Overton County Vehicle Impound Guide

How to retrieve your impounded vehicle after a DUI arrest in Overton, TN. Find local tow lot addresses, phone numbers, and required documents.

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Overton

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you are arrested for driving under the influence in Overton, your vehicle is not left on the side of the road. Law enforcement officers will order it towed immediately. This is done under Tennessee Code § 55-10-401 to clear the roadway and secure the vehicle. You are responsible for all costs associated with this process. The towing company operates independently of the police department, meaning you must deal with them directly to secure the release of your property.

Where Is Your Car?

Your vehicle will be taken to a secure storage facility. The specific lot depends on which towing service was dispatched by the arresting officer.

Local Towing and Impound Lots

In the Overton area, two primary private towing companies handle these impounds:

• Express Towing Address: 3909 Rickman Rd, Rickman, TN 38580 Phone: (931) 284-0174

• Freedom Towing Address: 110 E Volunteer Dr, Livingston, TN 38570 Phone: (931) 310-3806

(If your case involves specific state-level holds or transfers, regional facilities like the Memphis Police Impound Lot at 465 Klinke Ave, Memphis, TN 38127, phone (901) 636-8200, are sometimes utilized, though local arrests typically remain within the county.)

How to Find Your Vehicle

Do not guess which lot has your car. Follow these steps to locate it:

• Check your arrest paperwork: The towing company name is usually written on the vehicle seizure form or tow slip given to you upon release.
• Contact law enforcement: Call the Overton County Sheriff's Department non-emergency line at (931) 823-5635. State your full name, the date of the arrest, and the location of the stop to find out which company towed your vehicle.
• Reference your booking number: Having your booking details ready will speed up the search when speaking with dispatchers.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Tow lots will not release a vehicle without proper documentation. You must present specific items before they allow you on the lot.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: If your license was seized or suspended during the arrest, you cannot drive the vehicle off the lot yourself. You must bring a licensed driver with you.
• Vehicle registration or title: This proves ownership. The name on the registration must match your government-issued photo identification.
• Proof of insurance: You must show a current, valid auto insurance card for the vehicle.
• Payment for fees: Lots accept specific forms of payment. Call ahead to confirm if they accept cash, credit cards, or money orders.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your driving privileges are suspended, you must arrange for a licensed driver to retrieve the vehicle. They must accompany you to the lot. They will need to present their own valid driver's license. You must also provide a signed, notarized authorization letter permitting them to take possession of your vehicle, along with the vehicle's title or registration.

Costs & Fees in Overton

Towing and storage fees are not standardized by the court. Express Towing and Freedom Towing set their own rates for hookup, mileage, and daily storage. You must pay these fees in full before the vehicle is released.

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

Payment

Call the specific impound lot before traveling there. Confirm their exact accepted payment methods. Some lots do not accept personal checks or credit cards over the phone.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Fees start accruing the minute the tow truck hooks up your vehicle. Every 24 hours adds a daily storage fee to your bill. Delaying retrieval by even a few days can result in hundreds of dollars in unnecessary expenses.

After 30 Days

Under Tennessee law, unclaimed vehicles are subject to lien proceedings. If a vehicle remains unclaimed for 30 days, the towing company can initiate a process to sell the vehicle at a public auction to satisfy the unpaid towing and storage debt. Do not let your case reach this point.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you cannot pay the retrieval fees immediately, your options are limited but urgent.

• Contact family or friends: Ask for short-term financial assistance to stop the daily storage fees from accumulating.
• Inquire about payment options: Ask the impound lot manager if they offer any payment arrangements, though most require full payment upfront.

After Retrieval

Before driving away from the impound lot, conduct a thorough inspection.

• Inspect the vehicle immediately: Look for body damage, tire damage, or missing personal items.
• Document everything: Take clear photos of the vehicle's condition while still on the tow lot property.
• Report issues in writing: If you find damage, report it to the lot manager immediately. Obtain a written acknowledgement of your report before leaving.