Franklin County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Franklin County

A DUI arrest in Franklin, Tennessee can be a stressful experience. One of the immediate concerns is often: "Where's my car, and how do I get it back?" This guide provides a practical roadmap to navigate the vehicle impound and retrieval process in Franklin County.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in Tennessee, your vehicle is typically impounded. This is a standard procedure for several reasons:

• Safety: To prevent you from driving under the influence again.
• Evidence: The vehicle might be held as evidence related to your DUI case.
• Liability: To protect the police and Franklin County from liability if you were to cause an accident.

Understanding this process is crucial to minimizing the hassle and expense of retrieving your vehicle.

Where Is Your Car?

Finding your car is the first step. It's usually towed to an official impound lot.

How to Find Your Vehicle

Unfortunately, specific impound lot data for Franklin County is currently unavailable. However, there are several ways to locate your vehicle:

• Check Your Arrest Paperwork: The paperwork you received at the time of your arrest should indicate the name and contact information of the towing company that impounded your vehicle. This is often the quickest way to find out where your car is located.
• Call the Franklin County Sheriff's Office: If you can't find the information on your paperwork, contact the non-emergency line for the Franklin County Sheriff's Office. They should be able to tell you where your vehicle was towed.
• Reference Your Booking Number: When you call, provide your full name and your booking number (if you have it). This helps them quickly locate your vehicle's impound location.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Before you can retrieve your car, you'll need specific documents and payment.

Required Documents

• Valid Driver's License: You (or the person retrieving the vehicle) must have a valid, unexpired driver's license.
• Vehicle Registration or Title: You'll need the vehicle's current registration or the vehicle's title.
• Proof of Insurance: Provide proof of current insurance coverage for the vehicle.
• Payment for Fees: Be prepared to pay all applicable towing and storage fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended or revoked due to the DUI arrest, you'll need someone else with a valid license to retrieve the vehicle.

• Have Someone Else Pick It Up: A friend or family member with a valid license can pick up the car for you.
• They Need:
• Their valid driver's license.
• A signed authorization letter from you allowing them to retrieve the vehicle.
• The vehicle title or registration (proving ownership).

Costs & Fees in Franklin County

Retrieving your vehicle involves various fees that can add up quickly.

Typical Fees

• Towing Fee: Expect to pay between $150 and $300 for the towing service.
• Daily Storage: Storage fees can range from $25 to $50 per day.

**IMPORTANT: These fees accumulate daily. The longer you wait, the more it will cost to get your car back.*### Payment

Call the impound lot in advance to confirm acceptable payment methods before heading to the lot. Common methods include:

• Cash
• Credit Card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover)
• Money Order

Timeline

Time is of the essence when retrieving your vehicle.

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day costs more money.

After 30 Days

Most states, including Tennessee, allow the impound lot to initiate a lien sale if the vehicle remains unclaimed after a certain period (usually 30 days). Don't let it get to this point.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Facing financial hardship after a DUI arrest is common. Here are some options:

Options

• Borrow from Family/Friends: Ask for assistance from loved ones.
• Payment Plans: Some impound lots may offer payment plans. Inquire about this option.
• Consult with your attorney: In some cases, your attorney may be able to negotiate fees or challenge their validity.

What NOT to Do

• Don't Wait: Fees increase daily. Procrastination will only worsen the situation.
• Don't Abandon the Vehicle: Abandoning the vehicle can result in further legal consequences and fines.

After Retrieval

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

Check Your Vehicle

Thoroughly inspect your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded before leaving the lot.

• Document any damage immediately: Note any scratches, dents, or other damage.
• Take photos: Capture photographic evidence of the damage.
• Report damage to impound lot manager: Immediately report any damage to the impound lot manager and file a written claim before you drive away.

Frequently Asked Questions

**1. What if the impound lot is closed when I get there?*Impound lots typically have specific operating hours. Call ahead to confirm their hours of operation before heading over. If they are closed, you'll have to wait until they reopen, and you'll continue to accrue storage fees.

**2. Can I get a partial refund if I retrieve my car early?*It's unlikely you'll receive a partial refund for unused storage days. Impound lots generally charge for each day the vehicle is stored, regardless of when you pick it up.

**3. What if I can't find the title or registration for my car?*If you can't locate your vehicle title or registration, you can obtain a copy from the Tennessee Department of Revenue. You can find the nearest Driver Services Center at the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security Website. Be prepared to provide proof of identity and pay a fee for the duplicate documents.