Robertson County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Robertson County

A DUI arrest in Robertson County, TN, is a stressful situation. One of the immediate concerns is often: what happens to my car? This guide provides practical information on how to retrieve your vehicle after a DUI arrest in Robertson County, Tennessee. We understand this is a difficult time, and we aim to provide clear, actionable steps to navigate the impound process.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for DUI, your vehicle is typically impounded. This is standard procedure for a few key reasons:

• Public Safety: To prevent you from driving while intoxicated again.
• Evidence Preservation: The vehicle may contain evidence related to the DUI charge.
• Liability: To protect the arresting agency from liability if something were to happen to the vehicle while unattended.

Understanding why your car was impounded helps you understand the urgency of retrieving it quickly.

Where Is Your Car?

Finding your vehicle is the first step. It's likely at one of the following official impound lots within Robertson County:

• STR Towing & Recovery: 1010 5th Ave E, Springfield, TN 37172
• E&E Towing & Recovery LLC: 900 Memorial Blvd, Springfield, TN 37172

How to Find Your Vehicle

Here's how to locate your impounded vehicle if you're unsure which lot it's at:

• Check your arrest paperwork: The paperwork you received at the time of your arrest should indicate which towing company impounded your vehicle.
• Call the Robertson County Sheriff's Office: Contact the Robertson County Sheriff's Office at (615) 384-7971.
• Reference your booking number: Provide them with your name, date of birth, and booking number (if you have it). This will help them locate your vehicle quickly.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Before heading to the impound lot, gather the necessary documents. Failing to have these will result in denial of release.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: You (or the person retrieving the vehicle) need a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration or title: Proof that you own the vehicle.
• Proof of insurance: Current insurance policy for the vehicle.
• Payment for fees: Impound lots typically accept cash or credit cards (check with the specific lot to confirm accepted payment methods).

If You Don't Have a Valid License

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

• Have someone else pick it up: A friend or family member with a valid license can 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 (or proof of ownership).

Costs & Fees in Robertson County

The cost of retrieving your vehicle can add up quickly, so understanding the fee structure is crucial.

• STR Towing & Recovery: Daily storage fee is $N/A.
• E&E Towing & Recovery LLC: Daily storage fee is $N/A.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day. Retrieve your vehicle as quickly as possible.

Payment

Call the impound lot in advance to confirm accepted payment methods (cash, credit card, money order).

Timeline

Time is of the essence when retrieving your vehicle.

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day costs more money.

After 30 Days

Most states allow the lot to initiate a lien sale if the vehicle is unclaimed. Do not let it reach this point.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

• Contact a family member or friend: Reach out to trusted individuals who may be able to help cover the costs.
• Ask about a payment plan: Inquire with the impound lot to see if they offer any payment plan options.

After Retrieval

• Inspect the vehicle immediately: Before leaving the lot, thoroughly inspect your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.
• Document any damage: Note any scratches, dents, or other damage. Take photos as evidence.
• Report any damage: Immediately report the damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away.

This guide provides a starting point for navigating the vehicle impound process after a DUI arrest in Robertson County, TN. Remember to act quickly, gather the necessary documents, and communicate effectively with the impound lot to retrieve your vehicle as smoothly as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long do I have to get my car out of impound in Robertson County before it's sold? A: While specific timelines can vary, typically if your vehicle remains unclaimed for roughly 30 days, the impound lot may have the right to sell it at a lien sale to recover their costs. Contact the impound lot for specifics.

Q: Can I get my belongings out of my car while it's impounded in Robertson County? A: Contact the impound lot to ask about their policy. They may allow you to retrieve personal belongings from the vehicle during business hours, but you'll likely need to provide proof of ownership.

Q: What happens if I can't afford to get my car out of impound in Robertson County? A: Explore options like borrowing money from family or friends, discussing payment plans with the impound lot, or, as a last resort, signing the vehicle over to the impound lot to avoid accumulating further debt.