Van Buren County Vehicle Impound Guide
Impound Cost Calculator — Van Buren County, Tennessee
Calculate how much it will cost to retrieve your vehicle from the impound lot.
*Estimated fees shown. Actual fees in Van Buren County may vary. Contact the impound lot directly for exact costs.
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The First 48 Hours Are Critical
After a arrest in Van Buren County, your vehicle is likely towed to an impound lot. Storage fees accumulate daily, making time your biggest enemy.
What Happens Immediately After Arrest
- 1
Vehicle is towed (usually within 30 minutes of arrest)
- 2
Tow company notifies impound lot (charges start immediately)
- 3
Storage fees begin accruing daily in Van Buren County
- 4
Administrative fees added (varies by lot)
Documents You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle
- Valid photo ID (driver's license or state ID)
- Vehicle registration or title
- Proof of insurance
- Payment for all fees (see calculator above)
- Release authorization (if not the registered owner)
Can Someone Else Pick Up My Car?
Yes, but they'll need:
- • Written authorization from the registered owner
- • Copy of owner's ID
- • Their own valid ID
- • Proof of insurance in their name or the owner's name
Find Impound Lots in Van Buren County
Call Before You Go
Verify your vehicle is at this lot and confirm the exact amount owed before making the trip. Hours and fees may change without notice.
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:
Can't afford the first 3 days of storage + admin fees
Wait a week to save money → fees double
Can't get to work without car → lose income
Wait 2 weeks → fees triple or quadruple
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)
DUI and Impound in Van Buren County: What You Need to Know
If you've been arrested for DUI in Van Buren County, Tennessee, your vehicle was likely impounded. Understanding the impound process, your rights, and how to retrieve your vehicle is crucial. This guide provides specific information relevant to Van Buren County, helping you navigate this challenging situation.
Why Was My Car Impounded?
Tennessee law mandates vehicle impoundment following a DUI arrest. This is standard procedure whether you were stopped by the Van Buren County Sheriff's Office (VBSO) or the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP). Common locations for DUI stops include State Route 111, a major highway running through Spencer, and State Route 30, known for its winding mountain roads. Even arrests near Fall Creek Falls State Park can lead to impoundment.
The Van Buren County Wrecker Rotation Policy
Van Buren County operates under a "wrecker rotation" policy. This means the towing company responding to your arrest scene is selected from a pre-approved list managed by the Van Buren County Commission. This system aims to prevent favoritism and ensures that towing companies meet specific standards for equipment and insurance. The Sheriff's Office administers the policy, but the County Commission has ultimate oversight.
Who Tows Vehicles in Van Buren County?
The primary towing service in Spencer, TN is D Wagner Towing LLC, located at 51 Feed Store Road, Spencer, TN 38585 (another address listed is 35 Marks Ln, Spencer). You can reach them at (931) 946-8795 or (615) 684-6520. D Wagner Towing likely holds the contract for the Sheriff’s impound lot. Given their small fleet size of approximately two power units, response times may be longer during busy periods, or secondary providers from neighboring counties might be called. D & S Service, located at 3319 Mooneyham Lonewood Road, Spencer, TN, serves as a secondary option, particularly for incidents near Fall Creek Falls.
Impound Fees and Storage Costs
Expect to pay towing fees and daily storage fees. These fees are set by the towing company and are subject to Van Buren County regulations. Contact D Wagner Towing immediately to inquire about their specific rates and payment options. Be prepared to provide your vehicle information and the date of the impound.
How to Retrieve Your Vehicle
To reclaim your vehicle, you will generally need the following:
- Proof of Ownership: This could be your vehicle title or registration.
- Valid Driver's License: Even if your license is currently suspended due to the DUI arrest, someone with a valid license can retrieve the vehicle on your behalf with your permission.
- Proof of Insurance: Your insurance card or a copy of your insurance policy.
- Payment: You must pay all towing and storage fees before the vehicle will be released.
Contact D Wagner Towing at (931) 946-8795 to confirm their specific requirements and payment methods.
Important Considerations
- Administrative License Revocation: A DUI arrest triggers an administrative license revocation. This is separate from any criminal charges. You have a limited time (typically 10 days) to request a hearing to challenge this revocation. Missing this deadline can significantly impact your ability to drive and retrieve your vehicle.
- Financial Strain: Van Buren County has a significant poverty rate, and the costs associated with a DUI (bond, towing, fines, interlock device) can be overwhelming. Explore all available options for financial assistance and legal representation.
- "Sober DUI" Arrests: The THP has seen a rise in "sober DUI" arrests, where drivers are arrested for impairment, but toxicology reports are negative. If you were arrested based solely on Field Sobriety Tests (FSTs), it's crucial to obtain dash-cam footage and challenge the validity of the tests. The roadside conditions on the Cumberland Plateau can affect FST performance.
- Vehicle Seizure: In some cases, particularly with repeat DUI offenses, the state may attempt to seize your vehicle permanently. This is a separate legal process that requires immediate legal attention.
Next Steps
If your vehicle has been impounded following a DUI arrest in Van Buren County, your immediate next step is to contact D Wagner Towing at (931) 946-8795 to determine the fees and documentation required to retrieve your vehicle.
Sources
Tennessee Transportation Code
Van Buren County Towing Regulations
Tennessee Department of Licensing and Regulation
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