Lauderdale County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Lauderdale, TN

**(dui.guide - Your Guide to DUI in Lauderdale, Tennessee)*Being arrested for a DUI in Lauderdale County, Tennessee is a stressful experience. One of the immediate concerns is often: what happens to my car? Vehicles are typically impounded after a DUI arrest for safety reasons and to prevent further potentially dangerous driving. This guide will walk you through the process of retrieving your vehicle as quickly and efficiently as possible. Time is of the essence to minimize impound fees!

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in Lauderdale County, your vehicle is usually taken into custody by law enforcement. This is standard procedure for a few key reasons:

• Public Safety: Removing a vehicle from the road prevents a potentially impaired driver from getting behind the wheel again.
• Evidence: The vehicle itself might be considered evidence, especially if there was an accident involved.
• Liability: Law enforcement wants to avoid any liability associated with leaving a vehicle unattended.

Understanding why your car was impounded is the first step towards getting it back.

Where Is Your Car?

Finding your car is the next crucial step. Your vehicle was likely towed by one of the following companies operating in the Lauderdale County area:

• Ellis Towing & Recovery LLC: 6950 TN-76, Somerville, TN 38068. Phone: (901) 808-4869
• Whaleys Towing Llc: 11310 US-64, Somerville, TN 38068. Phone: (901) 734-5420
• Chaney Services: 164 N Main St, Ripley, TN 38063. Phone: (731) 612-9029
• Mid-South Towing LLC: 17712 US-64, Somerville, TN 38068. Phone: (901) 465-9000
• Young's Wrecker Service LLC: 1110 Berkley Dr, Brownsville, TN 38012. Phone: (731) 772-3884

How to Find Your Vehicle

The best way to locate your car is to:

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided you with paperwork that includes the name of the towing company and possibly the impound lot location.
• Call the Lauderdale County Sheriff's Office: Contact the Lauderdale County Sheriff's Office at (731) 635-1311. Provide them with your name, date of birth, and the date of your arrest.
• Reference your booking number: When you call, provide your name and the booking number associated with your DUI arrest. This will help them quickly locate your vehicle.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Gathering the necessary documents is essential for a smooth retrieval process.

Required Documents

You (or someone authorized to retrieve the vehicle on your behalf) will typically need the following:

• Valid driver's license: The person retrieving the vehicle must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration: Proof that the vehicle is registered in your name (or the name of the person authorizing retrieval). A copy of the vehicle title is also acceptable.
• Proof of insurance: Current and valid insurance documentation for the vehicle.
• Payment for fees: Be prepared to pay towing, storage, and administrative fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

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

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

Costs & Fees in Lauderdale County

Understanding the costs involved is crucial to avoid surprises.

Typical Fees

Expect to pay the following types of fees:

• Towing fees will vary based on the distance towed, but expect the cost to be in the range of $150-$300.
• Daily storage fees will vary based on which company towed your vehicle.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate daily. The longer you wait, the more expensive it will be. Get your car back as soon as possible to minimize these costs.

Payment

Contact the impound lot directly to determine accepted payment methods. Common options include:

• Cash
• Credit Card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover)
• Debit Card

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 costs more money.

After 30 Days

In Tennessee, if a vehicle is not retrieved within a certain timeframe (typically 30 days), the impound lot may have the right to sell the vehicle 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 difficult, but there are options.

• Contact a family member or friend: See if you can borrow money to cover the fees.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available: Some impound lots may offer payment plans, although this is not guaranteed. Inquire directly with the lot.
• Consult with your attorney: In some cases, a DUI attorney may be able to negotiate or challenge the impound fees.
• Sign the vehicle over to the impound lot: As a last resort, you may be able to sign the vehicle's title over to the impound lot to avoid accruing further debt. This means you will lose ownership of the car.

After Retrieval

Once you've paid the fees and presented the required documentation, you'll be allowed to retrieve your vehicle. Before driving away, be sure to:

• Inspect the vehicle immediately before leaving the lot: Carefully examine the car for any new damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.
• Document any damage with photos: Take clear photos of any dents, scratches, or other damage.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away: Obtain a written acknowledgment of your damage report from the impound lot. This will be important if you need to file a claim for damages later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does the impound lot have to keep my car? A: In Tennessee, the impound lot can initiate a lien sale process after approximately 30 days if the vehicle is unclaimed.

Q: Can I get my belongings out of the car before I retrieve it? A: Most impound lots will allow you to retrieve personal belongings from the vehicle, but you'll need to show proof of ownership (registration or title) and identification. Contact the specific impound lot in Lauderdale County to confirm their policy.

Q: What happens if I can't afford to get my car out of impound? A: If you can't afford the fees, the impound lot may eventually sell the vehicle at auction to cover the costs. You may also be able to sign the vehicle over to the impound lot to avoid accruing further debt.