Comal County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Comal County

After a DUI arrest in Comal County, Texas, one of the most immediate concerns is retrieving your vehicle. Typically, your car will be impounded following a DWI arrest, and you'll need to take specific steps to get it back. This guide provides the information you need to navigate the process efficiently and minimize expenses.

Where Is Your Car?

The first step is determining where your vehicle was towed. Comal County operates a "Wrecker Rotation List" managed by the Comal County Sheriff's Office. This system ensures that different towing companies are dispatched based on location and vehicle type.

How to Find Your Vehicle

Here's how to locate your impounded vehicle in Comal County:

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided documentation indicating which towing company took your vehicle.
• Call the Comal County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: You can contact the Sheriff's Office dispatch at 830-620-3400 to inquire about the location of your vehicle.
• Reference your booking number: Having your booking number ready when you call can help expedite the search.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you've located your vehicle, gather the necessary documents and prepare for the associated costs.

Required Documents

Typically, you'll need the following to retrieve your vehicle:

• Valid driver's license or valid temporary permit
• Vehicle registration or title
• Proof of insurance
• Payment for all applicable fees
• Explicit Police Release/Evidence Hold clearance

Before heading to the impound lot, confirm with the arresting agency that any "evidence holds" have been lifted. Arriving with an active hold will result in a denial of release, regardless of payment.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended or you don't have a valid license, you can still have someone else retrieve the vehicle for you. That person will need:

• Their valid driver's license
• A signed authorization letter from you, the registered owner, delegating retrieval rights. The authorization must be notarized.
• Vehicle title or registration in your name.

Costs & Fees in Comal County

Towing and storage fees can add up quickly, so understanding the cost structure is crucial. In Comal County, the following fees apply:

• Tow Fee: $272 base maximum for light-duty private property/non-consent tows (vehicles under 10,000 lbs).
• Daily Storage Rate: $22.85 per day (for standard vehicles measuring 25 feet or less in length).
• Admin/Processing Fee: $22.85 one-time initial impoundment fee.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accrue daily, starting the moment your vehicle is impounded.

Payment

Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) mandates that Vehicle Storage Facilities (VSFs) accept electronic cards, though statutory surcharges may apply. Still, it is always best to call the impound lot in advance to confirm accepted payment methods (cash, debit card, credit card).

Timeline

Time is of the essence when retrieving your vehicle.

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day that passes increases the total cost. New Braunfels Towing, a primary affiliate for the local Police Department and Sheriff, has release hours Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

After 30 Days

If a vehicle remains unclaimed, the impound lot can initiate a lien sale to recover their costs. This typically happens after 30 days. Avoid this situation by acting promptly.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

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

• Seek assistance: Contact a family member or friend to help cover the costs.
• Payment plan: Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available.
• Legal consultation: Consult with your attorney. In some cases, fees can be negotiated or challenged.

Defendants who believe their vehicle was impounded without probable cause or that the fees extracted violated statutory maximums possess the right to a specialized judicial review. The request must be filed within 14 calendar days (explicitly excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and recognized legal holidays) from the exact date the vehicle owner receives the required statutory notification from the towing company or VSF. The hearing request must be filed in the Justice of the Peace (JP) Court exercising jurisdiction over the specific precinct where the vehicle was originally towed. Comal County is divided into four JP precincts (e.g., JP1 located at 145 David Jonas Dr, New Braunfels; JP3 located at 3079 W San Antonio St, New Braunfels). The justice court assesses a $20.00 filing fee to initiate the hearing docket.

After Retrieval

Before driving away, take these precautions:

• Inspect the vehicle: Carefully inspect the vehicle for any damage before leaving the lot.
• Document damage: If you find any damage, document it with photos.
• Report damage: Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where is the Comal County Jail located? A: The Comal County Jail is located at 3000 IH 35 S, New Braunfels, TX 78130.

Q: How can I find out if a "No Refusal Weekend" is in effect in Comal County? A: "No Refusal Weekends" are often publicized by the New Braunfels Police Department and other local law enforcement agencies through press releases and social media announcements.

Q: Where do I file a Tow Hearing request in Comal County? A: The hearing request must be filed in the Justice of the Peace (JP) Court exercising jurisdiction over the specific precinct where the vehicle was originally towed. Comal County is divided into four JP precincts (e.g., JP1 located at 145 David Jonas Dr, New Braunfels; JP3 located at 3079 W San Antonio St, New Braunfels).