Coffee County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Coffee County

After a DUI arrest in Coffee County, Tennessee, one of your most immediate concerns will be retrieving your vehicle. Tennessee law permits law enforcement to impound vehicles when the driver is arrested. This means your car will be towed to a local impound lot, and you will be responsible for all associated towing and storage fees. Understanding the process and acting quickly can help you minimize these costs and get your vehicle back as soon as possible.

Where Is Your Car?

Several towing companies operate in Coffee County, and your vehicle's location will depend on the arresting agency and the location of your arrest. Here are some primary impound lots:

• Coffee County Sheriff's Office at 76 County Jail Ln, Manchester, TN 37355
• Parker Wrecker Service: Located at 2651 Murfreesboro Hwy, Manchester, TN 37355. Call them at (931) 409-5847. Parker Wrecker Service operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• TNR Towing and Recovery: Located at 217 Big Springs Ave, Tullahoma, TN 37388. You can reach them at (931) 434-4577.
• Mid-State Towing: Located at 119 Stephenson Rd, Hillsboro, TN 37342.

How to Find Your Vehicle

If you're unsure where your car was towed, here are steps you can take:

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided documentation indicating the name of the towing company and the location of the impound lot.
• Call the Coffee County Sheriff's Office: Contact the Coffee County Sheriff's Office at (931) 728-3591. Provide them with your name, date of birth, and vehicle description to inquire about the vehicle's location.
• Reference your booking number: Having your booking number from the Coffee County Jail can help expedite the process of locating your vehicle.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

To retrieve your vehicle from the impound lot, you will generally need the following:

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: 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. This can be the vehicle's registration or title.
• Proof of insurance: You'll need to show proof of current insurance coverage for the vehicle.
• Payment for fees: Be prepared to pay all towing and storage fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you can still retrieve your vehicle, but you'll need to follow these steps:

• Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it: Ask someone with a valid driver's license to pick up the vehicle for you.
• 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 Coffee County

Towing and storage fees can add up quickly, so understanding the costs involved is crucial.

• Tow Fee: Expect to pay a base tow fee of around $190.00 for standard-sized vehicles.
• Daily Storage Rate: Storage fees can range from $45.00 per day for outside storage to $55.00 per day for inside storage.

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 before you go to find out what forms of payment they accept. Parker Wrecker Service, for example, requires payment in cash, money order, or cashier's check only.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees begin accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day that passes increases the total amount you owe.

After 30 Days

Under Tennessee law, if a vehicle remains unclaimed after 30 days, the impound lot can initiate a lien sale to recover the accrued costs. This means they can sell your vehicle at auction. 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, consider the following 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 offer payment plans, but this is not guaranteed.

After Retrieval

• Inspect the vehicle immediately before leaving the lot: Carefully examine your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was in the impound lot's possession.
• Document any damage with photos: Take detailed photographs of any damage you find.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away: Notify the impound lot manager of any damage in writing before you leave the premises. This will help protect your rights if you need to file a claim for damages later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I get my personal belongings out of my car before I retrieve it? A: Contact the impound lot to inquire about their policy on retrieving personal belongings. Some lots may allow you to remove essential items before paying the fees.

Q: What happens if I abandon my vehicle at the impound lot? A: If you abandon your vehicle, the impound lot can sell it at auction to recover the towing and storage fees. You may also face legal consequences for abandoning a vehicle.

Q: Can I dispute the towing fees if I believe they are too high? A: Tennessee law sets maximum rates for towing and storage fees. If you believe you have been overcharged, you can contact the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance or consult with an attorney.