Benton County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Benton County

(dui.guide - Your Guide to Navigating DUI Charges)

After a DUI arrest in Benton County, Tennessee, one of your immediate concerns is likely getting your vehicle back. Typically, after a DUI arrest, your vehicle is impounded by law enforcement and taken to a local towing company's storage lot. This happens to ensure public safety and to prevent the vehicle from being used illegally while you are in custody. Knowing the steps to retrieve your vehicle, the required documents, and the associated costs can help streamline this process and minimize expenses.

Where Is Your Car?

Your vehicle was likely towed to one of the following impound lots in Benton County:

• MAIN STREET TOWING: Camden, TN 38320
• Benton's Wrecker Service: 626 Co Rd 135, Riceville, TN 37370

How to Find Your Vehicle

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

• Check Your Arrest Paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided you with paperwork that includes the name of the towing company and potentially their contact information. Look for this information on the documents you received at the time of your arrest.
• Call the Benton County Sheriff's Office: Contact the Benton County Sheriff's Office at (731) 584-4632. Provide them with your name, date of birth, and details about your vehicle. They should be able to tell you where your vehicle was towed. The Benton County Sheriff's Office is located at 116 S Rosemary Ave, Camden, TN 38320.
• Reference Your Booking Number: When you call the Sheriff's Office, having your booking number handy will help them locate your information more quickly.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Before heading to the impound lot, make sure you have all the necessary documents to avoid delays and additional trips.

Required Documents

• Valid Driver's License: You (or the person retrieving the vehicle) must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle Registration or Title: You must provide proof of ownership, either the vehicle registration or the title.
• Proof of Insurance: You need to show proof of current insurance coverage for the vehicle.
• Payment for Fees: Be prepared to pay the towing and storage fees. Contact the impound lot in advance to inquire about accepted forms of payment.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you cannot personally retrieve the vehicle. Here's how someone else can do it for you:

• 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, giving them permission to retrieve the vehicle.
• A copy of the vehicle title or registration in your name.

Costs & Fees in Benton County

Retrieving your vehicle involves paying towing and storage fees. It's crucial to understand these costs to avoid surprises.

• MAIN STREET TOWING: Daily Fee: $N/A
• Benton's Wrecker Service: Daily Fee: $N/A

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

Payment

Call the impound lot in advance to confirm accepted payment methods. Some may accept cash only, while others may take credit cards or money orders.

Timeline

Time is of the essence when it comes to retrieving your impounded vehicle.

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day it remains at the impound lot, the more it will cost you.

After 30 Days

In Tennessee, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for a certain period (typically 30 days), the impound lot can initiate a lien sale to recover their costs. This means they can sell your vehicle to cover the outstanding fees. Do not let it reach this point.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you're facing financial difficulties and struggling to pay the towing and storage fees, consider these options:

• Contact a Family Member or Friend: Ask if they can help you cover the costs.
• Ask the Impound Lot if a Payment Plan Is Available: Some impound lots may offer payment plans, allowing you to pay the fees in installments. It's worth inquiring about this option.

After Retrieval

Once you've retrieved your vehicle, take these important steps:

Check Your Vehicle

Thoroughly inspect your car for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.

Document Any Damage Immediately

If you find any damage, document it with photos and written notes.

Take Photos

Take clear and detailed photos of the damage from various angles.

Report Damage to Impound Lot Manager

Report any damage to the impound lot manager immediately and file a written claim before leaving the premises.

Frequently Asked Questions

1Can I get my belongings out of the car before I pay the fees? It depends on the impound lot's policy. Some will allow you to retrieve essential items like medications or personal documents. Call ahead to confirm.

2What happens if I don't have the title to the car? You can usually use the vehicle registration in your name. If you don't have that either, contact the Benton County Clerk's office at 1 Court Square, Room 101, Camden, TN 38320, or call (731) 584-6011 to inquire about obtaining proof of ownership.

3Is there a way to contest the impound if I believe it was unwarranted?