Montgomery County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Montgomery County

Being arrested for DUI in Montgomery County can be a disorienting experience. Besides the legal challenges, you're likely wondering what happens to your vehicle. In most DUI arrests, the arresting officer will have your vehicle towed and impounded. This guide provides the immediate, practical steps you need to take to retrieve your vehicle as quickly and efficiently as possible. The clock is ticking, and storage fees add up fast, so act now.

Where Is Your Car?

The first step is locating your impounded vehicle. The Clarksville Police Department (CPD) will generally have your car towed to a local impound lot. The arresting officer should provide you with paperwork indicating where your vehicle was taken. However, in the confusion following an arrest, this information can easily be misplaced.

How to Find Your Vehicle

If you don't have the paperwork, here are the steps you should take:

• Check your arrest paperwork: Carefully review all documents given to you by the arresting officer. The name and contact information for the towing company should be listed.
• Call the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: If you cannot locate the paperwork, call the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line. They should be able to tell you which lot your vehicle was towed to.
• Reference your booking number: When you call, provide your booking number (if you have it). This will help them locate your vehicle information more efficiently.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you know where your vehicle is located, gather the necessary documents for retrieval. Missing paperwork can cause delays and additional fees, so be prepared.

Required Documents

Generally, you will need the following:

• Valid driver's license: You (or the person retrieving the vehicle) must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration or title: Proof of ownership is essential. Bring your vehicle registration or title.
• Proof of insurance: You must show proof of current insurance coverage for the vehicle.
• Payment for fees: Be prepared to pay all towing and storage fees. Contact the impound lot in advance to determine accepted payment methods.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you cannot personally retrieve the vehicle. Here are your options:

• 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, granting them permission to retrieve the vehicle.
• The vehicle's title or registration (proving ownership).

Costs & Fees in Montgomery County

Towing and storage fees can be substantial, so understanding the cost structure is crucial. While specific impound lot data is unavailable, typical towing fees in Tennessee range from $150 to $300. Daily storage fees typically run between $25 and $50 per day.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accrue daily, starting the moment your vehicle is towed. The longer you wait, the more expensive it becomes.

The "Weekend Trap" Psychology: If you are arrested on a Friday night, the CPD Records Division, which is needed for the release slip, is closed until Monday. This means your vehicle will sit in the impound lot all weekend, racking up storage fees.

Payment

Contact the impound lot before you go to confirm their accepted payment methods. Some lots accept cash only, while others take credit cards or money orders. Knowing this in advance will save you time and prevent unnecessary trips. Always carry exactly $45 cash for the CPD Records Division; plastic is useless there.

Timeline

Time is of the essence. Here's a timeline to keep in mind:

Act Immediately

Begin the retrieval process as soon as you are released from custody. Every day your vehicle sits in the impound lot, the fees increase.

After 30 Days

In most states, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for 30 days, the impound lot can initiate a lien sale to recover their costs. This means they can sell your vehicle. Do not let it reach this point.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you're facing financial hardship and can't afford the towing and storage fees, consider these options:

• Contact a family member or friend: Ask for assistance to cover the costs.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available: Some impound lots may offer payment plans. It's worth asking.
• Consult with a DUI attorney: A DUI attorney may be able to negotiate or challenge the fees in some cases.

After Retrieval

Before driving away with your vehicle:

• Inspect the vehicle immediately: Carefully inspect the vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.
• Document any damage with photos: Take photos of any damage as evidence.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away: Notify the lot manager of any damage in writing before you leave the premises. This creates a record of your claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where do I go to get the release slip in Montgomery County? A: You must go to the CPD Records Division located at 2 Millennium Plaza.

Q: What happens if I wait too long to get my car? A: If you wait too long, the impound lot can initiate a lien sale and sell your vehicle to cover the outstanding fees.

Q: Can someone else pick up my car for me if my license is suspended in Montgomery County? A: Yes, as long as they have a valid license, your vehicle registration or title, proof of insurance, and a signed authorization letter from you.