Roane County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Roane County

After a DUI arrest in Roane County, Tennessee, one of the first logistical challenges is retrieving your vehicle. Vehicles are commonly impounded following a DUI arrest for several reasons, including preventing further operation by an impaired driver and as evidence in the case. Understanding the process for locating and retrieving your vehicle is crucial to minimize storage fees and avoid further complications.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you are arrested for DUI in Roane County, your vehicle is typically towed and stored at a private impound lot. The Roane County Commission and the Sheriff's Office, alongside the Tennessee Highway Patrol, use a "Wrecker Rotation Policy". Determining where your car was towed can be a challenge, as Roane County doesn't have a centralized impound lot.

Where Is Your Car?

Because Roane County uses a decentralized rotation system, your vehicle could be at any number of privately owned wrecker yards within or adjacent to the county. Here are a few possible locations:

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

How to Find Your Vehicle

Since Roane County uses a rotation system, locating your vehicle requires a few steps:

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided information about the towing company used.
• Call the arresting agency's non-emergency dispatch line: Identify the specific arresting agency (Roane County Sheriff's Office, Tennessee Highway Patrol, Kingston Police Department, Harriman Police Department, etc.) and contact their dispatch center. They can query the tow log using your license plate or Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
• Reference your booking number: This can help the dispatch center locate your records more efficiently.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Private impound lots in Roane County operate under strict liability rules and will require specific documentation before releasing your vehicle.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: If your license is suspended, you'll need someone with a valid license to drive the vehicle.
• Vehicle registration or title: Proof of ownership is essential.
• Proof of insurance: Current insurance documentation for the vehicle.
• Payment for fees: Impound and storage fees must be paid before the vehicle is released. Cash or certified checks are often preferred.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license has been confiscated or suspended due to the DUI arrest, you cannot legally drive the vehicle yourself. In this case:

• Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it: The impound lot will release the vehicle to someone with a valid driver's license.
• They need: Their valid driver’s license, a signed authorization letter from you (if you are not present), and the vehicle title or registration in your name.

Costs & Fees in Roane County

The costs associated with retrieving your vehicle can add up quickly. Contact the specific impound lot where your vehicle is stored to confirm their exact fees.

• Daily Storage Rate: Varies by private operator.
• Tow Fee: Varies by private operator.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate daily, starting the moment your vehicle is towed. Retrieving your vehicle promptly is crucial to minimize expenses.

Payment

Contact the impound lot in advance to confirm their accepted payment methods. Cash or certified checks are often preferred by private lots.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees begin accruing as soon as your vehicle is towed. Every day that passes increases the total cost.

After 30 Days

If a vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period, Tennessee law allows the impound lot to initiate a lien sale to recover their costs. To avoid this, contact the impound lot as soon as possible.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you are facing financial hardship and struggling to pay the impound fees:

• Contact a family member or friend: They may be able to help cover the costs.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available: Some lots may offer payment arrangements, but this is not guaranteed.

After Retrieval

• Inspect the vehicle immediately before leaving the lot: Carefully check for any damage that may have occurred while the vehicle was in the impound lot's care.
• Document any damage with photos: Take clear pictures of any dents, scratches, or other damage.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away: Obtain a written acknowledgment of your damage report from the lot manager. This documentation is crucial if you need to file a claim for damages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How quickly after a DUI arrest in Roane County can I get my car back? A: You can retrieve your vehicle as soon as you have the required documents (license, registration, insurance) and can pay the impound and storage fees. Contact the specific impound lot for their operating hours.

Q: What happens if I can't locate my vehicle after a Roane County DUI arrest? A: Contact the Roane County Sheriff's Office or the arresting agency's non-emergency dispatch immediately. Provide them with your name, date of arrest, and vehicle information.

Q: Can someone else pick up my car for me in Roane County if my license is suspended? A: Yes, as long as they have a valid driver's license, your vehicle registration or title, and potentially a signed authorization letter from you. Contact the impound lot to confirm their specific requirements.