Roane County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Roane County

A DUI arrest in Roane County, Tennessee, is a stressful situation, and dealing with the aftermath can be overwhelming. One immediate concern is often the status of your vehicle. In most DUI arrests, your vehicle will be impounded, meaning it's taken into custody by law enforcement and stored at a designated impound lot. This guide provides you with the essential steps to retrieve your vehicle as quickly and efficiently as possible from the impound lot in Roane County. Understanding the process, required documents, fees, and timeline is crucial to minimize expenses and avoid further complications.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you are arrested for DUI in Roane County, the arresting officer will typically arrange for your vehicle to be towed and impounded. This is done for several reasons:

• Public Safety: To prevent you from driving under the influence again.
• Evidence Preservation: The vehicle may be held as evidence, particularly if there was an accident involved.
• Liability: To protect the law enforcement agency from liability if the vehicle were to be left unattended and damaged or stolen.

After the vehicle is towed, it will be stored at an authorized impound lot in Roane County. You will need to take specific steps to reclaim your vehicle, and this guide will walk you through that process.

Where Is Your Car?

Your vehicle is likely being stored at one of the following locations in Roane County:

• D&R Automotive and Towing Inc.: 210 Franklin St, Kingston, TN 37763
• Peggy Ann Truck Shop Wrecker Service: 703 S Gateway Ave, Rockwood, TN 37854

How to Find Your Vehicle

Determining exactly where your car is impounded is the first step. Here are a few ways to locate it:

• Check Your Arrest Paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided you with paperwork that includes the name and contact information of the towing company that took your vehicle. This is the easiest and fastest way to find out where your car is located.
• Call the Roane County Sheriff's Office: If you cannot find the paperwork, you can contact the Roane County Sheriff's Office at (865) 376-5582. Provide them with your name, date of arrest, and vehicle information (make, model, and license plate number), and they should be able to tell you where your vehicle was towed.
• Reference Your Booking Number: When you call either the Sheriff's Office or the potential impound lots, having your booking number from the Roane County Jail can speed up the process.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Before you can retrieve your vehicle, you will need to gather the necessary documents and be prepared to pay the associated fees.

Required Documents

• Valid Driver's License: You (or the person retrieving the vehicle on your behalf) must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle Registration or Title: You need to provide proof that you own the vehicle. This can be in the form of the vehicle registration or the 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.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you cannot personally retrieve the vehicle. You have two 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.
• A copy of the vehicle title or registration in your name.

Costs & Fees in Roane County

Retrieving your vehicle involves paying towing and storage fees. These fees can add up quickly, so it's crucial to act promptly.

The impound lots listed have a daily storage fee of $N/A.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day. Retrieve your vehicle as quickly as possible to minimize the costs.

Payment

Contact the impound lot in advance to confirm their accepted payment methods. Most lots accept cash, but it's essential to verify whether they accept credit cards or money orders. Call:

• D&R Automotive and Towing Inc.: (865) 376-1155
• Peggy Ann Truck Shop Wrecker Service: (865) 354-1116

Timeline

Time is of the essence when it comes to retrieving your impounded vehicle.

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day that passes costs you more money. Contact the impound lot as soon as possible to arrange for retrieval.

After 30 Days

In Tennessee, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for a certain period (typically 30 days), the impound lot has the right to initiate a lien sale. This means they can sell your vehicle to recover the unpaid towing and storage fees. Do not let it reach this point. Contact the impound lot well before the 30-day mark to make arrangements for retrieval, even if you need more time to gather funds.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

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

• Contact a Family Member or Friend: Ask for assistance in covering the costs.
• Ask About a Payment Plan: Some impound lots may be willing to work with you on a payment plan. It's worth asking if this is an option.
• Consult with Your Attorney: In some cases, your attorney may be able to negotiate or challenge the fees, particularly if there were any irregularities in the impound process.

After Retrieval

Before driving your vehicle away from the impound lot, take these precautions:

• Inspect the Vehicle: Carefully inspect the vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was in the impound lot's custody.
• Document Any Damage: Take photos and videos of any damage you find.
• Report Any Damage: Immediately report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away. Obtain a copy of the written report for your records. This is crucial for filing a claim against the towing company or impound lot if necessary.

Retrieving your vehicle after a DUI arrest in Roane County requires prompt action and careful attention to detail. By following these steps, you can minimize expenses and ensure a smooth retrieval process.

Frequently Asked Questions

**1. What happens if I don't have the vehicle title with me?*If you don't have the original vehicle title, a certified copy of the registration is usually sufficient. Contact the impound lot in advance to confirm. You can obtain a duplicate registration from a Tennessee Department of Safety Driver Services Center, such as the one at 1064 N Gateway Ave Space 1, Rockwood, TN 37854.

**2. Can someone else pick up my car even if I don't give them a signed letter?*No. The impound lot will require a signed authorization letter from you explicitly granting permission for someone else to retrieve your vehicle, along with their valid driver's license and your vehicle registration or title. This is to prevent unauthorized removal of vehicles.

**3. What if I believe the towing fees are too high?*If you believe the towing or storage fees are excessive, document everything and consult with your attorney. You may have grounds to challenge the fees in court, especially if they exceed the standard rates for Roane County.