Van Buren County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Van Buren County

Being arrested for DUI in Van Buren County can be a disorienting experience. Besides the legal ramifications, one immediate concern is often: "What happens to my car?" In most DUI arrests, the vehicle is impounded and towed, meaning you'll need to take specific steps to retrieve it. This guide provides a clear path to recovering your vehicle, outlining the procedures, costs, and timelines involved in Van Buren County.

Where Is Your Car?

After a DUI arrest in Van Buren County, your vehicle is typically towed to one of the approved impound lots operating under the county's wrecker rotation policy. Knowing where your car is located is the first step in getting it back. Here are two known impound lots operating in Van Buren County:

• A.T. TOWING: 8808 TN-56, Coalmont, TN 37313
• Dave's Towing & Repair: 12373 Monterey Hwy, Monterey, TN 38574

Given the limited capacity of local operators, secondary providers from neighboring counties may be used. D Wagner Towing LLC is the primary towing entity located within Spencer at 51 Feed Store Road, Spencer, TN 38585. Their contact numbers are (931) 946-8795 or (615) 684-6520.

How to Find Your Vehicle

If you're unsure where your vehicle was towed, here are a few ways to find out:

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided documentation indicating the name and contact information of the towing company.
• Call the Van Buren County Sheriff's Office: Contact the Van Buren County Sheriff's Office at (931) 946-2118. Provide them with your name and booking number (if you have it) and they may be able to provide the location of your vehicle.
• Reference your booking number: This number, assigned during the booking process at the Van Buren County Jail located at 121 Taft Drive / 17 Veterans Square in Spencer, can help the Sheriff's Office locate your records and, consequently, your vehicle's location.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you've located your vehicle, you'll need specific documents and payment to retrieve it.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: You (or the person retrieving the vehicle) must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration or title: Proof of ownership is essential. Bring either the vehicle registration or the title.
• Proof of insurance: You must demonstrate that the vehicle is currently insured.
• Payment for fees: Be prepared to pay all towing and storage fees in full.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you cannot legally drive the vehicle yourself. In this case:

• 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 your vehicle.
• The vehicle's registration or title (proving ownership).

Costs & Fees in Van Buren County

Retrieving your vehicle involves paying towing and storage fees. Contact the specific towing company to confirm the exact fees and accepted payment methods.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accrue daily, so acting quickly is crucial to minimize expenses. While specific daily fees for A.T. Towing and Dave's Towing & Repair are unavailable at this time, be prepared for these fees to add up quickly.

Payment

Contact the impound lot before heading over to retrieve your vehicle to confirm their accepted payment methods. Most accept cash, but not all accept credit cards or personal checks. Some may accept money orders. Knowing this in advance will save you a potentially frustrating trip.

Timeline

Time is of the essence when it comes to retrieving your vehicle.

Act Immediately

Storage fees begin accumulating the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day your vehicle remains at the impound lot, the costs increase. Contact the towing company immediately to initiate the retrieval process.

After 30 Days

In Tennessee, if a vehicle remains unclaimed after a certain period (typically 30 days), the impound lot can initiate a lien sale to recover their costs. This means they can legally sell your vehicle to cover the outstanding fees. Do everything you can to avoid this situation.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Financial constraints can make retrieving your vehicle difficult. Here are some options to consider:

• Contact a family member or friend: Ask for assistance in covering the towing and storage fees.
• 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 inquiring about this option.
• Consult with a DUI attorney: In some cases, a DUI attorney may be able to negotiate with the towing company or challenge the fees if they seem unreasonable. Given the economic challenges of Van Buren County, an attorney may be able to present a plan that satisfies the court's concerns regarding compliance.

After Retrieval

Once you've paid the fees and are ready to drive away with your vehicle:

• Inspect the vehicle immediately before leaving the lot: Carefully examine the vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was in the impound lot's possession.
• Document any damage with photos: Take clear photos of any dents, scratches, or other damage.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away: Notify the impound lot manager of the damage in writing, and obtain a signed copy of your report. This documentation is crucial if you need to file a claim for damages later.

Retrieving your vehicle after a DUI arrest in Van Buren County requires prompt action and careful attention to detail. By following these steps, you can navigate the process efficiently and minimize the costs and complications involved.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where will I likely be arrested for DUI in Van Buren County? DUI enforcement is concentrated along State Route 111 and State Route 30, and near Fall Creek Falls State Park, especially during peak tourist season.
2. Where do I go to reinstate my driver's license after a DUI suspension in Van Buren County? Because Van Buren County does not have a Driver Services Center, you will need to travel to McMinnville (Warren County) at 594 Vervilla Road, or to Crossville (Cumberland Co) at 136 Dooley Street.
3. Where can I complete court-mandated DUI school in or near Van Buren County? There are no DUI schools located within Van Buren County. The most common provider is Life Savers of Tennessee DUI School at 105 Locust Street, McMinnville, TN 37110.