Bedford County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Bedford County

(dui.guide - Your Guide to Navigating a DUI in Bedford, Tennessee)

After a DUI arrest in Bedford County, Tennessee, your vehicle is often impounded. This is a standard procedure designed to ensure public safety and prevent further potential offenses. Understanding how to retrieve your vehicle is crucial, as storage fees can accumulate quickly. This guide provides a step-by-step explanation of the process, costs, and requirements for getting your car back.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you are arrested for DUI in Bedford County, the arresting officer will arrange for your vehicle to be towed and stored at a designated impound lot. This is done for several reasons:

• Safety: To prevent you from driving under the influence again.
• Evidence: The vehicle may be held as evidence in your DUI case.
• Legal Requirement: Tennessee law allows for vehicle impoundment in DUI cases.

After the tow, you will need to take specific steps to reclaim your vehicle. Failing to do so promptly can lead to significant storage fees and, eventually, the loss of your vehicle through a lien sale.

Where Is Your Car?

Your vehicle is likely stored at one of the following impound lots in Bedford County:

• Mike's Towing & Recovery: 833 N Jefferson St, Shelbyville, TN 37160. Phone: (931) 437-2130.
• Davidson Heavy Towing & Recovery: 2678 US-41A Building A, Shelbyville, TN 37160. Phone: (931) 619-6525.

How to Find Your Vehicle

If you are unsure where your vehicle was towed, here are a few ways to find out:

• Check Your Arrest Paperwork: The paperwork you received from the arresting officer should indicate the name and contact information of the towing company.
• Call the Bedford County Sheriff's Office: Contact the Bedford County Sheriff's Office at (931) 684-3232. Provide them with your name, date of birth, and the approximate location where your vehicle was towed.
• Reference Your Booking Number: Have your booking number ready when calling, as this will help them locate your information more quickly.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

To retrieve your vehicle from the impound lot, you will need to provide 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 of the vehicle is required.
• Proof of Insurance: You must provide proof of current insurance coverage for the vehicle.
• Payment for Fees: You will need to pay all applicable towing and storage fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you cannot personally retrieve the vehicle. 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's title or registration in your name.

Costs & Fees in Bedford County

Towing and storage fees can add up quickly, so it's essential to understand the costs involved. Contact the specific impound lot to confirm their current fees, as they are subject to change.

• Mike's Towing & Recovery: Daily Fee: $N/A
• Davidson Heavy Towing & Recovery: Daily Fee: $N/A

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day, including weekends and holidays. The sooner you retrieve your vehicle, the less you will have to pay.

Payment

Contact the impound lot in advance to confirm their accepted payment methods. Most impound lots accept cash. Some may also accept credit cards or money orders, but it's crucial to verify this beforehand to avoid delays.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed to the impound lot. Every day that passes increases the amount you owe. Contact the impound lot as soon as possible after your release to begin the retrieval process.

After 30 Days

In Tennessee, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period (typically 30 days), the impound lot has the right to initiate a lien sale. This means they can legally sell your vehicle to recover the outstanding towing and storage fees. Do not let it reach this point.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you are struggling to afford the towing and storage fees, here are a few potential 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 impound lots may be willing to work out a payment plan, allowing you to pay the fees in installments. This is not guaranteed, but it's worth inquiring.
• Consult with Your Attorney: In some cases, your attorney may be able to negotiate the fees or challenge their validity if there are grounds to do so.

After Retrieval

Before leaving the impound lot with your vehicle, take the following precautions:

• Inspect the Vehicle Immediately: 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 clear photos of any scratches, dents, or other damage.
• Report Any Damage to the Lot Manager in Writing Before You Drive Away: Notify the impound lot manager of any damage in writing and obtain a copy of the report for your records. This will be essential if you need to file a claim for damages later.

Retrieving your vehicle after a DUI arrest in Bedford County requires prompt action and careful attention to detail. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can navigate the process efficiently and minimize the costs involved. Remember to consult with a qualified DUI attorney in our attorney directory to discuss your legal options and protect your rights. Browse licensed bail bondsmen serving Bedford County in our bail bond directory if you need assistance with bail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does the impound lot hold my car in Bedford County? A: Typically, impound lots in Tennessee can initiate a lien sale after 30 days of unpaid storage fees. Contact the specific lot for their exact policy.

Q: Can someone else pick up my car for me if my license is suspended in Bedford County? A: Yes, a licensed driver can retrieve your vehicle with a signed authorization letter from you and the vehicle's title or registration.

Q: What forms of payment do Bedford County impound lots accept? A: Most lots accept cash, but it's best to call Mike's Towing & Recovery at (931) 437-2130 or Davidson Heavy Towing & Recovery at (931) 619-6525 to confirm their payment policies before you go.