Dickson County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Dickson

Being arrested for DUI in Dickson, Tennessee is a stressful experience. On top of the legal worries, you're likely wondering, "Where's my car and how do I get it back?" This guide provides the immediate, practical information you need to retrieve your vehicle as quickly and affordably as possible. The clock is ticking, as storage fees add up daily.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in Dickson County, Tennessee, your vehicle is typically impounded. This is standard procedure to ensure public safety and prevent further offenses. The police need to remove the vehicle from the road, and impound lots provide secure storage. Understanding this process is the first step in getting your car back.

Where Is Your Car?

After your arrest, your car was likely towed to an official impound lot. Finding out exactly where it is should be your top priority.

Official Impound Lots in Dickson

Unfortunately, we don't have specific data on Dickson impound lots at this time. However, we can provide guidance on how to find your vehicle.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call Dickson Police/Sheriff: The most direct way to find your car is to contact the Dickson Police Department or the Dickson County Sheriff's Office. Their non-emergency number is your best bet. You can search online for "Dickson Police Department phone number" or "Dickson County Sheriff's Office phone number."
• Reference your case number: When you call, provide your name, date of birth, and, most importantly, your case number. This will help them quickly locate your vehicle's location.
• Time is of the essence: Most vehicles are towed to an impound lot within 24 hours of the arrest. The sooner you call, the better.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you know where your car is, gather the necessary documents to retrieve it.

Required Documents

You'll generally need the following documents to reclaim your vehicle:

• Valid driver's license: The person retrieving the vehicle needs a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration: Proof that the vehicle is registered to you or someone authorizing the release.
• Proof of insurance: Current insurance documentation for the vehicle.
• Cash or credit card: Impound lots typically accept cash or credit cards for payment of fees. Call the specific lot ahead of time to confirm accepted payment methods.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you'll need someone else to pick up the vehicle.

• Have someone else pick it up: A friend or family member with a valid license can retrieve the car for you.
• They need:
• Their valid driver's license
• Authorization from you (a signed letter stating they are authorized to pick up the vehicle on your behalf)
• Vehicle title or registration (to prove ownership)

Costs & Fees in Dickson

Understanding the costs involved is crucial to planning your retrieval strategy.

Typical Fees

Expect to pay the following types of fees:

• Towing fee: Expect this to range from $150 to $300.
• Daily storage: This is where costs can quickly escalate. Expect to pay between $20 and $50 per day for storage.
• Administrative fees: These fees cover the impound lot's paperwork and processing.
• Release fee: A one-time fee charged for releasing the vehicle.

IMPORTANT: Fees accumulate daily. The longer you wait, the more it will cost. Make retrieving your vehicle a priority.

Payment Methods

Contact the impound lot directly to confirm accepted payment methods. Common methods include cash, credit card, and sometimes debit card.

Timeline

Understanding the timeline helps you avoid unnecessary expenses and potential loss of your vehicle.

Within 24 Hours

Aim to retrieve your car within the first 24 hours to minimize daily storage fees.

After 30 Days

If your vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period (typically 30 days), the impound lot may have the legal right to sell it at a lien sale to recover their costs. Don't let this happen!

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Financial constraints can make retrieving your car seem impossible, but there are options.

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: This is often the quickest and easiest solution.
• Payment plans: Some impound lots may offer payment plans. Inquire directly with the lot manager.
• Sign vehicle over to impound lot: This is a last resort. You avoid accumulating further debt, but you permanently lose your vehicle.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait: Fees add up exponentially. Procrastination will only worsen the financial burden.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning your vehicle can lead to further legal complications and fines.

Special Situations

Certain circumstances can complicate the retrieval process.

If Your Car Was Evidence

If the police are holding your vehicle as evidence related to your DUI case, it may be held for an extended period.

• May be held longer by police: Contact your attorney or the police department to determine when the vehicle will be released.
• Get release authorization first: Before going to the impound lot, obtain written authorization from the police department allowing the vehicle's release.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

If the vehicle is registered to someone else (e.g., a parent, spouse, or leasing company), the registered owner has the right to retrieve it, regardless of your DUI arrest.

• Registered owner can retrieve regardless of your situation: They will need to provide proof of ownership (vehicle title or registration) and their valid driver's license.
• They'll need proof of ownership: The title or registration.

After Retrieval

Once you retrieve your vehicle, take these important steps.

Check Your Vehicle

Carefully inspect your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.

• Document any damage immediately: Make a detailed record of any scratches, dents, or other damage.
• Take photos: Photographic evidence is crucial for any claims you might need to file.
• Report damage to impound lot manager: Immediately report the damage to the impound lot manager and obtain a written acknowledgment of your report.

Dickson Impound Lot Locations

[This section would ideally contain a detailed list of impound lot locations in Dickson, TN, including addresses, phone numbers, business hours, and potentially a map. Since this data is unavailable, we recommend the user search online for "Dickson TN impound lots" or "Dickson TN towing services."]

Remember to act quickly and gather all the necessary documentation to retrieve your vehicle as soon as possible. This will minimize costs and prevent further complications related to your DUI arrest in Dickson, Tennessee. Good luck.