Monroe County Vehicle Impound Guide

If your vehicle was impounded after a DUI arrest in Monroe County, Tennessee, expect to pay between $150 and $250 for the initial tow, plus $30 to $50 per day for storage. Knowing your rights and the local procedures can save you time and money.

Understanding DUI Impoundment in Monroe County

When you're arrested for DUI in Monroe County, your vehicle is typically impounded. This is standard procedure to ensure public safety and prevent further offenses. The process involves several steps, from the initial tow to the eventual release of your vehicle. Understanding these steps is crucial to navigating the system effectively.

How the Towing Process Works

Unlike larger cities with centralized impound lots, Monroe County uses a rotation list of approved private towing companies. This means the company that tows your car depends on two factors:

1. Your Preference: If you are coherent and able to communicate at the time of arrest, the officer must ask if you have a preferred towing company. If you do, and that company can respond within a reasonable timeframe (20-30 minutes), they will be called. For example, if you prefer W&W Towing, tell the officer.
2. The Rotation List: If you are unable to express a preference, or don't have one, the officer will call the next company on the Monroe County Dispatch rotation list. This list is designed to distribute business fairly among local towing services.

Because of this system, your vehicle could end up at a lot in Madisonville, Sweetwater, or Vonore. Knowing the primary towing providers in the area is essential for locating your vehicle quickly.

Key Towing Providers in Monroe County

Here are some of the primary towing companies that operate on the Monroe County rotation list:

• W&W Wrecker Service: (423) 442-3131
• Madisonville Wrecker Service: (423) 442-4567
• Sweetwater Wrecker Service: (423) 337-7141
• Vonore Wrecker Service: (423) 884-6444

Contact these companies directly to inquire if they have your vehicle. Be prepared to provide your name, date of birth, and vehicle information (make, model, and license plate number).

Costs Associated with Impoundment

Retrieving your vehicle from impound involves several fees. Understanding these costs upfront can help you prepare financially.

• Base Towing Fee: Expect to pay between $150 and $250 for a standard passenger vehicle tow. This covers the cost of dispatch, travel to the scene, hook-up, and transport to the impound lot.
• Winching/Recovery Fees: If your vehicle was off the road (e.g., in a ditch), you will likely incur additional "winching" or "recovery" fees. These can be billed in 15-minute increments or as a flat rate, often around $75-$100 per half-hour of labor.
• Daily Storage Fees: Once your vehicle is at the impound lot, you will be charged a daily storage fee. The prevailing rate in Monroe County is $30 to $50 per day.

Important Protection: Under Tennessee law (T.C.A. § 55-23-103), towing companies cannot charge storage fees for days when their facility is closed and you cannot retrieve your vehicle, unless they provide a mechanism for after-hours release (e.g., a phone number to call). If you were arrested on a Friday night, ensure the towing company has a way for you to get your car on the weekend, or they can't charge you for those days.

Steps to Retrieve Your Vehicle

1. Locate Your Vehicle: Contact the towing companies listed above to determine where your vehicle is impounded.
2. Gather Required Documents: You will typically need to provide proof of ownership (vehicle title or registration), a valid driver's license, and proof of insurance.
3. Pay All Fees: Be prepared to pay all towing and storage fees in full. Towing companies typically accept cash, credit cards, or certified checks.
4. Obtain Release Form: Once you have paid the fees, the towing company will provide you with a release form.
5. Present Release Form: Present the release form to the impound lot to retrieve your vehicle.

Financial Hardship and Options

The costs associated with DUI impoundment can be a significant burden, especially considering the median household income in Monroe County is around $56,648 and the poverty rate is over 16%. If you are facing financial hardship, consider the following:

• Payment Plans: Some towing companies may offer payment plans, but this is not guaranteed.
• Legal Aid: Contact Legal Aid of East Tennessee to see if you qualify for free legal assistance. They may be able to help you negotiate with the towing company or explore other options.
• Personal Loans: Consider a small personal loan to cover the impound fees.

"Sober DUI" Arrests and Blood Draws

It's important to note the increasing prevalence of "Sober DUI" arrests in Tennessee. If you were arrested for DUI but passed a breathalyzer test, the officer may have suspected drug impairment and requested a blood draw. In this case, your vehicle will likely remain impounded while awaiting the results of the blood toxicology test, which can take months. This can significantly increase storage fees.

Contact Information for Monroe County Resources

• Monroe County Dispatch (to inquire about towing rotation): (423) 442-4357
• Monroe County General Sessions Court: (423) 442-3911
• Legal Aid of East Tennessee: (865) 637-0484

Knowing your rights and acting quickly are essential to minimizing the costs and inconvenience of DUI impoundment in Monroe County. Don't delay in contacting the towing companies and gathering the necessary documents to retrieve your vehicle.