Perry County Vehicle Impound Guide

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How to retrieve your impounded vehicle after a DUI arrest in Perry County, TN

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Perry County

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

The Sheriff Department in Perry arrests drivers for operating under the influence under Tennessee Code Annotated § 55-10-401. When this occurs, deputies do not leave the vehicle on the roadside. They order a towing company to impound it immediately. This action prevents impaired driving and clears the public right of way. The vehicle is taken to a private impound lot, where storage fees begin accruing immediately. You must pay.

Where Is Your Car?

Three private towing operators handle impounded vehicles for arrests in this jurisdiction.

• Pearce Truck and Auto LLC Address: 14982 Hwy 641 S, Holladay, TN 38341 Phone: (731) 587-2386

• Barnett's Wrecker Service & Repair Address: 15899 TN-13, Hurricane Mills, TN 37078 Phone: (931) 296-9765

• Perry's Towing & Recovery Address: 120 Deery St, Shelbyville, TN 37160 Phone: (931) 488-5722

How to Find Your Vehicle

Check the paperwork provided during booking at the jail. If the towing receipt does not specify the towing company, call the Sheriff Department in Perry at (931) 295-0303. To identify your vehicle, provide the dispatcher with your full name, date of birth, and the date of the arrest.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Tennessee Code Annotated § 55-10-406 dictates strict rules for license suspensions. To claim your vehicle, you must present specific documentation directly to the impound lot staff.

Required Documents

• Valid Driver's License: You cannot drive the vehicle off the lot if your license is suspended.
• Proof of Ownership: This requires a valid vehicle registration certificate or the vehicle title in your name.
• Proof of Insurance: You must present a current auto insurance card or policy document demonstrating active coverage.
• Payment: You must pay all accrued towing and storage fees before the lot releases the vehicle.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended under Tennessee's implied consent law or due to the DUI charge, you cannot drive. You must bring a licensed driver with you to the lot. The licensed driver must present their valid driver's license. You must also provide a signed, notarized letter of authorization allowing this individual to retrieve the vehicle on your behalf, along with the vehicle registration or title.

Costs & Fees

Towing and storage fees are set by the individual private towing companies and are not determined by the court. Daily storage rates accumulate for every calendar day the vehicle remains in the lot, including weekends and holidays. Because specific daily fees vary by provider, call the specific lot holding your vehicle to get an exact payoff amount.

Payment

Call the impound lot in advance to confirm their accepted payment methods. Private lots accept cash, credit cards, or money orders, but most do not accept personal checks.

Timeline

Fees start accumulating the hour your vehicle is hooked to the tow truck. Delaying even one extra day increases your financial obligation.

After 30 Days

Under Tennessee law, unclaimed vehicles are subject to abandonment rules. If a vehicle remains unclaimed for 30 days, the towing company can initiate a lien sale to recover their costs. This process can result in the permanent loss of your vehicle. Do not delay.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

After Retrieval

You must inspect your vehicle before signing any release documents or leaving the impound lot. Take photographs of the exterior and interior to document the vehicle's condition. If you discover new damage, report it to the lot manager in writing immediately before driving away.