Morgan County Vehicle Impound Guide

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

Tennessee Code Annotated § 55-10-401 establishes the strict legal limits and penalties for operating a motor vehicle under the influence. When an officer from the Morgan Sheriff's Office or a local municipal police department arrests you for DUI, your vehicle is removed from the scene immediately. This action is taken to clear the roadway and prevent further operation of the vehicle by an impaired driver.

The arresting officer determines which towing service is dispatched based on the location of the stop and the active rotation list. Your vehicle will remain in the custody of the towing company at a secure storage facility until you complete the release process. Under specific circumstances, such as multiple DUI offenses or felony charges, the state may hold the vehicle as evidence or initiate forfeiture proceedings under Tennessee Code Annotated § 55-10-413.

Where Is Your Car?

Your vehicle is stored at a private impound facility. The specific lot depends on which towing operator was dispatched by the local authorities at the time of your arrest.

The following facilities receive towed vehicles in the region:

• Wheels Towing
• Address: 1244 S Roane St, Harriman, TN 37748
• Phone: (865) 882-5744
• Hanover Wrecker Service of TN - Kodak
• Address: 544 E Dumplin Valley Rd, Kodak, TN 37764
• Phone: (866) 597-5872
• Hanover Wrecker Service of TN - Jefferson City
• Address: 925 TN-92, Jefferson City, TN 37760
• Phone: (866) 597-5872
• Casper's Wrecker
• Address: 402 W Depot St, Greeneville, TN 37743
• Phone: (423) 639-0893

How to Find Your Vehicle

Review your arrest and booking paperwork first. The arresting officer documents the designated towing company on the vehicle impoundment form provided during booking.

If the paperwork does not specify the location, call the Morgan Sheriff's Office at (423) 346-6262. Provide your full name, the date of the arrest, and the location of the traffic stop to the dispatcher. This information allows them to identify the specific wrecker service that was contacted.

Always reference your booking number when communicating with law enforcement. This number is located on your release paperwork from the jail in Wartburg.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Required Documents

Towing operators will not release a vehicle without verified documentation. You must present the following items at the storage lot:

• Valid driver's license: If your driving privileges are suspended, you cannot drive the vehicle off the lot.
• Vehicle registration or title: You must prove ownership of the vehicle.
• Proof of insurance: You must present a current auto insurance card or policy that lists the impounded vehicle.
• Payment for fees: Ensure you have the accepted form of payment before traveling to the lot.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

A DUI arrest often results in an immediate administrative license suspension. If your license is not valid, you must arrange for a licensed driver to retrieve the vehicle.

The designated driver must accompany you to the lot and present their valid driver's license. You must also provide a signed, notarized authorization letter that permits this specific individual to take custody of your vehicle. The towing facility still requires proof of ownership, such as the vehicle title or registration, before releasing the property.

Costs & Fees in Morgan

Towing and storage rates are established by the individual private towing companies. These fees are not standard and will vary depending on the operator.

Storage fees accumulate every day. Retrieve your vehicle as quickly as possible to prevent the balance from escalating.

Payment

Call the specific impound lot in advance to confirm their accepted payment methods. Many facilities accept cash, credit cards, or money orders, but some may charge additional processing fees for card transactions or refuse personal checks entirely.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Towing operators charge storage fees on a daily basis. The clock begins ticking the moment your vehicle is hooked to the tow truck. A delay of even a few days can result in hundreds of dollars in additional costs.

After 30 Days

Under Tennessee Code Annotated § 55-16-104, unclaimed vehicles are subject to abandonment laws. If a vehicle remains unclaimed for 30 days, the towing company may initiate a lien sale. This process allows the facility to sell your vehicle at a public auction to recover their towing and storage costs.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you cannot cover the cost of the towing and storage fees, contact a family member or friend immediately to secure financial assistance. Some towing operators may offer payment plans or reduced settlements, but this is entirely at the discretion of the business owner.

After Retrieval

Inspect the entire vehicle thoroughly before leaving the impound lot. Walk around the exterior and check the interior for any new damage or missing items.

Document any issues immediately by taking clear photographs and video on-site.

Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away. If you leave the property without documenting the damage, the towing company will likely deny liability for any repairs.