Haywood County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Haywood County

**(dui.guide - Your Guide to Navigating a DUI in Haywood, TN)*Being arrested for DUI in Haywood County, Tennessee, is a stressful experience. Beyond dealing with the legal ramifications, you also have to figure out what to do with your vehicle, which is often impounded after a DUI arrest. This guide provides a step-by-step explanation of how to retrieve your car from impound in Haywood County, helping you navigate the process and minimize costs.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you are arrested for DUI in Haywood County, the Haywood County Sheriff's Office or other arresting agency will typically have your vehicle towed and impounded. This is standard procedure for several reasons:

• Safety: To prevent you from driving under the influence again.
• Evidence: To preserve any potential evidence that may be in the vehicle.
• Liability: To protect the arresting agency from liability if the vehicle were to be involved in an accident or stolen.

The impound lot acts as a custodian of your vehicle until you, or a designated and authorized person, can retrieve it. It's important to act quickly to minimize storage fees and prevent further complications.

Where Is Your Car?

The first step in retrieving your vehicle is determining where it was towed. The arresting officer should have provided you with this information, but if you don't have it, here's how to find out:

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Check your arrest paperwork: The paperwork you received from the arresting officer should list the name and contact information for the towing company that impounded your vehicle. This is the quickest and easiest way to find out where your car is located.
• Call the Haywood County Sheriff's Office: If you can't find the information on your paperwork, contact the Haywood County Sheriff's Office at (731) 772-2412. Provide them with your name, date of birth, and date of arrest, and they should be able to tell you where your vehicle was towed.
• Reference your booking number: When calling the Sheriff's Office, having your booking number readily available will help them locate your information more quickly. This number is usually on your release paperwork from the Haywood County Jail, located at 200 S Dupree St, Brownsville, TN 38012; phone: (731) 772-2914.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

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

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: You, or the person retrieving the vehicle on your behalf, must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration or title: You must provide proof of ownership, such as the vehicle registration or title.
• Proof of insurance: You must provide proof that the vehicle is currently insured.
• Payment for fees: You will need to pay all towing and storage fees before the impound lot will release your vehicle.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you cannot legally drive the vehicle yourself. However, you can still have someone else retrieve it for you.

• Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it: Ask 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, giving them permission to retrieve the vehicle. The letter should include your full name, date of birth, driver's license number (if applicable), the vehicle's make and model, and the vehicle's license plate number.
• Vehicle title or registration to prove ownership.

Costs & Fees in Haywood County

Towing and storage fees can add up quickly, so it's important to understand the potential costs involved. While specific rates vary by impound lot, here's a general idea of what to expect in Tennessee:

• Typical towing fees: $150 - $300
• Daily storage fees: $25 - $50 per day

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

Payment

Call the impound lot in advance to confirm their accepted payment methods. Most impound lots accept cash, and many also accept credit cards or money orders. Personal checks are rarely accepted.

Timeline

Time is of the essence when it comes to retrieving your impounded vehicle.

Act Immediately

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

After 30 Days

In Tennessee, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period (typically 30 days), the impound lot has the right to initiate a lien sale. This means they can sell your vehicle to recover the unpaid towing and storage fees. Do not let it reach this point. Contact the impound lot as soon as possible to make arrangements to retrieve your vehicle.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

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

• Contact a family member or friend: Ask a family member or friend if they can help you cover the costs.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available: Some impound lots may be willing to work with you on a payment plan, allowing you to pay the fees in installments. It's worth asking if this is an option.
• Consult with your attorney: Your DUI attorney may be able to negotiate with the impound lot to reduce the fees, or they may be able to challenge the fees in court if they believe they are unreasonable.

After Retrieval

Before driving your vehicle away from the impound lot, take the following steps:

• Inspect the vehicle immediately: Carefully inspect your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.
• Document any damage with photos: Take clear photos of any damage as evidence.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing: Immediately report any damage to the impound lot manager and obtain a written acknowledgement of your report. This is crucial for filing a claim for damages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does the impound lot have to keep my car in Haywood County? A: In Tennessee, impound lots can typically initiate a lien sale after 30 days if the vehicle is unclaimed. Contact the impound lot immediately after your arrest to avoid this.

Q: Can I get a hardship exception to get my car back sooner in Haywood County? A: There are no guaranteed hardship exceptions. However, consulting with a Haywood County DUI attorney can help determine if there are grounds to petition the court for early release of your vehicle.

Q: What if the impound lot refuses to release my vehicle in Haywood County, even with the proper paperwork? A: Contact the Haywood County Sheriff's Office at (731) 772-2412 and explain the situation. They can help mediate the situation and ensure the impound lot is following proper procedures.