Rutherford County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Rutherford County

Following a DUI arrest in Rutherford County, one of your most immediate concerns will be retrieving your vehicle. Vehicles are typically impounded after a DUI arrest to ensure public safety and prevent further illegal operation. Understanding the process, required documentation, and associated costs is crucial for a swift and efficient retrieval. This guide provides the essential information you need to navigate the impound process in Rutherford County.

Where Is Your Car?

Unlike some larger cities, Rutherford County utilizes a rotational list of private towing companies for vehicle impounds. This means your vehicle was likely towed to one of several different lots contracted by the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office or the arresting municipal police department. Here are a few of the companies authorized to impound vehicles in Rutherford County:

• K&L Towing and Recovery: 1410 Molloy Ln, Murfreesboro, TN 37129
• Radford's Wrecker & Recovery Service: 1827 NW Broad St, Murfreesboro, TN 37129

Given the rotational nature of the system, you will need to determine which specific company impounded your vehicle.

How to Find Your Vehicle

Several methods can help you locate your impounded vehicle:

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided documentation indicating the name of the towing company and possibly their contact information.
• Call the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: Contact the non-emergency dispatch line and provide your vehicle's Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or license plate number. Dispatch maintains logs of which rotational vendor was called to the scene.
• Reference your booking number: Have your booking number ready when you call to help the dispatcher locate your information more quickly.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Gathering the necessary documents and preparing for payment will streamline the retrieval process.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: The person retrieving the vehicle must have a valid, government-issued photo ID. Digital copies are not accepted.
• Vehicle registration or title: Proof of ownership is essential. Bring the vehicle's registration or title.
• Proof of insurance: You will need to demonstrate that the vehicle is currently insured.
• Payment for fees: Be prepared to pay all applicable towing and storage fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended or you do not have a valid driver's license, you can still retrieve your vehicle by following these steps:

• 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, and the vehicle's title or registration. The registered owner must provide a strictly drafted, notarized authorization letter granting a third party the right to retrieve the property if they cannot appear themselves.

Costs & Fees in Rutherford County

Understanding the costs involved is crucial for budgeting and avoiding surprises. Storage fees accrue daily, so prompt action is essential.

• Daily Storage Rate: Contact the specific impound lot to inquire.
• Tow Fee: Up to $225.00 base fee (THP and municipal maximum limits).

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day. Retrieve your vehicle as quickly as possible to minimize expenses. Private companies frequently layer highly complex auxiliary fees onto the final invoice. Consumer reports and municipal ordinances indicate that administrative fees ($35), processing fees (up to $150), extra winching fees ($100 per hour), and the mandatory use of dolly wheels ($75) can rapidly escalate a standard $225 tow to well over $500 before storage fees are even applied.

Payment

Call the impound lot in advance to confirm their accepted payment methods. Most lots accept cash and major credit cards, but some may also accept money orders. Be aware that credit card payments may be subject to a convenience surcharge.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day it remains in the impound lot costs more money. A particularly punitive logistical friction point in Rutherford County stems from the specific release policies of the Adult Detention Center. Because the private impound lots on the rotational list operate on standard business hours (typically 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM) for administrative vehicle releases, a defendant released at midnight is physically incapable of retrieving their vehicle until the following morning. This temporal misalignment mathematically guarantees the accrual of an additional calendar day of storage fees.

After 30 Days

Most states allow the impound lot to initiate a lien sale if the vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period, typically around 30 days. Do not let it reach this point, as you will lose ownership of your vehicle.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you are struggling to afford the impound fees, consider these options:

• Contact a family member or friend: Ask for assistance in covering the costs.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available: Some impound lots may offer payment plans to help you manage the expense.

After Retrieval

Before leaving the impound lot, take these crucial steps:

• Inspect the vehicle immediately: Carefully examine the vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was in the lot's possession.
• Document any damage with photos: Take detailed photographs of any scratches, dents, or other damage.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing: Notify the lot manager of any damage in writing before you drive away. This creates a record of your claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What happens if I was arrested in a commercial parking lot in Rutherford County? Tennessee Law 55-16-111 strictly outlines that an immobile vehicle cannot be legally towed from private property without express authorization from the vehicle's owner, unless the vehicle has been unattended for a minimum of 12 hours, is actively creating a physical hazard, or the private property owner explicitly authorizes police removal.
2. Where is the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center? The Rutherford County Adult Detention Center is located at 940 New Salem Highway, Murfreesboro, TN 37129.