Baylor County Vehicle Impound Guide

After a DUI arrest in Baylor County, one of your immediate concerns is likely retrieving your vehicle. Texas law allows law enforcement to impound your car following a DWI arrest to ensure public safety and prevent further offenses. This guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to locate, claim, and retrieve your vehicle as quickly and efficiently as possible. Understanding the process and acting promptly can save you significant money in storage fees.

Where Is Your Car?

Unlike larger cities with municipal impound lots, Baylor County relies on private towing services operating from outside the county. This means your vehicle is likely not in Seymour, but rather at a storage facility in a neighboring city. Here are the primary towing services used by law enforcement in Baylor County:

• Mike Freeman's Towing Service: Operates out of Wichita Falls, TX, approximately 52 miles from Seymour.
• Goodrum Wrecker Service LLC: Located at 6591 Business Hwy 287, Vernon, TX, about 33 miles from Seymour.

How to Find Your Vehicle

Locating your vehicle quickly is crucial to minimizing storage fees. Here's how to determine where your car was towed:

• Check Your Arrest Paperwork: The "Statutory Warning" or "Notice of Suspension" (DIC-25) form you received at the time of your arrest usually indicates the tow company that took your vehicle.
• Call the Baylor County Sheriff's Office: If the tow company is not listed on your paperwork, contact the Baylor County Sheriff's Dispatch at (940) 889-3333. They maintain a rotation log and can confirm which company towed your vehicle. Reference your booking number when calling.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Before heading to the impound lot, ensure you have all the necessary documents and payment ready. Release is by appointment only, so calling ahead is mandatory.

Required Documents

• Valid Driver's License: The person retrieving the vehicle must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle Registration or Title: Proof of ownership is required. Bring either the vehicle registration or the title.
• Proof of Insurance: You must provide proof of current insurance coverage for the vehicle.
• Payment for Fees: Be prepared to pay all towing and storage fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you cannot legally drive the vehicle yourself. In this case, you have two options:

• Have a Licensed Friend or Family Member Retrieve It: A licensed driver can pick up the vehicle on your behalf.
• They will need:
• Their valid driver's license.
• A signed authorization letter from you, granting them permission to retrieve the vehicle.
• A copy of the vehicle title or registration.
• Obtain an Occupational Driver's License (ODL): You may be eligible for an ODL, which allows you to drive for essential purposes, including retrieving your vehicle. Consult with a DUI attorney about the process of obtaining an ODL.

Costs & Fees in Baylor County

Towing and storage fees can add up quickly, especially given the distances involved in Baylor County. Be prepared for higher-than-average towing costs due to the "deadhead" mileage (the distance the tow truck travels without a vehicle).

• Tow Fee: Expect to pay between $150 and $300, depending on the distance.
• Daily Storage Rate: The daily storage rate is typically between $20.00 and $25.00 per day, as regulated by the state.
• Impound/Admin Fee: A standard impound or administrative fee of approximately $20.00 may apply.
• Notification Fee: A notification fee of around $50.00 is often triggered after 24 hours.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day, including weekends. Retrieve your vehicle as quickly as possible to minimize expenses. These are private, family-owned businesses, not 24/7 municipal counters. The lots are often unmanned. Arriving unannounced will likely result in finding a locked gate and no staff.

Payment

Call the impound lot before you go to confirm their accepted payment methods. While both Freeman's and Goodrum Wrecker Service list credit cards as accepted, rural internet connections can be unreliable.

Cash is often preferred. Bringing exact cash removes the risk of card reader malfunctions delaying your vehicle release.

Be prepared to pay a "gate fee" (approximately $50) for weekend releases. However, paying the gate fee is often cheaper than paying two extra days of storage to wait for Monday.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day that passes increases the total amount you owe. Contact the Baylor County Sheriff's Office and the relevant towing company immediately to begin the retrieval process.

After 30 Days

Under Texas law, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for a certain period (typically 30 days), the impound lot can initiate a lien sale to recover their costs. 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 options:

• Contact a Family Member or Friend: Ask for assistance in covering the costs.
• Ask the Impound Lot About a Payment Plan: Some impound lots may offer payment plans, though this is not guaranteed.
• Consult with Your Attorney: In some cases, a DUI attorney may be able to negotiate or challenge the fees.

After Retrieval

Before leaving the impound lot with your vehicle:

• Inspect the Vehicle Immediately: Carefully inspect the vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was in the lot's possession.
• Document Any Damage with Photos: Take clear photos of any damage you find.
• Report Any Damage to the Lot Manager in Writing: Notify the lot manager of the damage in writing before you drive away. This will help you file a claim later if necessary.