Roane County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Roane

Being arrested for DUI in Roane, Tennessee is a stressful experience. On top of the legal implications, you're likely wondering what happens to your vehicle. This guide provides immediate, practical information on how to retrieve your car from impound. We understand this is a difficult situation, and our goal is to help you navigate the process as smoothly as possible.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you are arrested for DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in Roane County, TN, your vehicle is typically impounded by law enforcement. This is standard procedure to prevent you from driving under the influence again and to protect public safety. The impoundment is usually handled by a towing company contracted by the Roane County Sheriff's Department or the arresting police department.

Where Is Your Car?

Finding out where your car is impounded is the first crucial step.

Official Impound Lots in Roane

Unfortunately, we don't have specific data on official impound lots in Roane County at this time. However, we'll update this section as soon as possible. In the meantime, follow the instructions below to locate your vehicle.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call Roane Police/Sheriff: The quickest way to find your car is to contact the Roane County Sheriff's Department or the police department of the city where you were arrested. Ask for the location of the impound lot where your vehicle was taken.
• Roane County Sheriff's Department:
• Reference your case number: Have your arrest paperwork handy. Your case number or booking number will help them locate your vehicle information quickly.
• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: Generally, your vehicle will be towed to an impound lot within 24 hours of your arrest. Contact the Sheriff's Department or police department as soon as possible to avoid accumulating fees.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you've located your car, you'll need specific documents to retrieve it.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license (or someone with a valid license): You, or the person retrieving the vehicle, must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration: You'll need the current vehicle registration, proving ownership or authorization to possess the vehicle.
• Proof of insurance: You'll need valid proof of insurance for the vehicle.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Be prepared to pay towing, storage, and administrative fees. Contact the impound lot beforehand to confirm accepted payment methods.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you cannot retrieve the vehicle yourself. Here's what you need to do:

• Have someone else pick it up: A friend or family member with a valid driver's license can retrieve the car for you.
• They need:
• Their valid driver's license
• Written authorization from you allowing them to pick up the vehicle. This should include your name, theirs, the vehicle information (VIN, make, model), and a clear statement granting them permission.
• Vehicle title or registration in your name.

Costs & Fees in Roane

Impound fees can add up quickly, so understanding the costs involved is crucial.

Typical Fees

• Towing fee: Expect to pay between $150 and $300 for the towing service.
• Daily storage: Storage fees typically range from $20 to $50 per day.
• Administrative fees: These fees can vary, potentially ranging from $25 to $75.
• Release fee: A release fee might be charged, typically around $50.

IMPORTANT: These are estimates. Contact the specific impound lot to confirm their exact fees. Remember, fees accumulate daily. Getting your car back as soon as possible is the best way to minimize costs.

Payment Methods

[This section will be updated once impound lot data is available. Examples include: Cash, Credit Card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover), Certified Check] Contact the specific impound lot to confirm their accepted payment methods before you go.

Timeline

Understanding the timeline is critical to avoid losing your vehicle.

Within 24 Hours

Ideally, retrieve your vehicle within the first 24 hours after impoundment to minimize daily storage fees.

After 30 Days

If your vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period, typically around 30 days, the impound lot has the right to sell it at a lien sale to recover their costs.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Financial difficulties can make retrieving your vehicle seem impossible, but explore these options:

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: Asking for financial assistance from loved ones can be a quick solution.
• Payment plans (some lots offer this): Inquire with the impound lot about the possibility of a payment plan. Some facilities may be willing to work with you.
• Sign vehicle over to impound lot (avoid debt but lose car): As a last resort, you can sign the vehicle's title over to the impound lot. This avoids accumulating further debt, but you will lose ownership of your car.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait - fees add up fast: Procrastination will only increase the financial burden.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning the vehicle can lead to further legal consequences and negatively impact your credit.

Special Situations

Certain circumstances require special consideration.

If Your Car Was Evidence

If your vehicle is being held as evidence in your DUI case, it may be held for a longer period.

• May be held longer by police: Contact your attorney or the investigating officer to determine when the vehicle will be released.
• Get release authorization first: You'll likely need written authorization from the police or the court before the impound lot will release the vehicle.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

If the vehicle is registered to someone else, such as a family member or a leasing company:

• Registered owner can retrieve regardless of your situation: The registered owner has the right to retrieve the vehicle, regardless of your DUI arrest.
• They'll need proof of ownership: They will need to provide proof of ownership, such as the vehicle title or registration, and their valid driver's license.

After Retrieval

Once you have your vehicle back, take these steps:

Check Your Vehicle

• Document any damage immediately: Carefully inspect your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.
• Take photos: Take clear photos of any damage as evidence.
• Report damage to impound lot manager: Immediately report any damage to the impound lot manager and file a written complaint.

Roane Impound Lot Locations

[This section will be populated with a detailed list of Roane County impound lot locations, addresses, phone numbers, hours of operation, and map references as soon as that data becomes available. We will strive to keep this information up-to-date.]

We hope this guide has been helpful. Remember to consult with a qualified attorney to discuss the specifics of your DUI case and navigate the legal process. Good luck.