TennesseeUnicoi CountyImpound

Unicoi County Vehicle Impound Guide

Impound Cost Calculator

$45/day*

Calculate how much it will cost to retrieve your vehicle from THP District 5 / Unicoi County Sheriff in Unicoi County, Tennessee.

*Estimated fees shown for Unicoi County. Actual fees may vary.

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The First 48 Hours

After a DUI arrest in Unicoi County, your vehicle is likely towed to an impound lot. Storage fees accumulate daily, making time your biggest enemy.

Retrieval Timeline

  1. 1

    Vehicle Towed

    Usually within 30 minutes of your arrest.

  2. 2

    Lot Notification

    Fees and admin processing start immediately upon arrival.

  3. 3

    Daily Accrual

    Fees start at state averages in Unicoi County.

  4. 4

    Final Notice

    After 30 days, the lot may begin the auction process.

Required Documents

  • Valid Photo ID (License or State ID)
  • Vehicle Registration or Title
  • Current Proof of Insurance
  • Full Payment (Cash/Credit)
  • Release Authorization (if not owner)

Owner Not Present?

If the registered owner is in custody, you will need a notarized power of attorney or specific written authorization and a copy of their ID to retrieve the vehicle.

Lot Details & Map

Current storage facility information for Unicoi County. Verify your vehicle's location before traveling.

THP District 5 / Unicoi County Sheriff

Address

184 Joe McCrary Rd, Fall Branch, TN 37656

Release Hours

Accepted Payments

The Impound “Poverty Trap”

Many people can't afford to get their car out immediately, but waiting only makes it worse.

Here's the vicious cycle:

1

Can't afford the first 3 days of storage + admin fees

2

Wait a week to save money → fees double

3

Can't get to work without car → lose income

4

Wait 2 weeks → fees triple or quadruple

5

After 30 days → Car may be auctioned by the lot

What You Can Do

  • • Borrow money from family/friends (pay them back later, cheaper than daily fees)
  • • Use a credit card (even with interest, cheaper than impound fees)
  • • Sell non-essential items quickly
  • • Ask your employer for an advance
  • • Check if your auto insurance covers towing/storage (some policies do)

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

The Sheriff's Department at 1570 Jackson Love Hwy in Erwin processes arrests for driving under the influence under Tennessee Code Annotated § 55-10-401. When an arrest occurs, law enforcement does not leave the vehicle on the roadside. Officers order an immediate tow to clear the public roadway. This impoundment is an administrative action separate from your criminal court case. The vehicle remains locked in a storage facility until the registered owner meets specific release requirements.

Where Is Your Car?

The arresting agency determines which towing service retrieves the vehicle. In Unicoi, two main locations hold impounded vehicles:

  • Edwards Towing & Storage
  • Address: 102 Harris Hollow Rd, Erwin, TN 37650
  • A-Team Towing And Recovery
  • Address: 2708 N Roan St, Johnson City, TN 37601
  • Phone: (423) 723-3204

How to Find Your Vehicle

  • Review the towing receipt or arrest paperwork provided during booking.
  • Call the Sheriff's Department non-emergency line at (423) 743-1864 to identify the exact storage lot.
  • Provide your full name, vehicle license plate number, and the date of the arrest to the dispatcher.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Required Documents

To secure the release of the vehicle, you must present the following documents at the impound lot:

  • A valid driver's license.
  • The vehicle registration or title proving ownership.
  • Proof of active auto insurance.
  • Payment for all accumulated fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your driving privileges are suspended, you cannot drive the vehicle off the lot. You must arrange for a licensed driver to retrieve it. This person must present:

  • Their valid driver's license.
  • A signed, notarized letter of authorization from you.
  • The vehicle registration or title.

Costs & Fees in Unicoi

Towing companies charge fees for the initial hookup, mileage, and daily storage. Because specific fee schedules vary by provider, you must contact the lot directly to obtain your exact balance.

Storage fees accumulate every day. Retrieve your vehicle as quickly as possible to prevent rising costs.

Payment

Call the impound lot in advance to confirm accepted payment methods. Providers generally require payment in cash, credit card, or money order.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day costs more money. Delaying recovery increases the financial burden.

After 30 Days

Under Tennessee law, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for 30 days, the impound lot can initiate a lien sale to recover towing and storage costs. This process can result in the permanent loss of your vehicle.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

  • Contact a family member or friend to help cover costs.
  • Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available.

After Retrieval

  • Inspect the vehicle immediately before leaving the lot.
  • Document any damage with photos.
  • Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away.

Need Help Beyond Impound?

If you're dealing with a recent arrest, here are immediate resources for release and legal help:

Legal Representation

View all 6 attorneys →

Learn About Bail ProcessCourt Process Overview
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