Wayne County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Wayne County

After a DUI arrest in Wayne County, Tennessee, your immediate concerns likely revolve around your legal situation and personal freedom. However, a crucial practical matter also demands your attention: retrieving your vehicle. Typically, after a DUI arrest, the Wayne County Sheriff's Office will have your vehicle towed and impounded for safety and evidentiary reasons. Understanding the process for getting your car back is essential to minimize costs and avoid further complications. This guide provides a step-by-step overview of retrieving your vehicle after a DUI arrest in Wayne County.

Where Is Your Car?

Your vehicle will likely be stored at one of the towing companies authorized to impound vehicles for the Wayne County Sheriff's Office. Here are two known impound lots in the area:

• Bennetts Towing: 19 Henryville Rd, Ethridge, TN 38456. Phone: (931) 324-9904
• Wayne's Customs Automotive and Towing: 1006 E Main St, Livingston, TN 38570. Phone: (931) 319-5964

How to Find Your Vehicle

Locating your vehicle quickly is the first step in the retrieval process. Here are a few ways to determine where your car is impounded:

• Check Your Arrest Paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided you with paperwork that includes the name and contact information of the towing company that impounded your vehicle. Look for this information on the citation or release form.
• Call the Wayne County Sheriff's Office: You can contact the Wayne County Sheriff's Office at (931) 722-3615. Provide them with your name, date of birth, and the date of your arrest. They should be able to tell you which towing company has your vehicle.
• Reference Your Booking Number: If you have your booking number from the Wayne County Jail, it can help the Sheriff's Office quickly locate your vehicle information.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you've located your vehicle, you'll need to gather the necessary 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: You'll need to provide proof of ownership of the vehicle, such as the vehicle registration or title.
• Proof of Insurance: You must show proof that the vehicle is currently insured.
• Payment for Fees: You'll need to pay all towing and storage fees before the vehicle can be released.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you cannot personally retrieve the vehicle. However, you can authorize someone else to pick it up on your behalf. They will need:

• Their Valid Driver's License: The person retrieving the vehicle must have a valid driver's license.
• Signed Authorization Letter from You: You must provide a signed letter authorizing them to pick up the vehicle on your behalf. This letter should include your name, their name, the vehicle's make and model, and the vehicle's license plate number.
• Vehicle Title or Registration: They will also need to present the vehicle's title or registration in your name.

Costs & Fees in Wayne County

Towing and storage fees can accumulate quickly, so understanding the costs involved is crucial. Contact the specific impound lot where your vehicle is located to confirm their exact fees and payment policies. Based on available data:

• Bennetts Towing does not have its daily fee available.
• Wayne's Customs Automotive and Towing does not have its daily fee available.

Important: Storage fees accrue every day. The longer you wait to retrieve your vehicle, the more it will cost.

Payment

Call the impound lot in advance to confirm the accepted payment methods. Most impound lots accept cash, but it's best to verify whether they also accept credit cards or money orders.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day that passes increases the total cost of retrieving your vehicle.

After 30 Days

In Tennessee, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period (typically 30 days), the impound lot has the right to initiate a lien sale. This means they can sell your vehicle to recover the unpaid towing and storage fees. To avoid this, contact the impound lot as soon as possible and make arrangements to retrieve your vehicle.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you're struggling to afford the towing and storage fees, consider the following options:

• Contact a Family Member or Friend: Ask a family member or friend if they can help you cover the costs.
• Ask About a Payment Plan: Some impound lots may offer a payment plan, allowing you to pay the fees in installments. Contact the impound lot to inquire about this option.
• Consult with Your Attorney: Your DUI attorney may be able to negotiate the fees with the impound lot or challenge the validity of the fees in certain circumstances.

After Retrieval

Before driving your vehicle away from the impound lot, take the following steps:

• Inspect the Vehicle: Carefully inspect the vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was in the impound lot's possession.
• Document Any Damage: Take photos of any damage you find.
• Report Any Damage: Report any damage to the impound lot manager in writing before you drive the vehicle away. Obtain a copy of the written report for your records.

By following these steps, you can navigate the process of retrieving your vehicle after a DUI arrest in Wayne County, minimizing costs and protecting your rights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long will the impound lot hold my car in Wayne County? A: After 30 days, the impound lot can begin the process of selling your vehicle. It's crucial to contact them immediately to avoid this.

Q: Can someone else pick up my car for me if my license is suspended in Wayne County? A: Yes, if they have a valid license, your signed authorization, and the vehicle's title or registration.

Q: What if I can't afford the impound fees in Wayne County? A: Contact the impound lot to ask about a payment plan, or consult with your attorney about potential options.