Bee County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Bee County

Being arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Bee County can be a stressful and confusing experience. One of the most immediate concerns is often: what happens to my car? In most DUI arrests, the arresting officer will have your vehicle towed and impounded. This guide provides a step-by-step overview of how to retrieve your vehicle as quickly and efficiently as possible, minimizing storage fees and potential complications.

Where Is Your Car?

After a DUI arrest in Bee County, your vehicle will be taken to one of several Vehicle Storage Facilities (VSFs). Law enforcement uses a rotational dispatch system, meaning the destination varies. Here are a few facilities that are used in Bee County:

• Twenty-Four-Seven: 277 S Veltri St, Beeville, TX 78102. Phone: N/A.
• Old 181 Wrecker Service, LLC: 1347 Escondido St, Kenedy, TX 78119. Phone: N/A.

Cowboy's D & C Wrecker Service operates a massive logistical footprint across South Texas, with physical yards in George West, Kenedy, Falfurrias, and Beeville. A vehicle disabled on the extreme northern or southern borders of Bee County may be towed to an adjacent county's yard if that specific wrecker was next on the regional rotation.

How to Find Your Vehicle

It's crucial to locate your vehicle as soon as possible to avoid accumulating storage fees. Here's how:

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer is required to provide you with a tow slip indicating where your vehicle was taken.
• Call the Bee County Sheriff's Office: Contact the Bee County Jail booking desk at (361) 362-3221 (Sheriff Main) or (361) 362-3223 (Jail Direct) to inquire about the impound location.
• Reference your booking number: Have your booking number ready when you call, as it will help them locate your information faster.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Being prepared with the correct documentation will streamline the retrieval process.

Required Documents

• Valid state-issued photo ID: This is essential to prove your identity.
• Proof of ownership: This can be your vehicle's title or registration.
• Proof of insurance: Your insurance card must match the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
• Payment for fees: Be prepared to pay all towing and storage fees.

Under TDLR guidelines, an individual has the absolute right to access their vehicle at the VSF to retrieve personal property or ownership documents (such as the insurance cards required for the vehicle's release) without paying any fee.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your driver's license was confiscated due to the DUI arrest, you cannot legally drive the vehicle off the lot yourself. Here's what you need to do:

• Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it: The easiest solution is to have someone with a valid license pick up the vehicle for you.
• They need: Their valid driver's license, a signed authorization letter from you granting them permission to retrieve the vehicle, and the vehicle's title or registration.

Costs & Fees in Bee County

The costs associated with impounding your vehicle can add up quickly. Be aware of the following fees:

• Tow Fee: $272 (Light duty, <10,000 lbs); $380 (Medium duty, 10,001–24,999 lbs)
• Daily Storage Rate: $22.85 per day (vehicles 25 ft or less); $39.99 (over 25 ft)
• Admin/Processing Fee: $50 one-time notification fee

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day, starting the moment your vehicle is towed. Retrieve your vehicle as quickly as possible to minimize these costs. Texas TDLR regulations stipulate that a vehicle storage facility may charge for any part of a day a vehicle is on the lot, with one critical exception: if the vehicle is on the lot for two calendar days but within a single 12-hour period, only one day's storage may be legally charged.

Payment

Call the impound lot in advance to confirm accepted payment methods. Most facilities accept cash, certified funds, and major credit cards, but it's always best to verify.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day that passes costs more money.

After 30 Days

In Texas, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended 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're facing financial hardship, explore these options:

• Contact a family member or friend: Ask for assistance to cover the towing and storage fees.
• Ask the impound lot about a payment plan: Some facilities may offer payment plans to help you manage the costs.
• Consult with a DUI attorney: In some cases, a DUI attorney may be able to negotiate or challenge the impound fees.

After Retrieval

• Inspect the vehicle immediately before leaving the lot: Carefully examine your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.
• Document any damage with photos: Take photos of any damage you find as evidence.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away: Notify the impound lot manager of any damage in writing before you leave the premises. This creates a record of your claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long do I have to get my car out of impound in Bee County? A: While there isn't a strict deadline, storage fees accrue daily, and after approximately 30 days, the impound lot can begin the process of selling your vehicle to recoup costs. It's best to retrieve your vehicle as soon as possible.

Q: Can I get my personal belongings out of my car before paying the impound fees in Bee County? A: Yes. Under Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) guidelines, you have the right to access your vehicle to retrieve personal property and ownership documents (like insurance cards) without paying any fees.

Q: What if the tow was unlawful? A: If you believe the non-consent tow was executed without probable cause, you maintain a statutory right to a Tow Hearing under the Texas Occupations Code. You have 14 calendar days from the date the vehicle was towed to request the hearing at any Justice of the Peace (JP) Court in Bee County.