Brazos County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Brazos County

Being arrested for DUI in Brazos County can be a disorienting experience, and one of the first practical concerns is often: what happens to my car? In most DUI arrests, the vehicle is impounded for several reasons. These include preventing further potential offenses, ensuring the vehicle is safely stored, and allowing law enforcement to conduct any necessary investigations. Understanding the impound process and acting quickly is crucial to minimize storage fees and retrieve your vehicle as soon as possible. This guide provides a step-by-step overview of how to navigate the vehicle impound and retrieval process in Brazos County, Texas.

Where Is Your Car?

Unlike some jurisdictions with a central police impound lot, Brazos County operates using a "Non-Consent Rotation List." This means that when an officer calls for a tow truck, the next company on the approved list is dispatched. As a result, your car could be at any one of a number of private lots scattered across Bryan and College Station.

The first step is determining which towing company has your vehicle. There is no central "police lot". You'll need to do some legwork to locate it.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided documentation that includes the name and contact information of the towing company that took your vehicle. Look for this information on the DIC-25 form or other paperwork received at the time of arrest.
• Call the Brazos County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: If you cannot locate the paperwork, contact the Brazos County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line to inquire about the location of your vehicle.
• Reference your booking number: Providing your booking number may help them locate the information more efficiently.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Retrieving your vehicle from the impound lot requires specific documentation and payment. Be prepared to present the following:

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: The Vehicle Storage Facility (VSF) must verify the identity of the person picking up the vehicle. However, since your driver's license is likely at the police station (seized due to the Administrative License Revocation (ALR) process), this can present a challenge.
• Vehicle registration or title: Proof of ownership is essential. Bring the vehicle's registration or title to demonstrate that you are authorized to retrieve it.
• Proof of insurance: You must provide proof of current financial responsibility (insurance) for the vehicle. Digital proof on your phone is generally accepted.
• Payment for fees: Be prepared to pay all applicable towing and storage fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your driver's license was seized, you have a couple of options:

• Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it: The most reliable workaround is to have a licensed driver (friend or family member) accompany you to the impound lot.
• They need: Their valid driver's license, a signed "Affidavit of Right of Possession" authorizing them to drive the car off the lot, and the vehicle title or registration.

Costs & Fees in Brazos County

The costs associated with vehicle impoundment can add up quickly, so it's essential to understand the fee structure.

Typical towing fees in Texas range from $255 - $272. Daily storage fees in Brazos County are capped at approximately $23.00 per day.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accrue on a calendar day basis. If a car is towed at 11:30 PM on Friday and picked up at 8:00 AM on Saturday, the operator can legally charge for two days of storage (Friday and Saturday) because the vehicle was held for a portion of each day, provided it was held for at least 12 hours or the specific local ordinance allows.

You may also encounter a one-time impound processing fee (roughly $23.00) and a notification fee (up to $50.00). Operators are incentivized to send the notification letter as soon as legally possible to trigger the fee. If you are released from jail on Monday morning after a Friday arrest, you will almost certainly face this charge.

Payment

Call the impound lot in advance to confirm accepted payment methods. Some lots prefer cash or may have issues with their credit card machines. While the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) requires acceptance of electronic payment, it's best to be prepared with cash.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day your vehicle remains at the impound lot increases the total cost of retrieval.

After 14 Days

Defendants have a statutory right to a "Tow Hearing" to contest the validity of the removal. The request must be filed within 14 days of the tow.

After 30 Days

In Texas, if a vehicle remains unclaimed after a certain period (typically 30 days), the impound lot can initiate a lien sale to recover the outstanding fees. To prevent this, contact the impound lot as soon as possible and make arrangements for retrieval.

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 for assistance in covering the costs.
• Ask about a payment plan: Some impound lots may offer payment plans.
• Consult with your attorney: Your attorney may be able to negotiate fees or challenge the validity of certain charges.

After Retrieval

• Inspect the vehicle immediately: Before leaving the impound lot, thoroughly inspect your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while in storage.
• Document any damage: Take photos of any damage.
• Report any damage: Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before driving away.

Navigating the vehicle impound process after a DUI arrest in Brazos County can be challenging, but by following these steps and acting promptly, you can minimize costs and retrieve your vehicle as quickly as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long do I have to get my car out of impound in Brazos County before it's sold? A: Generally, impound lots in Texas can begin the process of selling unclaimed vehicles after about 30 days. Contact the specific lot holding your car to confirm their exact timeline and avoid losing your vehicle.

Q: Can I get a hearing to contest the tow in Brazos County? A: Yes, you have the right to request a Tow Hearing in the Justice of the Peace court corresponding to the location of the tow. This request must be filed within 14 days of the tow. The filing fee is approximately $41.00.

Q: What happens if I can't get my driver's license back in time to pick up my car from the impound lot? A: If your license is suspended, have a licensed friend or family member retrieve the vehicle. They will need their valid license, a signed authorization letter from you, and the vehicle's title or registration.