Wilson County License Hearing Guide

Navigating the DMV and Vehicle Impound After a DUI in Wilson County, Tennessee

After a DUI arrest in Wilson County, Tennessee, retrieving your vehicle and navigating potential driver's license restrictions can be a confusing and costly process. This guide provides specific information to help you understand the procedures and potential pitfalls.

Vehicle Impound and Release in Wilson County

Following a DUI arrest, your vehicle is often impounded. Understanding the towing process and your rights is crucial to minimizing expenses and delays.

Towing Companies and Rotation Lists: The Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) and the Lebanon Police Department (LPD) utilize "Rotation Lists" for towing services. This means that if you don't request a specific company, the dispatcher will call the next available vendor on the list. This system aims to prevent favoritism, but it also means you may not have a choice in where your car is towed. THP troopers are prohibited from recommending specific companies.

Towing Fees: The Lebanon Police Department has established maximum towing fees. For vehicles under 10,000 lbs (Class A), the maximum tow fee is $200. Class B vehicles (10,000 - 26,000 lbs) have a $400 maximum, and Class C (over 26,000 lbs) is capped at $600. Trailer towing fees are $75 for trailers under 40 feet and $200 for those over 40 feet. Keep these limits in mind when dealing with towing companies.

Finding Your Vehicle: If you didn't specify a towing company, contact the LPD or THP to determine where your vehicle was taken. Remember that LPD requires rotation companies to maintain storage facilities within a 15-mile radius of Lebanon.

Release Requirements: Retrieving your vehicle requires specific documentation:

• Valid Driver’s License: If your license was seized due to an Implied Consent violation (refusal to take a breathalyzer), you cannot drive the vehicle off the lot. You'll need two licensed drivers: one to drive you to the impound lot and another to drive your vehicle away.
• Proof of Ownership: This can be the vehicle title or current registration.
• Proof of Insurance: Tennessee law requires proof of financial responsibility (insurance).
• Hold Release (if applicable): If your vehicle is part of a felony investigation (e.g., Vehicular Assault), you'll need a release form from the Wilson County Sheriff's Office (WCSO) or the District Attorney.

"Cash Only" Policies and Payment Options: Many towing companies in Wilson County operate on a "Cash Only" basis for impound fees, which can be problematic if your wallet was seized during booking. Ed's Auto Repair & Towing (website: edsautorepairandtowingtn.com) is a notable exception, accepting digital payments like Google Wallet and CashApp. This can significantly speed up the retrieval process.

Appointment-Only Release: Be aware that some companies, like Tow Pro, operate their release lots on an "Appointment Only" basis, Monday through Friday. This can lead to additional storage fees if you are released from jail on a weekend.

Potential for Predatory Towing: Some consumers have reported "predatory" towing practices, such as towing from private lots without clear cause or damaging vehicles during transport. Document your vehicle's condition thoroughly upon release.

Wilson County Jail and Booking Procedures

After arrest, you'll be taken to the Wilson County Criminal Justice Center at 115 E High Street, Lebanon, TN 37087. This is the central processing facility for all criminal cases in the county. The Wilson County Sheriff's Office oversees the jail. You can find information about visitation, phone calls, and commissary on their website (wcso95.org).

Driver's License Reinstatement and Restrictions

A DUI conviction in Tennessee will result in driver's license suspension. Reinstatement requires fulfilling specific requirements with the Tennessee Department of Safety.

Restricted Driver's License: You may be eligible for a restricted driver's license, allowing you to drive to work, school, or court-ordered activities. An "ORDER FOR RESTRICTED DRIVER LICENSE" form is available on the Tennessee Courts website.

Ignition Interlock Devices (IID): Depending on the circumstances of your DUI, you may be required to install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) in your vehicle. Several providers operate in Lebanon, including:

• Smart Start: 201 East Adams Ave, Lebanon, TN.
• Intoxalock: DZ Customs, Lebanon, TN.
• LifeSafer Ignition Interlock: Bradford Auto Care, 441 Gulf Ave, Lebanon, TN.

IID pricing varies, so compare costs and features before choosing a provider.

Finding Court Dates and Case Information

You can find your court date information on the Wilson County website under the "Find a Court Date" section. You can also search for case information through the Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts' Public Case History search.

Next Steps

If your vehicle was impounded, immediately contact the Lebanon Police Department or the Tennessee Highway Patrol to determine its location. Gather the required documents (driver's license, proof of ownership, proof of insurance) and be prepared to pay impound fees, preferably with cash or a payment method accepted by the towing company (like Google Wallet at Ed's Auto Repair). If you believe your vehicle was damaged during the tow, document the damage immediately upon release.