Bowie County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Bowie County

Being arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Bowie County, Texas, is a stressful experience. Beyond the legal consequences, there's the immediate problem of your vehicle. In most DUI arrests, the vehicle is impounded and towed. This guide provides practical steps to locate, retrieve, and protect your rights regarding your impounded vehicle in Bowie County. Understanding the process and acting quickly can minimize fees and prevent further complications.

Where Is Your Car?

After a DUI arrest, your vehicle is typically towed to a local impound lot. The arresting officer will arrange for a towing company to remove your vehicle from the scene. Different law enforcement agencies in Bowie County use different methods for selecting a towing company.

If you were arrested by the Texarkana Texas Police Department (TTPD) within the city limits, your car was likely towed by a company under contract with the city. If the Bowie County Sheriff’s Office or the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) made the arrest, your vehicle might have been towed by any company on the Sheriff's rotation list.

How to Find Your Vehicle

Locating your vehicle is the first step. Here's how to find out where it was towed:

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided you with paperwork that includes the name and contact information of the towing company. This is the easiest and fastest way to find your vehicle.
• Call the Bowie County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: If you can't find the information on your paperwork, contact the Bowie County Sheriff's Office at their non-emergency number. They can help you locate your vehicle based on your name and date of arrest.
• Reference your booking number: When you call, provide your booking number (if you have it) to expedite the search.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you've located your vehicle, you'll need specific documentation to retrieve it from the impound lot. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) regulates Vehicle Storage Facilities (VSF) and mandates certain requirements.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license (or a licensed person picking it up for you): You, or the person retrieving the vehicle, must have a valid driver's license. Note that in a DWI arrest, the officer seizes your physical driver's license and replaces it with a paper DIC-25 permit. Some impound lots may be hesitant to accept this paper permit as a valid photo ID without a secondary form of identification (like a passport).
• Vehicle registration or title: You must provide proof of ownership.
• Proof of insurance: You'll need to show current proof of financial responsibility.
• Payment for fees: You'll need to pay all applicable towing and storage fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended or you don't have it with you, you can still have someone else retrieve the vehicle for you. They will need:

• Their valid driver's license.
• A signed authorization letter from you, giving them permission to retrieve the vehicle.
• The vehicle title or registration in your name.

Costs & Fees in Bowie County

Impound fees can add up quickly, so understanding the cost structure is crucial. Typical towing fees in Texas range from $150 to $250. Daily storage fees typically run $20 or more per day. An impound fee of around $20 and a notification fee near $50 may also apply.

Fee Type | Estimated Cost | Frequency | Authority/Basis Standard Tow | $150.00 - $250.00 | One-time | Contract/Ordinance Daily Storage | $20.00+ | Per Day | TDLR Rules (VSF) Impound Fee | $20.00 | One-time | Administrative processing Notification Fee | $50.00 | One-time | Certified Mail Costs

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day your vehicle remains at the impound lot. Retrieve your vehicle as quickly as possible to minimize expenses.

Payment

Contact the impound lot in advance to confirm accepted payment methods. Many lots require cash or certified funds, rejecting personal checks or credit cards to avoid chargebacks.

Timeline

Time is of the essence when it comes to retrieving your vehicle.

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day that passes adds to the total cost.

After 10 Days

The Vehicle Storage Facility (VSF) must send a notice to the registered owner within 5 days (if registered in Texas) or 14 days (if out of state). If the vehicle is not claimed within 10 days of the first notice, it can be processed as abandoned.

After 30 Days

Most states allow the lot to initiate a lien sale if the vehicle is unclaimed. This means the impound lot can sell your vehicle to recover the outstanding fees. Do not let it reach this point.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you're struggling to afford the impound fees, consider these options:

• 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, allowing you to pay the fees in installments.
• Consult with a DUI attorney: In some cases, your attorney may be able to negotiate the fees or challenge their validity.

After Retrieval

Before driving away from the impound lot, take the following steps:

• Inspect the vehicle immediately: Carefully examine the vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.
• Document any damage with photos: Take photos of any damage you find.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away: Notify the lot manager of any damage in writing and obtain a copy of the report. This is crucial for filing a claim later if necessary.

IMPORTANT BOWIE COUNTY DETAIL: Be aware that in Bowie County, if you are released from jail on a Friday evening, you cannot obtain the required Vehicle Release Form from the impounding agency until Monday morning. This means storage fees continue to accrue over the weekend, adding to your financial burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Where do I get the Vehicle Release Form in Bowie County? You'll need to visit the Records Division at the Bi-State Justice Center (100 N. State Line Ave) or the specific police station that arrested you. Remember that these offices typically operate Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
• What happens if I can't get my car out of impound before it's sold at auction? The proceeds from the auction go towards covering the towing and storage fees. If there's any money left over after these fees are paid, it should theoretically go back to you. However, in many cases, the fees exceed the auction value, leaving you with nothing.
• Can I get my personal belongings out of the car while it's impounded? You may be able to retrieve personal belongings from your vehicle while it's impounded, but you'll likely need to pay a "visit fee" to access the car. Contact the impound lot to inquire about their specific procedures and fees.