Washington County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Washington County

After a DUI arrest in Washington County, Tennessee, one of your most immediate concerns is likely getting your vehicle back. Vehicles are commonly impounded following a DUI arrest for several reasons: as evidence, for public safety (preventing further impaired driving), or due to Tennessee's implied consent laws. This guide provides information on how to locate, retrieve, and handle the costs associated with impoundment in Washington County.

Where Is Your Car?

Washington County does not have a central, county-run impound lot. Instead, the Washington County Sheriff's Office (WCSO), Johnson City Police Department (JCPD), and Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) use a rotational list of private towing companies. This means your vehicle could be at any one of several different lots. Here are some authorized towing firms frequently utilized in the Johnson City and Washington County rotational systems:

• Tow Truck Johnson City: Located at 3408 Bristol Hwy, Johnson City, TN 37601.
• Malone's Wrecker Service: A local provider servicing Washington and surrounding counties.
• Appalachian Towing & Recovery: Based in Jonesborough, providing specialized and standard recovery services.

How to Find Your Vehicle

Quickly locating your vehicle is crucial to minimize storage fees. Here's how:

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided documentation indicating which towing company took your vehicle.
• Call the JCPD Records division: If your vehicle was towed by a Johnson City Police Officer (and not subject to civil asset forfeiture), contact the JCPD Police Records division at 423-434-6160 (Option 2).
• Reference your booking number: Have your booking number ready when you call to help them locate your vehicle information quickly.

IMPORTANT: The JCPD Records division is only operational from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. If you are arrested late Friday night or over the weekend, confirming the location of your vehicle through official municipal channels may be impossible until Monday morning, leading to additional storage fees.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

To retrieve your vehicle from the impound lot, you will generally need the following:

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: The person retrieving the vehicle must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration or title: Proof of ownership is required.
• Proof of insurance: You must show current insurance coverage for the vehicle.
• Payment for fees: Be prepared to pay all towing and storage fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended or revoked due to the DUI arrest, you cannot personally retrieve the vehicle. Here's what to do:

• 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 (stating they have permission to retrieve your vehicle), and the vehicle's title or registration.

Costs & Fees in Washington County

Towing and storage fees can add up quickly, so understanding the costs is essential. While specific fees vary between private lots, be aware of the following:

• Daily Storage Rate: Variable by private lot (Subject to statutory caps)
• Tow Fee: Variable by private lot (Regulated by local ordinance)

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day. The sooner you retrieve your vehicle, the lower the total cost.

Under Tennessee Code Annotated (TCA) § 55-23-103, a towing firm cannot charge the owner of a motor vehicle a storage fee for a period exceeding twenty-one (21) days without the explicit consent of the owner or lienholder, unless a formal legal hold has been placed on the vehicle by law enforcement. Furthermore, the statute explicitly prohibits a towing company from charging a storage fee for any day on which the vehicle is not actually available for release to the owner during normal business hours.

Payment

Call the impound lot in advance to confirm their accepted payment methods. Most accept cash, but policies on credit cards and money orders vary.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day your vehicle remains in the lot increases the amount you owe.

After 30 Days

If the vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period (typically 30 days), the impound lot can initiate a lien sale to recover their costs. Do not let it reach this point.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you are struggling to afford the towing and storage fees, consider these options:

• Contact a family member or friend: Ask for financial assistance to help cover the costs.
• 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.

After Retrieval

• Inspect the vehicle immediately before leaving the lot: Carefully examine the vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while 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 copy of the report. This is crucial for filing a claim later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I get my personal belongings out of the car before I retrieve it? A: In Johnson City, personal property is transferred to the Property and Facilities Supervisor (Evidence Custodian). The property room is located at 601 E. Main Street, Johnson City. To inquire about the retrieval of non-evidentiary personal property, defendants must call 423-434-6160 (Option 7). The Evidence Custodian operates Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Q: What happens if my car is seized for civil asset forfeiture? A: If a vehicle is seized, it falls under the jurisdiction of the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security's Legal Division. Coordinate with the East Tennessee regional office located at 322 Nancy Lynn Lane, Suite 8, Knoxville, TN 37919 (Phone: 865-594-6519).

Q: What if I was arrested on a Friday night and can't locate my car until Monday? A: The JCPD Records division is only operational from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. If you are arrested late Friday night or over the weekend, it may be impossible to confirm the location of the vehicle through official municipal channels until Monday morning, guaranteeing the accumulation of weekend storage fees at the private lot.