Scott County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Scott County

Being arrested for a DUI in Scott County, Tennessee is a stressful experience. One of the immediate concerns is often: "What happens to my car?" Unfortunately, vehicles are almost always impounded following a DUI arrest. This guide provides practical information on how to locate, retrieve, and handle the costs associated with getting your car back. Time is of the essence, so understanding this process quickly is crucial.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in Tennessee, your vehicle is typically impounded for several reasons:

• Public Safety: To prevent you from driving under the influence again immediately.
• Evidence: The vehicle itself might be considered evidence in your case.
• Liability: To protect law enforcement and the towing company from liability if the vehicle is damaged or involved in another incident.

Knowing why your car was impounded is less important than knowing how to get it back. Let's get to that.

Where Is Your Car?

Finding your vehicle quickly is essential because storage fees accumulate daily. Here are some potential impound locations in and around Scott County:

• Wartburg Wrecker Service: 3020 Morgan County Hwy, Wartburg, TN 37887
• Tennessee Towing: 1828 Ryder Dr, Kingsport, TN 37660

How to Find Your Vehicle

Even if you know the likely impound lots, you should still confirm where your car is to avoid wasted trips. Here's how:

• Check Your Arrest Paperwork: The paperwork you received at the time of your arrest should list the towing company that impounded your vehicle. This is the fastest way to determine where your car is located.
• Call the Scott County Sheriff's Office: If you can't find the information on your paperwork, contact the Scott County Sheriff's Department at (423) 663-3111. Provide them with your name, date of birth, and booking number (if you have it) to help them locate your vehicle.
• Reference your booking number: The booking number assigned to you at the Scott County Jail can help the Sheriff's Department quickly locate your vehicle's impound location.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you've located your vehicle, you'll need to gather the necessary documents to retrieve it.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license (or someone with valid license): You'll need a valid driver's license to prove you (or someone acting on your behalf) are authorized to drive the vehicle.
• Vehicle registration or title: This confirms that you own the vehicle or have permission from the owner to retrieve it.
• Proof of insurance: You'll need to show proof that the vehicle is insured.
• Payment for fees: Be prepared to pay towing and storage fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you have a couple of options:

• Have someone else pick it up: The easiest solution is to have a licensed driver retrieve the vehicle for you.
• They need: Their valid driver's license, a signed authorization letter from you stating they have permission to pick up the vehicle, and the vehicle title or registration to prove ownership or authorization.

Costs & Fees in Scott County

Understanding the costs involved is crucial, as they can quickly add up.

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

Typical Fees

These are estimates of the typical fees you might encounter. Contact the specific impound lot for exact figures.

• Towing fee: Expect to pay between $150 and $300 for the initial tow.
• Daily storage: Storage fees can range from $20 to $50 per day.
• Administrative fees: Some impound lots may charge additional administrative or processing fees.
• Release fee: Some lots charge a release fee to process the paperwork and release your vehicle.

Contact the specific impound lot to get exact figures for all applicable fees.

Payment

Call the impound lot in advance to confirm accepted payment methods (cash, credit card, money order, etc.). Not all impound lots accept all forms of payment.

Timeline

Understanding the timeline is essential to avoid further complications and costs.

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day costs more money. Contact the impound lot as soon as possible after your arrest to determine their operating hours and plan your vehicle retrieval.

After 30 Days

Most states allow the lot to initiate a lien sale if the vehicle is unclaimed for an extended period (typically 30 days). Do not let it reach this point. The impound lot can sell your car to recoup their fees, and you will lose your vehicle and still potentially owe money.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Facing a DUI arrest often comes with unexpected financial burdens. If you're struggling to afford the impound fees, consider these options:

• Contact a family member or friend to help cover costs: Borrowing money from loved ones is often the quickest way to get your vehicle back.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available (some offer this): Some impound lots may offer payment plans. It's worth asking if this is an option, but be aware that interest charges may apply.
• Consult with your attorney: In some cases, your attorney may be able to negotiate lower fees with the impound lot or challenge the fees in court if they are excessive or unlawful.

After Retrieval

Once you've retrieved your vehicle, take these steps:

• Inspect the vehicle immediately before leaving the lot: Before driving away, carefully inspect your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.
• Document any damage with photos: Take detailed photographs of any damage, including scratches, dents, or broken parts.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away: Notify the impound lot manager of any damage in writing before you leave the premises. This will help protect your rights if you need to file a claim for damages later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does the impound lot have to hold my car? A: In Tennessee, the impound lot is required to hold your vehicle for a reasonable period, typically around 30 days, before they can initiate a lien sale. However, storage fees continue to accrue during this time, so it's best to retrieve your vehicle as soon as possible.

Q: What happens if I can't afford to get my car out of impound? A: If you can't afford to retrieve your vehicle, you may be able to work out a payment plan with the impound lot, borrow money from family or friends, or consult with your attorney to explore other options. As a last resort, you may be able to sign the vehicle over to the impound lot to avoid further fees.

Q: Can I get my personal belongings out of my car before I retrieve it? A: Yes, you typically have the right to retrieve your personal belongings from your vehicle before you retrieve it. Contact the impound lot to arrange a time to collect your belongings. You will likely need to provide proof of ownership and identification.