Wayne County Vehicle Impound Guide

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layout: post title: "Getting Your Car Back After a DUI Arrest in Wayne" meta_description: "How to retrieve your impounded vehicle after a DUI arrest in Wayne County, TN"

Getting Your Car Back After a DUI Arrest in Wayne

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When law enforcement officers arrest someone for driving under the influence in Wayne County, Tennessee, they do not leave the vehicle parked on the roadside. It creates a traffic hazard. Under Tennessee Code Annotated § 55-10-416, officers have the authority to order the immediate towing and impoundment of the vehicle. This is done to ensure public safety and protect the vehicle itself. The vehicle is taken to a secure storage facility. Retrieval is the owner's responsibility. It requires immediate action to prevent escalating costs.

Where Is Your Car?

The law enforcement agency that initiated your arrest holds the records of which towing service took your vehicle. In most local arrests, this is the Wayne Sheriff's Office, located at 1016 Ralph Horton Dr, Waynesboro, TN 38485. You can contact their non-emergency phone line at (931) 722-3615 to determine the location of your vehicle.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided a towing receipt or an impound form. This document contains the name and address of the specific storage lot.
• Call the dispatch or non-emergency line: If you do not have the paperwork, call the sheriff's department. Provide your full name, the date of the arrest, and the vehicle's license plate number or Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
• Reference your booking details: The jail release paperwork may also list the towing company details.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Required Documents

To secure the release of your vehicle, you must present specific documentation to the impound lot staff. They will not release the vehicle without these items:

• Government-Issued Photo Identification: You need a valid driver's license. If your license was confiscated during the DUI arrest, you must bring a licensed driver with you.
• Proof of Ownership: This must be the vehicle title or a current registration card in your name.
• Proof of Valid Auto Insurance: You must show a current insurance card or policy declaration page that covers the impounded vehicle.
• Payment for Fees: Prepare to pay all accrued charges.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

A DUI arrest often results in an immediate administrative license suspension. If your driving privileges are suspended, you cannot legally drive the vehicle off the lot.

You must bring a licensed driver with you to the impound lot. They must present their valid driver's license. You must also provide a signed, notarized letter of authorization allowing this individual to retrieve the vehicle on your behalf, along with the title or registration showing your ownership.

Costs & Fees in Wayne

Towing and storage fees accumulate on a daily basis. The exact rates are determined by the private towing company that performed the service. Because these rates are subject to change and vary by provider, you must contact the specific impound lot directly to obtain an itemized breakdown of your outstanding balance.

Storage fees accumulate every single day. Retrieve your vehicle as quickly as possible to prevent the bill from growing.

Payment

Contact the impound lot before traveling there to confirm their accepted payment methods. Some lots only accept cash, while others may accept credit cards or cashier's checks. Personal checks are rarely accepted by impound operators.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees begin accruing the moment the vehicle is hooked to the tow truck and enters the impound yard. Delaying retrieval by even one day increases your total financial obligation.

After 30 Days

Under Tennessee Code Annotated § 55-16-104, unclaimed vehicles are classified as abandoned after a specific statutory period. If a vehicle remains unclaimed for 30 days, the towing company may initiate a lien sale process. This process allows the company to sell the vehicle at a public auction to satisfy the unpaid towing and storage fees. You will lose ownership of the vehicle if this occurs.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you cannot pay the full balance immediately, the impound lot will not release your vehicle.

Consider asking a family member or friend to assist with the payment to stop the daily storage fees from accumulating.

After Retrieval

• Inspect the vehicle thoroughly before leaving the impound lot.
• Check the exterior and interior for any new damage that occurred during the towing or storage process.
• Document any damage immediately by taking clear, time-stamped photographs while still on the lot.
• Report any discrepancies or damage to the impound lot manager in writing before driving the vehicle off the premises.