Collin County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Collin County

Being arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Collin County, Texas, is a stressful experience. One immediate concern is often the location and retrieval of your vehicle. Typically, after a DUI arrest, law enforcement will have your vehicle towed and impounded for safekeeping. This guide provides essential information about locating, reclaiming, and the costs associated with getting your car back.

Where Is Your Car?

After a DUI arrest, your vehicle is usually towed to a designated impound lot. In Collin County, one such facility is:

• Signature Towing: 1204 Municipal Avenue, Plano, TX.

It's important to note that Signature Towing is just one of the impound lots in the area.

How to Find Your Vehicle

Several methods can help you locate your impounded car:

• Check Your Arrest Paperwork: The arresting officer should provide documentation that includes the name and contact information of the towing company that took your vehicle.
• Call the Collin County Sheriff's Office: You can contact the Collin County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line to inquire about the location of your vehicle.
• Reference Your Booking Number: Providing your booking number to either the Sheriff's Office or potential towing companies can expedite the search.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Before you can reclaim your vehicle, you must present specific documents and be prepared to pay associated fees.

Required Documents

• Valid Driver's License: You (or the person retrieving the vehicle) must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle Registration or Title: Proof of ownership is essential. Bring your vehicle registration or title.
• Proof of Insurance: You must demonstrate that the vehicle is currently insured.
• 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 can still retrieve your vehicle by:

• Having a Licensed Friend or Family Member Retrieve It: A licensed driver 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, and the vehicle's title or registration.

Costs & Fees in Collin County

Understanding the costs associated with vehicle impoundment is crucial, as these fees can accumulate quickly.

According to available data, Signature Towing charges:

• Daily Storage Rate: $22.85 per day (for vehicles 25 feet or less).
• Oversized Storage Rate: $39.99 per day (for vehicles over 25 feet).

IMPORTANT: Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed and continue to accumulate daily. This means the longer you wait, the more expensive it becomes to retrieve your car.

Towing Fees (Non-Consent)

The "Non-Consent" tow category applies when the owner did not request the tow (e.g., arrest, accident, illegal parking).

• Light Duty Tow (≤ 10,000 lbs): ~$99.00 - $146.00

Payment

Contact Signature Towing in advance to confirm their accepted payment methods. Typically, impound lots accept:

• Cash
• Credit Cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover)
• Debit Cards

Timeline

Act Immediately

The timeline for reclaiming your vehicle is critical. Storage fees begin immediately, and delays can significantly increase the total cost.

After 30 Days

After 30 days from the date the Vehicle Storage Facility (VSF) sends a "First Notice" via certified mail to the registered owner and lienholder, the VSF can declare the vehicle abandoned. The VSF then has the right to sell the vehicle at a public auction to satisfy the lien (the debt you owe).

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you are struggling to afford the impound fees, consider the following:

• Contact a Family Member or Friend: Seek assistance from loved ones to help cover the costs.
• Ask the Impound Lot if a Payment Plan is Available: Some impound lots may offer payment plans. Inquire about this possibility.
• Consult with Your Attorney: In some cases, a DUI attorney may be able to negotiate or challenge the fees on your behalf.

After Retrieval

• Inspect the Vehicle Immediately Before Leaving the Lot: Carefully examine your car for any damage that may have occurred while in impound.
• Document Any Damage with Photos: Take detailed photographs of any damage you find.
• 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.

By understanding the procedures, costs, and timelines involved in reclaiming your vehicle after a DUI arrest in Collin County, you can navigate this challenging situation more effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I get my car without insurance in Collin County? No, Texas state law forbids Signature Towing from releasing a vehicle to be operated on public roads without verification of financial responsibility (insurance). You CAN retrieve the vehicle without insurance if you have it towed out by a licensed tow truck.
2. What if I can't pay the impound fees at Signature Towing? If you cannot pay the fees, the situation escalates toward foreclosure. Signature Towing will eventually declare the vehicle abandoned and has the right to sell the vehicle at a public auction to satisfy the debt you owe.
3. Where do I file a Tow Hearing in Collin County? Jurisdiction depends on the precinct where the tow occurred. For Plano, this is predominantly Precinct 3 or Precinct 4. Collin County Justice Court, Precinct 3 is located at 920 E. Park Blvd., Suite 210, Plano, TX 75074. Collin County Justice Court, Precinct 4 is located at 8585 John Wesley, Suite 130, Frisco, TX 75034.