Loudon County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Loudon

Being arrested for a DUI in Loudon, Tennessee (TN) is a stressful experience. On top of the legal challenges, you're likely wondering what happens to your car. This guide provides immediate, practical advice on how to retrieve your impounded vehicle after a DUI arrest in Loudon, helping you navigate this tricky situation and minimize additional costs.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for DUI in Loudon, your vehicle is typically impounded for several reasons:

• Public Safety: To prevent you from driving under the influence again immediately.
• Evidence: The vehicle might be held as evidence related to the DUI investigation.
• Legal Requirement: Tennessee law allows for vehicle impoundment following a DUI arrest.

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

Where Is Your Car?

Finding your car quickly is crucial to minimize storage fees.

Official Impound Lots in Loudon

Unfortunately, we don't have specific data on impound lots in Loudon at this time. However, most cities and counties contract with specific towing companies for impound services.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call Loudon Police/Sheriff: Contact the Loudon Police Department or the Loudon County Sheriff's Office as soon as possible. Their phone number is likely available through a quick online search.
• Reference your case number: Providing your case number will help them locate your vehicle quickly.
• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: Usually, the towing company will impound your vehicle within 24 hours of the arrest.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Retrieving your vehicle requires specific documentation. Be prepared to present the following:

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license (or someone with valid license): You'll need a valid driver's license to prove you're authorized to drive the vehicle. If your license is suspended, see the section below.
• Vehicle registration: This proves ownership of the vehicle.
• Proof of insurance: You must show that the vehicle is currently insured.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Impound lots typically accept cash or credit cards, but it's best to confirm their payment methods beforehand.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you have options:

• Have someone else pick it up: A friend or family member with a valid driver's license can retrieve 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 title or registration, proving ownership.

Costs & Fees in Loudon

Understanding the costs associated with vehicle impoundment is essential for planning your retrieval strategy.

Typical Fees

• Towing fee: Expect this to be in the range of $150-$300.
• Daily storage: Daily storage fees can range from $20-$50 per day.
• Administrative fees: These fees cover paperwork and processing, and could range from $25-$75.
• Release fee: A release fee may be charged by the impound lot.

IMPORTANT: Fees accumulate daily. The longer you wait, the more expensive it becomes to retrieve your vehicle. Act quickly!

Payment Methods

Contact the impound lot directly to confirm accepted payment methods. Typically, they accept cash, credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover), and sometimes debit cards. Personal checks are rarely accepted.

Timeline

Within 24 Hours

The ideal scenario is to retrieve your car within 24 hours of the impound. This minimizes the daily storage fees.

After 30 Days

If your vehicle remains unclaimed after 30 days, the impound lot has the right to sell it at a lien sale to recover their costs. Don't let this happen.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Facing financial hardship after a DUI arrest is common. Here are some options if you're struggling to afford the impound fees:

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: This is often the quickest and easiest solution.
• Payment plans (some lots offer this): Some impound lots may offer payment plans. Inquire about this possibility, but be aware of potential interest charges.
• Sign vehicle over to impound lot (avoid debt but lose car): As a last resort, you can sign the vehicle title over to the impound lot. This absolves you of the debt but means you lose ownership of the car.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait - fees add up fast: Procrastination will only increase the financial burden.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning the vehicle can lead to further legal complications and fines.

Special Situations

If Your Car Was Evidence

In some cases, your vehicle might be held longer by the police as evidence in the DUI investigation.

• May be held longer by police: Contact the investigating officer to determine when the vehicle will be released.
• Get release authorization first: You'll need written authorization from the police department before the impound lot will release the vehicle.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

If the vehicle is registered to someone else, such as a family member, the registered owner has the right to retrieve the vehicle regardless of your DUI arrest.

• Registered owner can retrieve regardless of your situation: They will need to present their driver's license, the vehicle registration, and proof of insurance.
• They'll need proof of ownership: This usually means the vehicle registration or title.

After Retrieval

Check Your Vehicle

Once you retrieve your vehicle, carefully inspect it for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.

• Document any damage immediately: Take detailed notes and photographs of any scratches, dents, or other damage.
• Take photos: Photographic evidence is crucial for filing a claim.
• Report damage to impound lot manager: Immediately report the damage to the impound lot manager and file a written claim.

Loudon Impound Lot Locations

[This section will be populated with specific impound lot information as data becomes available. In the meantime, contact the Loudon Police Department or Loudon County Sheriff's Office.]

By taking prompt action and understanding your rights and responsibilities, you can successfully retrieve your vehicle after a DUI arrest in Loudon, Tennessee, and minimize the financial impact. Remember to consult with a qualified DUI attorney to understand all your legal options.