Sumner County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Sumner County

Being arrested for DUI in Sumner County can be a stressful and confusing experience. One immediate concern is often: what happens to my car? In most DUI cases, if there isn't a sober, licensed passenger available to take possession of your vehicle, it will be impounded. This guide provides the essential steps to locate, retrieve, and protect your rights regarding your impounded vehicle. Understanding the procedures and acting quickly can save you significant money and prevent further complications.

Where Is Your Car?

The first step is determining where your vehicle was towed. Unlike some larger cities with central police impound lots, Sumner County uses a rotation system. This means your vehicle could be at any one of several private towing companies authorized by law enforcement.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer should provide you with a Vehicle Impound Report, or similar documentation, indicating the name of the towing company and its location. This information may also be included with your personal property returned to you at the Sumner County Jail, located at 117 West Smith Street, Gallatin, TN 37066.
• Call the Sumner County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: If you can't locate the paperwork, you can contact the Sumner County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) to inquire about the location of your vehicle.
• Reference your booking number: When you call, provide your booking number (assigned when you were processed at the Sumner County Detention Facility) to help them quickly locate the relevant information.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you know where your car is impounded, you need to gather the necessary documents and prepare for the associated costs. Recovering a vehicle in Sumner County is a regulated administrative release process.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: You'll need to present a valid driver's license to claim your vehicle.
• Vehicle registration or title: Proof of ownership is essential. Bring your vehicle registration or title.
• Proof of insurance: You must demonstrate that the vehicle is currently insured.
• Payment for fees: Be prepared to pay all applicable towing and storage fees (more on this below). In addition to these items, you will need to obtain a "Vehicle Release Form" or "Tow Release" from the arresting agency. For example, if you were arrested by the Gallatin Police Department, you would need to visit the GPD Records Division at 130 W. Franklin Street during business hours to get this paperwork.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license was suspended due to the DUI arrest, you can still retrieve your vehicle, but you'll need a licensed driver to accompany you.

• Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it: Ask a friend or family member with a valid license to pick up the vehicle for you.
• They need: Their valid driver's license, a signed authorization letter from you granting them permission to retrieve the vehicle on your behalf, and the vehicle's title or registration to prove ownership.

Costs & Fees in Sumner County

The cost of retrieving your impounded vehicle can be significant and increases with each passing day.

Typical towing fees in Tennessee range from $125 to $250, but this can vary based on the class of vehicle (e.g., light duty vs. heavy duty). Daily storage fees typically run between $40 and $60 per day. You may also encounter administrative or processing fees (around $35-$50) for paperwork related to the lien or state notifications. Some impound lots also charge an after-hours gate fee (typically $50-$75) for releasing the vehicle outside of normal business hours.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accrue every 24 hours, including weekends. A weekend arrest can easily result in 2-3 days of storage charges. Retrieve your vehicle as quickly as possible to minimize costs.

Payment

Contact the impound lot in advance to confirm their accepted payment methods. Many operate on a strict "Cash" or "Verified Funds" basis, meaning personal checks are often rejected. Verify whether they accept credit cards or money orders.

Timeline

Act Immediately

The clock starts ticking the moment your vehicle is towed. Storage fees accumulate daily, and delays can quickly escalate the total cost.

After 30 Days

Under Tennessee law, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for a certain period (typically 30 days), the towing company can initiate a lien sale to recover their costs. This means they can obtain a title for the vehicle and sell it at auction. Don't let it reach this point.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you're facing financial hardship and struggling to pay the impound fees, consider these options:

• Contact a family member or friend to help cover costs: Explore whether someone can lend you the necessary funds.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available: Some impound lots may offer payment plans, allowing you to pay the fees in installments. It's worth asking, although it's not guaranteed.
• Consult with a DUI attorney: A DUI attorney might be able to negotiate with the impound lot or challenge the fees in certain circumstances.

After Retrieval

Before driving away with your vehicle, take these precautions:

• Inspect the vehicle immediately before leaving the lot: Carefully examine the vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.
• Document any damage with photos: Take detailed photos of any scratches, dents, or other damage.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away: Notify the impound lot manager in writing about any damage you find before you leave the premises. This creates a record of the damage and strengthens your claim if you need to pursue compensation later.

By understanding the procedures and acting promptly, you can navigate the vehicle retrieval process in Sumner County and minimize the financial burden associated with a DUI arrest.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where will my car be taken after a DUI arrest in Sumner County? Your car will likely be towed to a private towing company lot, as Sumner County uses a rotation system. Check your arrest paperwork or call the Sumner County Sheriff's Office to find out the exact location.
2. How long does the Sumner County Jail hold someone arrested for DUI before they can be released on bond? The Sumner County Detention Facility enforces a "Sober Release" policy. Even after posting bond, you may have to remain in custody until you are deemed sober, either through a fixed time hold or a breath test showing a BAC below 0.02%.
3. Where is the Sumner County General Sessions Court, where my DUI case will likely begin? The General Sessions Court is located at 155 East Main Street, Gallatin, TN 37066. Court sessions typically convene at 9:00 AM.