Bedford County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Bedford County

Following a DUI arrest in Bedford County, Tennessee, one of the first logistical challenges you'll face is retrieving your impounded vehicle. Law enforcement officers will not leave a vehicle unattended on the roadside after an arrest. Instead, it is towed to a contracted impound lot, where it will accrue daily storage fees until you reclaim it. Understanding the process, required documentation, and associated costs is crucial to minimizing expenses and reclaiming your vehicle quickly.

Where Is Your Car?

Bedford County does not operate a centralized, municipal impound lot. Instead, the Shelbyville Police Department and the Bedford County Sheriff's Office use a rotational dispatch list of private towing companies. Your vehicle could be at one of several locations. Here are a few:

• Mike's Towing & Recovery: 833 N Jefferson St, Shelbyville, TN 37160
• Davidson Heavy Towing & Recovery: 2678 US-41A Building A, Shelbyville, TN 37160

How to Find Your Vehicle

Locating your vehicle requires prompt action. Here are a few ways to determine where it was towed:

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer should have noted the name of the towing company on your release documents.
• Call the Bedford County Sheriff's Office: Contact their non-emergency dispatch line to inquire about the location of your vehicle.
• Reference your booking number: Provide this number when calling to help them locate your records more efficiently.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Gathering the necessary paperwork is essential for a smooth retrieval process.

Required Documents

Typically, you will need the following:

• Valid driver's license: If your license is suspended, a licensed individual can retrieve the vehicle on your behalf.
• Vehicle registration or title: Proof of ownership is mandatory.
• Proof of insurance: The vehicle must be insured.
• Payment for fees: Be prepared to cover all towing and storage charges.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, 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 granting them permission to retrieve the vehicle.
• Vehicle title or registration to prove ownership.

Costs & Fees in Bedford County

The costs associated with retrieving your vehicle can add up quickly. While specific local rates are unavailable, storage fees accumulate daily, so prompt action is crucial.

The MOTION Act, designated as Public Chapter 1017, which officially took effect on July 1, 2024, dictates exactly what commercial towing companies in Bedford County can legally charge, effectively eliminating historic fee-stacking methodologies.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day. Retrieve your vehicle as quickly as possible to minimize expenses. By state regulation, storage charges strictly begin twenty-four (24) hours after a vehicle is towed.

Payment

Contact the impound lot in advance to confirm their accepted payment methods. Some accept cash, credit cards, or money orders, but policies vary.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing 24 hours after your vehicle is towed. Every day of delay increases the total cost.

After 30 Days

After a prolonged period, often around 30 days, the impound lot can initiate a lien sale to recover their costs if the vehicle remains unclaimed. Do not allow the situation to reach this point.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you are struggling to afford the impound fees, consider these options:

• Contact a family member or friend to request financial assistance.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available. Some facilities may offer installment options.

After Retrieval

• Inspect the vehicle immediately before leaving the lot.
• Document any damage with photos.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away. This creates a record of the damage and protects your ability to file a claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will the impound lot release my car to my spouse without my written consent? A: If you are incarcerated and cannot retrieve the vehicle yourself, an authorized representative, insurer, or lienholder maintains the legal right to secure the vehicle. The impound lot must release the vehicle to this authorized agent without requiring additional, direct written consent from the incarcerated owner, provided the representative pays the reasonable accrued charges.

Q: Can I get my personal belongings out of the car before I pay the impound fees? A: You should be allowed to retrieve essential personal items from the vehicle, such as medications or documents, even if you cannot immediately pay the full impound fees. However, the impound lot may require you to inventory the items and sign a release.

Q: What if the police never told me where my car was towed in Bedford County? A: While uncommon, this can happen. Contact the Bedford County Sheriff's Office at (931) 684-4566 to inquire about the location of your vehicle. Provide your name, date of arrest, and booking number if available.