Borden County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Borden County

After a DUI arrest in Borden County, Texas, one of your immediate concerns is likely getting your vehicle back. Vehicles are commonly impounded following a DUI arrest for several reasons: as evidence, to prevent further operation by an impaired driver, or as a consequence of the arrest itself. This guide provides the steps you need to take to retrieve your vehicle as quickly and efficiently as possible, minimizing storage fees and navigating the unique challenges of vehicle retrieval in Borden County.

Where Is Your Car?

Unlike larger cities, Borden County does not have its own municipal impound lot. Because Gail has no municipal impound lot and no local towing vendors, the vehicle is likely taken to a neighboring county. This adds a layer of complexity to the retrieval process. The first step is determining where your vehicle was towed.

How to Find Your Vehicle

Here's how to locate your vehicle:

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided paperwork that includes the name and contact information for the towing company that took your vehicle. This is the quickest way to find out where it was towed.
• Call the Borden County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: If you can't find the paperwork, contact the Borden County Sheriff’s Office at 806-756-4311. Provide your name and date of arrest, and they should be able to provide the name and location of the towing company.
• Reference your booking number: Have your booking number ready when you call the Sheriff's Office, as this will help them locate your records more quickly.

According to Texas Occupations Code § 2308.209, the Sheriff maintains a non-consent tow rotation list. Vendors on this list are willing to service the remote jurisdiction. Primary towing vendors include Lubbock Wrecker Service (Snyder), Wilson Wrecker Service (Lamesa or Snyder), Action Wrecker (Midland), and T & H Towing (Lamesa). Lubbock Wrecker Service is often the primary vendor for arrests in the eastern or central parts of Borden County.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Before heading to the tow yard, gather all the necessary documents to avoid delays.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: The person retrieving the vehicle must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration or title: You must prove ownership of the vehicle with either the registration or the title.
• Proof of insurance: Current proof of insurance for the vehicle is required.
• 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 personally retrieve the vehicle. In this case:

• Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it: A licensed individual can pick up the vehicle on your behalf.
• They need:
• Their valid driver's license
• A signed authorization letter from you, granting them permission to retrieve the vehicle.
• The vehicle title or registration.

Costs & Fees in Borden County

Towing and storage fees can add up quickly, so understanding the potential costs is crucial.

Typical towing fees in Texas range from $150 to $300. However, because Borden County is a rural area, mileage fees are often added to the base hook-up fee due to the distance the vehicle must be towed. A standard $272 tow can easily increase to $450 or more. Daily storage fees typically range from $20 to $40 per day. A notification fee (often $50) may also be assessed if the vehicle is not claimed within a set window (usually 24-48 hours). The Borden County Sheriff's Office may also assess an administrative fee (approximately $20) for issuing the release form.

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. Tow yards in rural Texas often prefer cash or cashier's checks. Personal checks are usually not accepted, and credit card machines may be unreliable.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day you delay, the cost increases.

After 30 Days

In Texas, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period (usually 30 days), the impound lot can initiate a lien sale to recover their costs. Do everything possible to retrieve your vehicle before it reaches this point.

The Retrieval Protocol (The Two-Step "Gold Dust" Solution)

A common failure point for defendants is driving directly to the tow yard in Snyder or Lamesa, only to be turned away. The release process in Borden County is strictly bifurcated:

Step 1: The Administrative Release (Gail, TX) Authority: The vehicle is legally seized by Borden County. Only the Borden County Sheriff can authorize its release.

• Action: The registered owner must go to the Borden County Sheriff’s Office in Gail (117 E. Wasson Ave) to present proof of ownership (title/registration) and valid insurance.
• The Friction: The Sheriff’s Office is an administrative node with limited hours. If the administrative assistant is out to lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM), no release can be issued.
• The Document: You must obtain a physical "Impound Release Form" or have the Sheriff fax a "No Hold" order to the tow company.
• Tip: Call 806-756-4311 before driving to Gail to ensure someone is available to issue the release.

Step 2: The Physical Retrieval (Remote Location) Action: Once the release is in hand, the owner must travel to the tow company’s lot, which is never in Gail.

• Scenario A (Snyder Tow): Drive 30 miles East on US 180 to Snyder.
• Scenario B (Lamesa Tow): Drive 30 miles West on US 180 to Lamesa.
• Scenario C (Lubbock Tow): Drive 70 miles Northwest to Lubbock.
• Payment: Tow yards in rural Texas predominantly demand Cash or Cashier's Check.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

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

• Contact a family member or friend: Ask for assistance in covering the costs.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available: Some impound lots may offer payment plans to help you manage the expenses.
• Consult with a DUI attorney: In some cases, an attorney may be able to negotiate or challenge excessive fees.

After Retrieval

Before leaving the impound lot:

• Inspect the vehicle immediately: Carefully examine the vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was in the tow yard's possession.
• Document any damage with photos: Take detailed photos of any scratches, dents, or other damage.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away: Notify the lot manager of the damage in writing and keep a copy of the report. This documentation is essential if you need to file a claim for damages.

Retrieving your vehicle after a DUI arrest in Borden County requires prompt action and careful attention to detail. By following these steps, you can minimize costs and ensure a smooth retrieval process.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I get my car back immediately after being arrested for DUI in Borden County? No, you must first obtain a release form from the Borden County Sheriff’s Office at 117 E. Wasson Ave, Gail, TX. Call 806-756-4311 to confirm they are available, especially avoiding the 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM lunch closure. Then, take the release to the impound lot to retrieve your vehicle.
2. What happens if I wait too long to get my car out of impound in Borden County? If the vehicle is unclaimed for an extended period, the impound lot can initiate a lien sale to recover their costs, resulting in you losing ownership of the vehicle.
3. Why can't I pick up my vehicle in Gail after a DUI arrest? Borden County does not have its own municipal impound lot or local towing vendors. Your vehicle will be towed to a neighboring county, such as Scurry or Dawson County. You must first get the release from the Sheriff in Gail, then travel to the correct tow yard.