Lawrence County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Lawrence County

After a DUI arrest in Lawrence County, Tennessee, one of your most pressing concerns is likely getting your vehicle back. Your car is impounded as a standard procedure following a DUI arrest. This guide provides the essential steps and information you need to navigate the vehicle retrieval process in Lawrence County. Understanding the procedures, costs, and required documentation will help you reclaim your vehicle as quickly as possible and minimize expenses.

Where Is Your Car?

In Lawrence County, your vehicle could be at one of several locations depending on where you were arrested and by which agency. Here are the primary impound locations:

• Lawrenceburg City Impound Lot: Located on Mahr Avenue, Lawrenceburg, TN 38464. You can contact the Lawrenceburg Police Department / City Court at (931) 762-2276 for information.

If your arrest was outside Lawrenceburg city limits, the Lawrence County Sheriff's Office or the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) likely handled the impound. In these cases, your vehicle would have been towed by a private company on a rotation schedule. Here are some secondary lots used in Lawrence County:

• County Impound Lot: Located at 514 Bernard Ave, Knoxville, TN 37921. Phone: N/A.
• Bad Boy Towing & Recovery, Inc.: Located at 901 N Military St, Loretto, TN 38469. Phone: N/A.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Check Your Arrest Paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided documentation indicating the towing company and impound location.
• Call the Lawrence County Sheriff's Office: If you're unsure, contact the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office dispatch at (931) 762-0450 to trace the specific wrecker assignment.
• Contact THP District 7 Headquarters: You can also contact the THP District 7 headquarters at (931) 766-1425 to inquire about the vehicle's location. The Lawrenceburg ORI identifier for THP District 7 is TNTHP0700.
• Reference Your Booking Number: Have your booking number ready when you call to help them locate your information quickly.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

To retrieve your vehicle, you will need specific documents and must be prepared to pay the associated fees.

Required Documents

• Valid Driver's License: The person retrieving the vehicle must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle Registration or Title: Proof of ownership is essential. Bring the vehicle registration or title.
• Proof of Insurance: You must provide current proof of insurance 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 license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you can still retrieve your vehicle by following these steps:

• 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 (the registered owner), and the vehicle title or registration.

Costs & Fees in Lawrence County

The costs associated with impound and storage can add up quickly, so understanding the fee structure is crucial.

• Daily Storage Rate (Lawrenceburg City Impound Lot): $40.00 per day. According to local ordinance, any portion of a day constitutes a full day. If a vehicle is towed into the lot at 11:30 p.m. on a Tuesday, and retrieved at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday morning, the municipal government will assess a two-day storage charge ($80).
• Tow Fee: The exact tow fee for Lawrence County is unavailable, but the state maximum for a Class A tow is $375.
• Daily Storage Rate (County Impound Lot): N/A.
• Daily Storage Rate (Bad Boy Towing & Recovery, Inc.): N/A.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day, including weekends and holidays. Retrieve your vehicle as quickly as possible to minimize expenses.

Payment

Contact the specific impound lot in advance to confirm accepted payment methods. The Lawrenceburg City Impound Lot accepts cash, money orders, official checks, and cashier's checks ONLY. Payment must be made through the Lawrenceburg City Court payment window, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day your vehicle remains in impound increases the total cost.

After 30 Days

In Tennessee, if a vehicle remains unclaimed after a certain period (typically 30 days), the impound lot can initiate a lien sale to recover the outstanding fees. To avoid this, act promptly to retrieve your vehicle.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you are struggling to afford the impound fees, consider the following options:

• Contact a Family Member or Friend: Ask for assistance to help cover the costs.
• Ask About a Payment Plan: Contact the impound lot to inquire if a payment plan is available.
• Consult with Your Attorney: In some cases, your attorney may be able to negotiate or challenge the fees.

After Retrieval

• Inspect the Vehicle: Before leaving the impound lot, carefully inspect your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while in custody.
• Document Any Damage: Take photos of any damage you find.
• Report Any Damage: Immediately report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away. This documentation can be 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 pay the impound fees? A: You may be able to retrieve essential personal items, but this is at the discretion of the impound lot. Contact them to ask about their policy.

Q: What happens if my car was impounded due to a narcotics charge in Lawrence County? A: If the DUI arrest involved concurrent narcotics charges, the vehicle may be subject to an evidentiary seizure warrant. Under these circumstances, the vehicle transitions from a standard logistical hold to an asset forfeiture proceeding, and will not be released regardless of fee payment until the District Attorney's office formally releases the evidentiary hold. Confirm with the City Court clerk that the vehicle is cleared for a standard civil release and is not encumbered by a narcotics division forfeiture protocol.

Q: What if I was arrested on a Friday night? When can I retrieve my car from the Lawrenceburg City Impound Lot? A: If a DUI arrest occurs on a Friday evening, the vehicle is fundamentally locked within the system until Monday morning. This guarantees a minimum of $160 in storage fees ($40 x 4 days: Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday) before the base tow charges are even applied.