehicle.

Where Is Your Car?

Anderson County utilizes a decentralized system of private towing companies rather than a single, centralized impound lot. This means your car could be at any one of several locations. Here are some known impound locations in or near Anderson County:

• Collins Wrecker & Towing: 208 Collins Rd, Oliver Springs, TN 37840
• Clinton Highway Wrecker Service: 3361 Clinton Hwy, Powell, TN 37849

Since Anderson County relies on a rotational list of private towing contractors, the exact location of your vehicle depends on which company was called by the arresting officer. To determine where your vehicle is located, follow these steps:

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Check your arrest paperwork: The Vehicle Tow-In Report (SF-0156) should indicate the tow company that took your vehicle. However, it can be difficult to retain this paperwork at the time of arrest.
• Call the Anderson County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: Contact the Sheriff's Office dispatch at (865) 457-2414 to inquire about the location of your vehicle.
• Reference your booking number: Having your booking number ready when you call can help expedite the search. Once released, you can purchase a copy of the official arrest report for a $5.00 fee from the Sheriff's Records division, which will specify the towing vendor utilized.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Before heading to the impound lot, ensure you have all the necessary documents and forms of payment. Towing companies in Anderson County are strict about release requirements.

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 provide current proof of insurance for the vehicle.
• 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 don't have a valid license, you can still have someone else retrieve the vehicle for you. They will need:

• Their valid driver's license
• A signed authorization letter from you: A notarized letter authorizing them to pick up the vehicle on your behalf.
• Vehicle title or registration: To prove ownership.

Costs & Fees in Anderson County

The costs associated with impound and storage can add up quickly. Because Anderson County uses private towing companies, fees can vary. Contact the specific impound lot where your vehicle is located to confirm their exact rates.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accrue daily, so retrieving your vehicle as soon as possible is crucial to minimize expenses.

Payment

Call the impound lot in advance to confirm their accepted payment methods. While cash is typically accepted, credit card acceptance varies by operator.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day your vehicle remains at the lot increases the total cost of retrieval. If a vehicle is impounded during the Friday night enforcement peak, immediate retrieval on Saturday morning is paramount. Waiting until Monday will result in the accumulation of storage fees for Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, alongside potential administrative fees.

After 30 Days

In Tennessee, if a vehicle remains unclaimed after a certain period (often 30 days), the impound lot can initiate a lien sale to recover their costs. To avoid this, act quickly to retrieve your vehicle.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you're struggling to afford the impound 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 lots may offer payment plans.

After Retrieval

• Inspect the vehicle immediately before leaving the lot: Carefully examine the vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while in impound.
• Document any damage with photos: Take photos of any damage as evidence.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away: Notify the lot manager of any damage in writing before you leave the premises. This creates a record of the damage and can help with any subsequent claims.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happens if I go to the wrong court location (Clinton vs. Oak Ridge) for my DUI case? A: Appearing in Clinton for an Oak Ridge citation results in an immediate Failure to Appear (FTA) warrant. Ensure you appear at the correct physical location.

Q: How long do I have to request a tow hearing if I believe the tow was unlawful? A: The deadline to request a tow hearing is typically governed by the impounding agency's specific civil procedures, but generally must be filed within a narrow window (often 10 days) of the impoundment.

Q: Where do I file for a tow hearing in Anderson County? A: File for a tow hearing in the Anderson County General Sessions Court (Civil Division).