Bledsoe County Vehicle Impound Guide

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meta_description: How to retrieve your impounded vehicle after a DUI arrest in Bledsoe, TN. Learn about storage locations, required documents, and recovery steps.

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Bledsoe County

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

Under Tennessee Code § 55-10-416, law enforcement officers are authorized to impound vehicles of individuals arrested for driving under the influence. This is done to remove the vehicle from the roadway and secure it. The vehicle is towed to a designated storage lot.

When you are arrested for DUI, your vehicle is not left on the side of the road. Officers will call a towing service to transport it to a secure facility. The driver is responsible for all costs associated with towing and storage. These fees must be paid in full before the vehicle is released.

Where Is Your Car?

Your vehicle will be taken to one of several storage lots used by local law enforcement. The specific location depends on which agency made the arrest and which towing company was on dispatch rotation.

Official and Regional Storage Locations

• Bledsoe Highway Department Address: 602 Crusher Rd, Pikeville, TN 37367 Phone: (423) 447-6216

• Smith Asset Recovery Address: 218 Industrial Park Dr, Soddy-Daisy, TN 37379 Phone: (423) 451-7263

• Tennessee Wrecker Address: 1604 Eagle Dr, Hixson, TN 37343 Phone: (423) 842-7243

• Mark's Toys Address: 13505 Dayton Pike, Sale Creek, TN 37373 Phone: (423) 332-2229

How to Find Your Vehicle

Check your arrest paperwork. The towing company name and location are noted on the citation or the vehicle impound form.

If the paperwork does not list the location, call the Bledsoe Sheriff's Office non-emergency line at (423) 447-2197. You must provide your booking number, name, or the vehicle license plate number to identify where the car was taken.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Required Documents

To secure the release of your vehicle, you must present specific documentation at the impound lot:

• Valid Driver's License: If your license was confiscated or suspended during the arrest, you cannot drive the vehicle off the lot yourself. You must bring a licensed driver to operate the vehicle.
• Proof of Ownership: You must present the vehicle registration or the vehicle title in your name.
• Proof of Insurance: You must show a current, valid auto insurance card for the vehicle.
• Payment: You must pay all accrued towing and storage fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

You cannot drive your vehicle if your license is suspended. You must have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it for you.

The person retrieving the vehicle must present:

• Their valid driver's license.
• A signed, notarized authorization letter from you permitting them to claim the vehicle.
• The vehicle title or registration.

Costs & Fees

Towing and daily storage fees are set by the individual towing operators. These fees are not standardized by the court.

Storage fees accumulate every day. Retrieve your vehicle as quickly as possible.

Payment

Call the impound lot in advance to confirm accepted payment methods. Many lots accept cash, credit cards, or money orders. Most facilities do not accept personal checks.

Timeline

Act Immediately

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

After 30 Days

Under Tennessee Code § 55-16-104, unclaimed vehicles are classified as abandoned. The towing company can initiate a lien sale to recover unpaid towing and storage costs if the vehicle remains unclaimed for 30 days. This process can result in the permanent loss of your vehicle.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you cannot pay the fees, contact a family member or friend to help cover the costs.

Ask the impound lot if they offer payment arrangements, though many require full payment before releasing the vehicle.

After Retrieval

Inspect the vehicle immediately before leaving the lot. Look for any new damage to the exterior, interior, or mechanical components.

Document any damage with photos. Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away.