Polk County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Polk County

Being arrested for DUI in Polk County can be a disorienting experience. Besides dealing with the legal ramifications, you also need to figure out what to do with your vehicle, which is typically impounded following the arrest. This guide provides the essential steps to locate, retrieve, and protect your impounded vehicle while minimizing storage costs.

Where Is Your Car?

Following a DUI arrest in Polk County, your vehicle is typically towed to a private towing company's impound lot. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office does not operate a central impound lot; instead, they utilize a rotation list of private towing companies. Knowing where your car is located is the first crucial step in getting it back.

How to Find Your Vehicle

Here's how to track down the towing company and your vehicle's location:

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer should provide a tow slip or include the towing company's information on your release paperwork. This is the quickest and most direct way to find your car.
• Call the Polk County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: If you can't find the information on your paperwork, call the Polk County Sheriff's Office at 423-338-8215. Be prepared to provide your name, date of birth, and date of arrest.
• Reference your booking number: Having your booking number ready when calling the Sheriff's Office will help them locate the information more efficiently.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you've identified the towing company and confirmed they have your vehicle, you need to gather the necessary documents for retrieval. The tow company is legally required to verify ownership and your ability to legally operate the vehicle.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license (or a licensed person picking it up for you): You, or the person retrieving the vehicle, must have a valid driver’s license. A government-issued ID is acceptable only if accompanied by a licensed driver who will drive the vehicle from the lot.
• Vehicle registration or title: You must provide proof of ownership. This can be either the vehicle's registration or the title.
• Proof of insurance: You must provide proof of current and valid insurance coverage for the vehicle.
• Payment for fees: Be prepared to pay all towing and storage fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended or revoked due to the DUI arrest, you can still retrieve your vehicle, but you'll need someone with a valid license to do so.

• Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it: Ask a licensed friend or family member to retrieve 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 in your name
• Proof of valid insurance

Costs & Fees in Polk County

Towing and storage fees can add up quickly, making it essential to retrieve your vehicle as soon as possible. Regulatory Framework: County Ordinance No. 08-065 (amended by 13-059) and Resolution 03-17 establish maximum rates for non-consensual towing.

Typical towing fees in Tennessee range from $150 to $300. Daily storage fees typically range from $25 to $50 per day. These fees vary by towing company, so call ahead to confirm the exact amounts before heading to the impound lot.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accrue daily, significantly increasing the overall cost.

Payment

Contact the impound lot in advance to confirm their accepted payment methods. Most accept cash, but some may also accept credit cards or money orders. Be aware that credit card payments may incur additional processing fees.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Delaying retrieval can result in substantial costs.

After 30 Days

In Tennessee, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period (typically 30 days), the towing company can initiate a lien sale to recover their costs. Do everything possible to retrieve your vehicle before it reaches this point.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you're struggling to afford the towing and storage fees, consider these options:

• Contact a family member or friend: Ask for financial assistance to help cover the costs.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available: Some towing companies may offer payment plans or allow you to pay the fees in installments.
• Consult with a DUI attorney: In some cases, a DUI attorney may be able to negotiate or challenge the fees, particularly if there are discrepancies or concerns about the towing process.

After Retrieval

Before leaving the impound lot with your vehicle, take these precautions:

• Inspect the vehicle immediately before leaving the lot: Carefully examine the vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.
• Document any damage with photos: Take photos of any dents, scratches, or other damage as evidence.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away: Immediately report any damage to the impound lot manager and obtain a written acknowledgement of your report. This will be crucial if you need to file a claim for damages.

By following these steps, you can efficiently retrieve your vehicle after a DUI arrest in Polk County, minimize storage costs, and protect yourself from potential complications.

Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: How long does the towing company have to keep my car before selling it?*A: In Tennessee, towing companies can typically begin the process of selling an abandoned vehicle after 30 days. Contact the towing company immediately to avoid this.

**Q: Will the Polk County Sheriff's Office tell me why my car was impounded?*A: The Polk County Sheriff's Office will confirm the impound and provide the name of the towing company. They will not typically provide specific details about the reason for the impound, as that relates to the ongoing DUI investigation.

**Q: Can I get a temporary permit to drive my car from the impound lot to my home if my license is suspended?*A: No. Tennessee law requires a valid driver's license to operate a vehicle. You must have a licensed driver retrieve the vehicle for you.