Austin County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Austin County

**(dui.guide - Your Guide to Navigating a DUI in Austin, TX)*After being arrested for DUI in Austin County, Texas, one of your immediate concerns is likely getting your vehicle back. When you're arrested for DUI, the Austin County Sheriff’s Office will typically have your vehicle towed and impounded. This guide provides a step-by-step explanation of how to locate, retrieve, and handle the costs associated with getting your car back after a DUI arrest in Austin County.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

Following a DUI arrest in Austin County, your vehicle is typically impounded for several reasons. These include ensuring public safety by preventing you from driving under the influence again, preserving the vehicle as potential evidence in your case (though less common), and complying with standard procedures of the Austin County Sheriff’s Office. The arresting officer will arrange for a towing company to transport your vehicle to a designated impound lot.

Where Is Your Car?

Locating your vehicle is the first step in the retrieval process. Here are some common impound lots used in the Austin area:

• EZ Tow: 1830 Oak Hill Ln, Austin, TX 78744
• Beard's Towing: 1208 Kennedale Pkwy, Kennedale, TX 76060

How to Find Your Vehicle

If you're unsure where your vehicle was towed, here are several ways to find out:

• 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.
• Call the Austin County Sheriff's Office: Contact the Austin County Sheriff’s Office at (979) 865-3111. Provide them with your name, date of birth, and the date of your arrest. They should be able to tell you which impound lot your vehicle was taken to. The Sheriff's Office address is 417 N Chesley St, Bellville, TX 77418.
• Reference Your Booking Number: Your booking number, assigned during the booking process at the jail, can help the Austin County Sheriff’s Office quickly locate your vehicle information.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

To retrieve your vehicle from the impound lot, you will need to provide the following:

Required Documents

• Valid Driver's License: You (or the person retrieving the vehicle on your behalf) must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle Registration or Title: You must provide proof of ownership of the vehicle. This can be either the vehicle registration or the vehicle title.
• Proof of Insurance: You must show proof that the vehicle is currently insured.
• Payment for Fees: You will need to pay all applicable towing and storage fees before the vehicle will be released.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your driver's license is suspended or you don't have a valid license for any other reason, you can still retrieve your vehicle by having someone else pick it up for you. This person must:

• Have a Valid Driver's License: They must have a valid driver's license.
• Provide a Signed Authorization Letter from You: You must provide a signed letter authorizing them to pick up the vehicle on your behalf.
• Vehicle Title or Registration: They must provide the vehicle title or registration.

Costs & Fees in Austin County

Be aware that retrieving your vehicle involves costs.

• Towing Fee: Varies
• Daily Storage Fee: Contact EZ Tow or Beard's Towing for details on current storage fees.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day. Retrieve your vehicle as quickly as possible to minimize expenses.

Payment

Call the impound lot in advance to confirm their accepted payment methods. Most impound lots accept cash, and some may accept credit cards or money orders. EZ Tow can be reached at (512) 291-8299 and Beard's Towing at (817) 478-2001.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day your vehicle remains at the impound lot increases the amount you will owe.

After 30 Days

In Texas, if a vehicle remains unclaimed at an impound lot for an extended period (typically 30 days), the lot has the right to initiate a lien sale to recover the outstanding fees. Do not let it reach this point.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you are struggling to afford the towing and storage fees, consider the following:

• Contact a Family Member or Friend: Ask if they can help you cover the costs.
• Ask the Impound Lot if a Payment Plan is Available: Some impound lots may offer payment plans. Contact EZ Tow or Beard's Towing directly to inquire about this possibility.
• Consult with Your Attorney: In some cases, your attorney may be able to negotiate or challenge the fees.

After Retrieval

Once you've paid the fees and are ready to take your vehicle:

• Inspect the Vehicle Immediately: Before leaving the lot, carefully inspect your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.
• Document Any Damage with Photos: Take detailed photos of any dents, scratches, or other damage.
• Report Any Damage to the Lot Manager in Writing: Immediately report any damage to the impound lot manager and file a written claim before you drive away. Keep a copy of the claim for your records. This will be important if you need to pursue compensation for the damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long will the impound lot hold my car in Austin County? A: Impound lots can initiate a lien sale after approximately 30 days if the vehicle remains unclaimed. Contact EZ Tow or Beard's Towing directly for their specific policies.

Q: Can someone else pick up my car for me if I'm still in jail? A: Yes, someone can pick up your vehicle if they have a valid driver's license, a signed authorization letter from you, and the vehicle's title or registration.

Q: What if I can't afford to pay the impound fees? A: Try contacting a family member or friend for assistance. You can also inquire with the impound lot about payment plans and consult with your attorney about potential options.