Coryell County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Coryell County

After a DUI arrest in Coryell County, one of the most immediate concerns is retrieving your vehicle. When you're taken into custody, law enforcement is responsible for securing your vehicle. If a sober, licensed driver isn't available to take possession, the officer will call a commercial wrecker service to tow it to a Vehicle Storage Facility (VSF), also known as an impound lot. This guide provides the essential steps to locate, claim, and recover your vehicle as quickly and affordably as possible.

Where Is Your Car?

The first step is determining where your car was towed. Coryell County is geographically spread out, and different towing companies operate in the Gatesville and Copperas Cove areas. Contacting the arresting agency's dispatch center is the best way to locate your vehicle.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer typically notes the name of the towing company on your release documents.
• Call the Coryell County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: Their dispatch can tell you which wrecker service was called to the scene at 254-865-7201.
• Reference your booking number: Having your booking number ready when you call can help them locate the information faster.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

The Vehicle Storage Facility (VSF) will require specific documentation to release your vehicle. Being prepared will streamline the process and prevent unnecessary delays.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: The person retrieving the vehicle must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration or title: You must prove ownership of the vehicle. An active registration or the vehicle's title are acceptable.
• Proof of insurance: While not legally mandated, it's wise to bring proof of insurance.
• Payment for fees: Be prepared to pay towing and storage fees.

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.

• Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it: They must have a valid driver's license.
• They need:
• Their valid driver's license
• A signed authorization letter from you, granting them permission to retrieve the vehicle.
• The vehicle's title or registration to prove ownership.

Costs & Fees in Coryell County

Towing and storage fees can add up quickly, so understanding the cost structure is crucial. Towing fees in Coryell County can be up to $272.00 for standard light-duty vehicles. The daily storage rate is $22.85 per day for vehicles under 25 feet in length. An administrative fee of $50.00 may also be assessed if the vehicle is impounded for multiple days and statutory warning letters are dispatched.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accrue daily. Retrieve your vehicle as soon as possible to minimize expenses.

Payment

Contact the impound lot in advance to confirm which payment methods they accept. Most facilities accept cash, debit cards, and major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express). However, it's always best to verify before heading to the lot. Texas law requires VSFs to accept at least one form of electronic payment.

Timeline

Time is of the essence when it comes to vehicle impoundment.

Act Immediately

Storage fees begin accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every passing day adds to the financial burden.

After 14 Days

If you believe the vehicle was improperly towed, you have the statutory right to request a formal Tow Hearing. The request must be filed within 14 days of the tow at the Justice of the Peace court corresponding to the precinct of the tow. For Copperas Cove tows, this is Precinct 1 (Judge John Guinn, 210 South 1st St, Copperas Cove). The court requires a $54.00 base filing fee.

After 30 Days

In Texas, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period (typically 30 days), the impound lot can initiate a lien sale to recover the outstanding fees. Avoid this scenario by acting promptly.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you're struggling to afford the towing and storage 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 facilities may offer payment arrangements.

After Retrieval

Before driving your vehicle off the lot, take these essential steps:

• Inspect the vehicle immediately before leaving the lot: Carefully examine the exterior and interior for any signs of damage that may have occurred while in custody.
• Document any damage with photos: Take clear photos of any scratches, dents, or other damage.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away: Notify the impound lot manager of any damage in writing before leaving the premises. This creates a record of the damage and can be crucial if you need to file a claim later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can the impound lot charge me a fee just to get my personal belongings out of the car? A: No. Texas law prohibits Vehicle Storage Facilities from charging a fee to access your vehicle to retrieve personal belongings, such as medication, car seats, or ownership documents.

Q: What if the police have placed a hold on my vehicle for investigative reasons? A: If the police have placed a hold on your vehicle (for example, if it was involved in an accident or contains evidence), the VSF cannot release it without written authorization from the police department. Contact the arresting agency to get the hold lifted.

Q: What if I am incarcerated and the sole owner of the vehicle? A: If you are incarcerated and the sole registered owner, a family member will need a Notarized Power of Attorney (POA) directly from you inside the Coryell County Jail, or they must utilize a specific TDLR-approved VSF release authorization form (Form VSF011) to retrieve the vehicle.