Monroe County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Monroe County

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

Arresting officers in the local jurisdiction immediately remove vehicles from the roadway following an arrest under Tennessee Code § 55-10-401. This is done to prevent traffic obstruction and secure the property. When an arrest occurs, the vehicle is not taken to a government-run impound lot. Instead, the arresting agency utilizes a non-consensual rotation list of private towing operators. The specific company dispatched depends on which operator is next on the dispatch rotation at the time of the stop.

Where Is Your Car?

Because of the rotation system, there is no single central lot where all vehicles are stored. To retrieve your vehicle, you must first identify which private towing company took possession of it.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer must document the specific towing company on the vehicle seizure or arrest paperwork provided during booking at the local detention facility at 4500 New Hwy 68.
• Call the sheriff's department non-emergency line: If the paperwork is missing or illegible, call the dispatch non-emergency line at (423) 442-3911. You must provide the operator with the driver's name, booking number, and the location of the arrest.
• Reference your booking number: Having your booking details ready accelerates the search process when calling dispatch.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Private storage lots will not release a vehicle without proper documentation. You must present the required paperwork in person to the tow lot operator.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: If your license was seized or suspended due to an implied consent violation under Tennessee Code § 55-10-406, you cannot drive the vehicle off the lot. You must bring a licensed driver with you.
• Vehicle registration or title: You must prove ownership. If the registration is locked inside the impounded vehicle, the lot operator must allow you to retrieve it from the glove box to present it for release.
• Proof of insurance: Active insurance coverage is required before the vehicle can be legally operated on Tennessee roadways.
• Payment for fees: You must pay all accumulated towing and storage fees before release.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your driving privileges are suspended, you must bring a licensed driver to the lot. The licensed driver must present their valid driver's license. You must also provide a signed, notarized authorization letter permitting the licensed individual to retrieve the vehicle on your behalf, along with the vehicle's title or registration.

Costs & Fees

Retrieving a vehicle involves several mandatory charges. Under the local non-consensual towing guidelines, the base towing fee for a standard passenger vehicle ranges from $150 to $250.

Daily storage fees accumulate at a rate of $30 to $50 per day. These storage fees begin accruing the moment the vehicle enters the impound lot. If you attempt to retrieve your vehicle outside of standard business hours, operators charge an additional gate fee ranging from $35 to $50.

Payment

Private towing operators in the area maintain strict payment policies. They accept cash or certified funds only. Personal checks and standard credit cards are frequently rejected. Call the specific lot in advance to confirm their exact payment requirements so you do not make an unnecessary trip.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees accumulate every single day. A vehicle left in storage for just five days can easily generate over $400 in fees. Delaying retrieval directly increases your financial obligation.

After 30 Days

Under Tennessee Code § 55-23-103, storage operators must comply with strict notification laws before taking ownership of an unclaimed vehicle. The towing company must send a certified letter to the registered owner of the vehicle within 14 days of taking possession. If they fail to send this notice, they cannot legally charge storage fees beyond those 14 days. However, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for more than 30 days and proper notice was sent, the operator can initiate a lien sale to recover unpaid towing and storage costs. Once the lien process is completed, the vehicle can be sold at public auction, and you will lose all rights to the property.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If the immediate costs exceed your available funds, you must take alternative action. Contact a family member or friend to help cover the upfront costs. This prevents daily storage fees from multiplying. Ask the impound operator if they offer a payment plan, though many private yards in the region do not provide this option.

After Retrieval

Before signing the release form and driving away, conduct a thorough inspection of your vehicle. Inspect the exterior and interior immediately while still on the lot. Document any new damage, scratches, or mechanical issues with clear photos. Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away. Once you leave the property, proving the damage occurred during towing or storage becomes extremely difficult.