Brewster County Vehicle Impound Guide
Impound Cost Calculator — Brewster County, Texas
Calculate how much it will cost to retrieve your vehicle from Highland Automotive.
*Estimated fees shown. Actual fees in Brewster County may vary. Contact the impound lot directly for exact costs.
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The First 48 Hours Are Critical
After a arrest in Brewster County, your vehicle is likely towed to an impound lot. Storage fees accumulate daily, making time your biggest enemy.
What Happens Immediately After Arrest
- 1
Vehicle is towed (usually within 30 minutes of arrest)
- 2
Tow company notifies impound lot (charges start immediately)
- 3
Storage fees begin accruing daily in Brewster County
- 4
Administrative fees added (varies by lot)
Documents You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle
- Valid photo ID (driver's license or state ID)
- Vehicle registration or title
- Proof of insurance
- Payment for all fees (see calculator above)
- Release authorization (if not the registered owner)
Can Someone Else Pick Up My Car?
Yes, but they'll need:
- • Written authorization from the registered owner
- • Copy of owner's ID
- • Their own valid ID
- • Proof of insurance in their name or the owner's name
Impound Lot Details
Highland Automotive
Call Before You Go
Verify your vehicle is at this lot and confirm the exact amount owed before making the trip. Hours and fees may change without notice.
The Impound “Poverty Trap”
Many people can't afford to get their car out immediately, but waiting only makes it worse.
Here's the vicious cycle:
Can't afford the first 3 days of storage + admin fees
Wait a week to save money → fees double
Can't get to work without car → lose income
Wait 2 weeks → fees triple or quadruple
After 30 days → Car may be auctioned by the lot
What You Can Do
- • Borrow money from family/friends (pay them back later, cheaper than daily fees)
- • Use a credit card (even with interest, cheaper than impound fees)
- • Sell non-essential items quickly
- • Ask your employer for an advance
- • Check if your auto insurance covers towing/storage (some policies do)
The primary impound facility in Brewster County is Highland Automotive, located at 104 South Harmon Drive, Alpine, Texas 79830.
Vehicle Impound After a DWI Arrest in Brewster County, Texas
If you've been arrested for DWI in Brewster County, Texas, your vehicle will likely be impounded. Understanding the local procedures for vehicle release is crucial to minimizing costs and delays. Due to Brewster County's size and unique logistical challenges, retrieving your vehicle can be more complex than in urban areas.
Primary Impound Location
Highland Automotive functions as the primary Vehicle Storage Facility (VSF) for both the Alpine Police Department (APD) and the Brewster County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO). They are located at 104 South Harmon Drive, Alpine, Texas 79830.
Contact Information and Hours
You can reach Highland Automotive at (432) 538-3396. Their towing and recovery services are available 24/7. However, their administrative and vehicle release hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Be aware that they frequently observe a lunch closure from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM.
"After Hours" Vehicle Release
Releases outside of standard business hours are discretionary and typically incur an "After-Hours Release Fee," capped by state statute but often applied.
Payment Methods
Cash is the preferred and most reliable method of payment. While credit cards may be accepted, the reliability of terminals in the region and potential processing surcharges can make cash the most "friction-free" option.
The "Distance Penalty"
Brewster County's sheer size means that the distance between your arrest location and the impound lot significantly impacts towing costs. For example, a DWI arrest in Terlingua involves a tow of approximately 80 miles to Alpine, easily exceeding $800.00 due to mileage and fuel surcharges. Review your tow ticket carefully for mileage accuracy, comparing it to GPS data from the arrest report.
Storage Fees and the "Midnight" Rule
Texas Vehicle Storage Facility (VSF) rules allow for a daily storage fee to be charged for any part of a day the vehicle is on the lot, except if the vehicle is picked up within 12 hours. Local operators often default to a "midnight crossing = 2 days" billing model. If your vehicle arrives at the lot at 11:30 PM and is released at 8:30 AM the next morning, they may try to charge for two days of storage. If the duration is less than 12 hours, verify the fee against the most current TDLR biennial adjustment.
The "12-Hour Sobriety Hold" and the "Sober Proxy"
Law enforcement agencies in Brewster County strictly enforce a "sober release" policy, meaning they may not issue the Impound Release Form for at least 12 hours from the time of arrest, even if you bond out sooner. However, you can designate a sober third party as an "authorized representative" to pick up the vehicle immediately.
Required Documents for Vehicle Release
To retrieve your vehicle, you will need:
- Valid Driver's License (for the sober proxy, if applicable)
- Proof of Insurance (digital is usually fine, but a hard copy is better)
- Proof of Ownership (Registration/Title)
- The "Blue Slip" / Release Form (physically obtained from the APD station at 309 W Sul Ross or BCSO at 201 W Ave E)
The "Lunch Hour" Protocol
Highland Automotive is a small business and closes for lunch. If you are released close to the closure, call the lot immediately at (432) 538-3396. A polite phone call explaining the situation ("We are 5 minutes away") often yields a courtesy wait.
Sources
Texas Transportation Code
Brewster County Towing Regulations
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
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