Andrews County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Andrews County

Being arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Andrews County, Texas, is a stressful experience. Beyond the legal ramifications, there's the immediate issue of your vehicle. In almost every DUI arrest, the vehicle is impounded and towed, initiating a ticking clock of accumulating fees. This guide provides the essential steps to locate, retrieve, and protect your rights regarding your impounded vehicle in Andrews County. Understanding the process and acting quickly can save you significant money and prevent further complications.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for DUI in Andrews County, your vehicle is typically impounded for public safety and evidentiary reasons. This means the arresting officer arranges for a tow truck to remove your car to a designated Vehicle Storage Facility (VSF), commonly referred to as an impound lot. This process is governed by Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) rules and regulations. The financial responsibility for towing and storage falls squarely on you, the vehicle owner. Understanding your rights and responsibilities is critical to navigating this situation effectively. Remember that Andrews County operates as a rural jurisdiction and relies heavily on regional incident management towing contractors. This means your vehicle may be towed to a VSF in a neighboring jurisdiction like Midland or Big Spring.

Where Is Your Car?

The first step is determining where your vehicle was towed. Andrews County relies on regional incident management towing contractors due to its rural nature. Your vehicle is removed by an operator on the law enforcement rotation list, often resulting in the vehicle being transported to a regional Vehicle Storage Facility (VSF) in neighboring jurisdictions such as Midland or Big Spring. Don't assume it's at a local Andrews lot. Finding out which VSF has your vehicle requires immediate action.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer should provide you with a tow slip indicating the name and contact information of the towing company and the location of the VSF. This slip is often misplaced in the chaos of an arrest, so look carefully through your belongings.
• Call the Andrews County Sheriff's Office: If you can't locate the tow slip, contact the Andrews County Sheriff’s Dispatch at (432) 523-5545 or the Andrews Police Records Division to trace the incident management tow assignment. Provide them with your name, date of birth, and the approximate location where you were arrested.
• Reference your booking number: Having your booking number handy when you call the Sheriff's Office will help them locate the information more quickly.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you've located your vehicle, gather the necessary documents to claim it. VSFs in Texas operate under strict rules, and they will not release the vehicle without proper documentation.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: The person retrieving the vehicle must have a valid driver's license. The name on the license must match the name on the vehicle's registration or title.
• Vehicle registration or title: You must provide proof of ownership. A current vehicle registration or the vehicle's title will suffice.
• Proof of insurance: While VSFs are legally prohibited from demanding proof of valid insurance as a condition of releasing the vehicle, it's wise to have it available.
• Payment for fees: Be prepared to pay the towing and storage fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license was suspended due to the DUI arrest, you cannot personally retrieve the vehicle.

• Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it: Ask a trusted friend or family member with a valid license to pick up the vehicle for you.
• They need:
• Their valid driver's license.
• A signed authorization letter from you, explicitly authorizing them to retrieve the vehicle on your behalf.
• The vehicle's title or registration in your name.

Costs & Fees in Andrews County

Towing and storage fees can quickly add up. Texas law sets maximum rates, but the exact amount will vary.

Typical towing fees in Texas run $255 - $272 base maximum for light-duty; $357 - $380 for medium-duty. Daily storage is generally \le$ 25 feet); $39.99 per day (> 25 feet). There is also a $50 Notification Fee (after 24 hrs) and a $20 Impound/MVR Fee.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accrue daily. Retrieve your vehicle as quickly as possible to minimize expenses. Under TDLR rules, a VSF may charge a storage fee for a second day only if the vehicle has been on the lot for two calendar days AND for a total of more than 12 hours.

Payment

Call the impound lot in advance to confirm accepted payment methods. Texas VSFs are required to accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards.

Timeline

Time is of the essence when retrieving your vehicle.

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day that passes increases the financial burden. Contact the Andrews County Sheriff’s Dispatch at (432) 523-5545 or the Andrews Police Records Division immediately to locate your vehicle.

After 30 Days

Texas law allows impound lots to initiate a lien sale if a vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period, typically 30 days. If a lien sale occurs, you lose ownership of your vehicle. Do not let it reach this point.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Financial constraints can make retrieving your vehicle challenging. Explore these options:

• Contact a family member or friend: Ask for assistance to cover the towing and storage costs.
• Ask the impound lot about a payment plan: Some VSFs may offer payment plans, allowing you to pay the fees in installments. It's worth inquiring, though not all facilities offer this option.
• Consult with your attorney: Your DUI attorney may be able to negotiate with the impound lot or challenge the fees in certain circumstances.

After Retrieval

Before driving away from the impound lot, take these crucial steps:

• Inspect the vehicle immediately: Carefully examine the vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was in the impound lot's possession.
• Document any damage with photos: Take clear photos of any scratches, dents, or other damage.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away: Obtain a written acknowledgment of your damage report from the lot manager. This documentation is essential if you need to file a claim for damages later.

By understanding the impound process and acting promptly, you can navigate the complexities of retrieving your vehicle after a DUI arrest in Andrews County, Texas, minimizing financial burdens and protecting your rights.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I get my personal belongings out of the car even if I can't afford to pay the towing fees right away in Andrews County? Yes. Under Texas law, you have the right to access your impounded vehicle to retrieve personal belongings (e.g., house keys, legal documents, wallets, medication) free of charge during normal business hours. The VSF cannot legally hold your personal property hostage to force payment of towing fees, though they retain a possessory lien on the vehicle itself.
2. What if the Andrews County Sheriff's Office can't immediately tell me where my car is located? Due to the rural nature of Andrews County, it may take time to determine which regional towing company was assigned to your case. Be persistent, provide all available information (arrest location, vehicle description), and ask for a call back as soon as the information is available.
3. Are impound fees in Andrews County negotiable? While the base towing and storage fees are typically fixed according to Texas regulations, it's always worth discussing the charges with the impound lot manager. In some cases, especially if there were delays or issues with the towing process, they may be willing to reduce the fees slightly. Consult with your attorney about the possibility of negotiating or challenging the fees.