Williamson County Vehicle Impound Guide
Impound Cost Calculator — Williamson County, Tennessee
Calculate how much it will cost to retrieve your vehicle from the impound lot.
*Estimated fees shown. Actual fees in Williamson 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 Williamson 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 Williamson 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 Williamson 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)
Navigating DUI Impound in Williamson County: A Practical Guide
If you've been arrested for DUI in Williamson County, Tennessee, your vehicle was likely impounded. Understanding the impound process and your rights is crucial to minimizing costs and getting your car back quickly. This guide provides a practical overview of what to expect.
Immediate Steps After a DUI Arrest
The moment you're arrested for DUI, your vehicle becomes "unattended" and subject to a non-consent tow. Unlike some jurisdictions, Williamson County doesn't operate its own tow truck fleet. Instead, the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) and Franklin Police Department (FPD) utilize a Wrecker Rotation List of private towing companies. This means you don't get to choose the towing service; the next company on the list is automatically dispatched.
Action: The first thing to do after being released is to locate your vehicle. Do NOT call the non-emergency line. Instead, go to the Autura system website (formerly AutoReturn) and search using your license plate number or Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This system is the central hub for tow management in the county.
Understanding Impound Fees
Impound fees can add up quickly. Here's a breakdown of what to expect:
- Towing Fee: This is a flat fee for the tow itself, regulated by the Highway Patrol District Captains and local ordinances.
- Daily Storage Fee: Storage fees accrue daily while your vehicle is at the impound lot.
- Administrative Fees: These may include processing and notification fees.
Important: Tennessee Code § 55-23-103 provides a crucial protection: Towing companies cannot charge storage fees for more than 21 days unless they have your consent or have sent you a notification via certified mail. This means you have a 21-day window to retrieve your vehicle before storage fees potentially skyrocket.
Action: Track the date of your arrest and the date your vehicle was impounded. If you are incarcerated, ensure someone is checking your mail for impound notifications.
Retrieving Your Vehicle: The "Valid Driver" Paradox
Getting your car back from the impound lot can be challenging, especially after a DUI arrest. Here's a common hurdle:
The towing company requires a valid driver's license to release the vehicle. However, in a DUI arrest, your physical license is almost always seized by the arresting officer due to Tennessee's Implied Consent law.
Action: To overcome this, you must bring another licensed driver with you to the impound lot. If you are unable to find a licensed driver, you may have to pay the tow company to tow the vehicle to your residence, incurring additional costs.
Investigative Holds
If your DUI involved an accident or if the police suspect your vehicle contains evidence (drugs, weapons), the FPD or WCSO may place an "Investigative Hold" on your car.
Action: If an investigative hold is in place, you cannot access or retrieve your vehicle until the Detective Division clears the hold. Tennessee law generally prohibits charging storage fees during an investigative hold, but you must carefully audit the bill to ensure compliance.
Detention and Bail in Williamson County
While your vehicle is being towed, you will be transported to the Williamson County Criminal Justice Center at 408 Century Court in Franklin. The booking process can take 2-6 hours, depending on staffing levels and arrest volume.
Once booked, you will appear before a Magistrate (Judicial Commissioner) who is available 24/7 within the jail complex. The Magistrate will determine probable cause and set bail.
Bail Options:
- Release on Recognizance (ROR): This is rare in DUI cases, especially if there was an accident or a high BAC.
- Cash Bond: You must pay the full bond amount to be released.
- Surety Bond: You pay a percentage (typically 10-15%) of the bond amount to a bonding company.
Key Contacts and Information
- Autura Vehicle Search: Search for your vehicle using your license plate or VIN.
- Williamson County Criminal Justice Center: 408 Century Court, Franklin, TN.
- Tennessee Code § 55-23-103: Review the statute regarding towing and storage fee limitations.
Next Step: Immediately upon release, locate your vehicle using the Autura system. Gather the necessary documents (proof of ownership, insurance, and a valid driver's license or a licensed driver) and contact the impound lot to arrange for retrieval. Be prepared to pay all applicable fees.
Sources
Tennessee Transportation Code
Williamson County Towing Regulations
Tennessee Department of Licensing and Regulation
Nearby Tennessee Counties
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