Carroll County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Carroll County

After a DUI arrest in Carroll County, Tennessee, one of your immediate concerns is likely getting your vehicle back. Often, as part of the arrest procedure, your car will be impounded and towed to a local impound lot. This guide will walk you through the process of locating, retrieving, and paying for your vehicle’s release, helping you navigate this often-confusing situation. Understanding the steps involved and acting quickly can save you significant money in storage fees.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you are arrested for DUI, the Carroll County Sheriff's Office or other law enforcement agency will typically arrange for your vehicle to be towed and impounded. This is standard procedure to ensure public safety and prevent the vehicle from being used illegally while you are in custody. The vehicle will be held at an impound lot until you (or someone authorized by you) can provide the necessary documentation and payment to have it released. Failure to retrieve your vehicle promptly will result in accruing daily storage fees, potentially leading to a lien sale of your vehicle if left unclaimed.

Where Is Your Car?

Your vehicle is most likely at one of the following impound lots in or near Carroll County:

• Minors Towing & Recovery, LLC: 19675 Hwy 412 E, Lexington, TN 38351
• Jkee Auto & Towing: 31024 Broad St, Bruceton, TN 38317

How to Find Your Vehicle

If you're unsure where your car 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 and contact information of the towing company used. This is the quickest and most reliable way to determine your vehicle's location.
• Call the Carroll County Sheriff's Office: You can contact the Carroll County Sheriff's Office at (731) 986-8947. Provide them with your name, date of birth, and the date of your arrest. They should be able to tell you which towing company has your vehicle.
• Reference Your Booking Number: Having your booking number readily available when contacting the Sheriff's Office or the impound lots will help them locate your information faster.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Before heading to the impound lot, make sure you have all the necessary documents and payment methods.

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 of the vehicle, either through the vehicle registration or the title.
• Proof of Insurance: You must show proof that the vehicle is currently insured.
• Payment for Fees: Be prepared to pay the towing and storage fees in full.

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:

• Have a Licensed Friend or Family Member Retrieve It: You can authorize a licensed friend or family member to 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.
• The vehicle title or registration in your name.

Costs & Fees in Carroll County

Retrieving your vehicle involves paying towing fees and daily storage fees. Contact the specific impound lot for current fee information.

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

Payment

Contact the impound lot before you go to confirm their accepted payment methods. Many lots accept cash, but some may also accept credit cards or money orders. Knowing this in advance will save you time and potential headaches.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Every day your vehicle sits in the impound lot, the storage fees increase. Contact the towing company as soon as possible after your release to arrange for retrieval.

After 30 Days

Tennessee law allows impound lots to begin the process of selling unclaimed vehicles after a certain period, typically around 30 days. To avoid losing your vehicle permanently, it is crucial to take action immediately.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you are struggling to afford the towing and storage fees, consider the following options:

• Contact a Family Member or Friend: Ask for assistance in covering the costs.
• Ask the Impound Lot About a Payment Plan: Some impound lots may offer payment plans, but this is not guaranteed. It's worth asking if this is an option.
• Consult with Your Attorney: In some cases, your attorney may be able to negotiate the fees or challenge their validity.

After Retrieval

Before driving away from the impound lot, take the following precautions:

• Inspect the Vehicle Immediately: Carefully inspect your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was in the impound lot's possession.
• Document Any Damage: Take photos of any damage you find.
• Report Any Damage to the Lot Manager in Writing: Notify the lot manager of any damage in writing before you leave the premises. This will help you if you need to file a claim later.

Getting your car back after a DUI arrest in Carroll County requires prompt action and careful attention to detail. By following these steps, you can minimize the costs and stress involved in retrieving your vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does the impound lot have to keep my car in Carroll County? A: Impound lots can initiate a lien sale after a certain period, typically around 30 days. Contact the lot immediately to prevent this.

Q: Can I get my belongings out of my car before I pay the impound fees in Carroll County? A: You may be able to retrieve essential personal belongings from your vehicle (e.g., medications, work tools) before paying the fees. Contact the impound lot to confirm their policy and arrange a time.

Q: What happens if I abandon my vehicle at the impound lot in Carroll County? A: If you abandon your vehicle, the impound lot will eventually sell it to recover the towing and storage fees. This can negatively impact your credit rating.