Greene County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Greene County

After a DUI arrest in Greene County, Tennessee, one of the most immediate concerns is retrieving your vehicle. Law enforcement typically impounds vehicles after a DUI arrest for several reasons: to prevent further impaired driving, as evidence in the case, or for safety if the driver is incapacitated. Understanding the process for getting your car back is crucial to minimizing expenses and navigating this challenging situation.

Where Is Your Car?

The first step is locating your impounded vehicle. In Greene County, law enforcement agencies rely on a rotational dispatch list of private towing companies. This means your car could be at any of the authorized vendors on duty at the time of your arrest. Unlike larger cities, Greene County and the City of Greeneville do not have a single municipal impound lot.

How to Find Your Vehicle

Here's how to determine where your vehicle was towed:

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided documentation that includes the name of the towing company that took your vehicle. Look for this information on the forms you received at the time of your arrest.
• Call the Greene County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: If you can't find the information on your paperwork, contact the Greene County Sheriff’s Office at (423) 798-1800. Be prepared to provide your name, date of birth, and date of arrest.
• Reference your booking number: When you call, having your booking number ready will expedite the process. This number is assigned to you during the booking process at the Greene County Detention Center.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you've located your vehicle, gather the necessary documents to retrieve it.

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. This can be either the vehicle's registration or the title.
• Proof of insurance: You'll need to show proof of current, valid 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 driver's license is suspended or revoked, you cannot retrieve the vehicle yourself. Here's how to proceed:

• Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it: A licensed driver can 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's title or registration (proving your ownership)

Costs & Fees in Greene County

The exact towing fees and daily storage rates in Greene County are not publicly available. However, Tennessee law sets parameters to prevent excessive charges.

Typical towing fees in Tennessee generally range from $150 to $300. Daily storage fees can range from $25 to $50 per day. Keep in mind that these are estimates.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day, including weekends and holidays. Contact the specific impound lot holding your vehicle to confirm their exact fees. Retrieve your vehicle as quickly as possible to minimize these costs.

Payment

Call the impound lot in advance to confirm which payment methods they accept. Most accept cash and major credit cards, but some may also accept money orders. Knowing this in advance will save you time and potential frustration.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees begin accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Each passing day increases the amount you'll owe. Contact the impound lot as soon as possible to initiate the retrieval process.

Administrative Hold Trap

Be aware of the potential "Administrative Hold Trap." The Greeneville Police Department or the Greene County Sheriff's Department may place an administrative hold on your vehicle, preventing its release until they issue an official release form. Because the administrative records divisions of both agencies operate primarily during standard government business hours (Monday through Friday), a DUI arrest on a Friday evening can lead to several days of storage fees before you can obtain the necessary release.

After 30 Days

In Tennessee, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period (typically 30 days), the impound lot can initiate a lien sale to recover their costs. This means they can sell your vehicle to cover the outstanding towing and storage fees. To prevent this, act quickly to retrieve your vehicle.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you're struggling to afford the towing and storage fees, consider these 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. It's worth inquiring about this option.

After Retrieval

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I get my personal belongings out of the 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 full fees.

Q: What happens if I don't retrieve my vehicle? A: If you don't retrieve your vehicle, the impound lot can initiate a lien sale to recover unpaid fees after a certain period. You will lose ownership of the vehicle.

Q: Where is the Greene County Detention Center located? A: The Greene County Detention Center is located at 120 E. Depot Street, Greeneville, TN 37743.