Dallas County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Dallas County

Being arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Dallas County can trigger a cascade of stressful events. Beyond the legal ramifications, the immediate concern for many is: what happens to my vehicle? In Dallas County, as in most jurisdictions, a DUI arrest often leads to your vehicle being impounded. This guide provides immediate, practical steps to locate, retrieve, and handle the associated costs of getting your car back.

Where Is Your Car?

After a DUI arrest, your vehicle is typically towed and stored at an impound lot or Vehicle Storage Facility (VSF). The arresting officer usually arranges the tow. It is crucial to determine where your vehicle was taken as quickly as possible to minimize storage fees.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer should provide documentation that includes the name and contact information of the towing company used. This is the fastest way to locate your vehicle.
• Call the Dallas County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: If you cannot find the tow information on your paperwork, contact the Dallas County Sheriff's Office using their non-emergency number. They may be able to assist in locating your vehicle based on your name and date of arrest.
• Reference your booking number: When you contact the Sheriff's Office, provide your booking number, if available. This helps them quickly locate your records and provide the necessary information.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you've located your vehicle, gather the necessary documentation to claim it from the impound lot. Requirements are typically strict, and failing to provide the required documents will result in denial of release.

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 either the vehicle's registration or title.
• Proof of insurance: You must provide proof of current and valid insurance coverage for the vehicle. Dallas County enforces a strict "Uninsured Motorist Ordinance" (Dallas City Code Section 28-4), and the Auto Pound will require proof of insurance to release the vehicle for operation on public roadways.
• Payment for fees: Be prepared to pay all applicable towing and storage fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you cannot personally retrieve the vehicle. However, there are options:

• Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it: A licensed individual 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 in your name.

Costs & Fees in Dallas County

Towing and storage fees can quickly escalate, making it imperative to act fast.

Typical towing fees in Texas generally range from $150 to $300. Daily storage fees can range from $25 to $50 per day. However, these are just estimates. Fees vary significantly between different impound lots. Contact the specific lot holding your vehicle to confirm their exact fee structure before heading over. Be aware that the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) sets storage rates and adjusts them biennially based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The fees also include an "Impound Fee" ($22.85) and "Notification Fee" ($50.00), which increases the initial cost.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate daily, starting the moment your vehicle is towed. The longer you wait, the more expensive it becomes to retrieve your vehicle.

Payment

Call the impound lot in advance to confirm which payment methods they accept. Most accept cash and credit cards, but some may also require a money order or certified check. Being prepared can save you a return trip.

Timeline

Act Immediately

The clock starts ticking the moment your vehicle is towed. Storage fees accrue daily.

After 30 Days

In Texas, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for a certain period (typically 30 days after the second notice is mailed or published), the impound lot can initiate a lien sale to recover their costs. This means they can sell your vehicle at auction. The City of Dallas conducts auctions for abandoned vehicles approximately every two weeks (every other Monday), often managed by Lone Star Auctioneers. Do everything possible to retrieve your vehicle before it reaches this stage.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you are facing financial hardship and cannot afford the towing and storage fees, consider the following:

• Contact a family member or friend: Ask for assistance in covering the costs.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available: Some impound lots may offer payment plans or partial payment options. It's always worth asking.
• Consult with your attorney: Discuss your situation with your DUI attorney. In some cases, they may be able to negotiate fees or challenge the impoundment if there were procedural errors.

After Retrieval

Before leaving the impound lot with your vehicle, take these crucial steps:

• Inspect the vehicle immediately: Carefully examine the vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was in the impound lot's possession.
• Document any damage with photos: Take clear photographs of any dents, scratches, or other damage you find.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away: Notify the impound lot manager of the damage in writing and obtain a copy of the report. This documentation is essential if you need to file a claim for damages later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long do I have to get my car out of impound in Dallas County before it's sold? A: In Dallas County, the VSF (or the City of Dallas) is legally authorized to sell the vehicle at public auction if the vehicle remains unclaimed 30 days after the second notice is mailed or published.

Q: Can I get my car out of impound without insurance in Dallas County? A: No, you cannot drive it out. If you cannot obtain insurance, you may still retrieve the vehicle, but it must be towed off the lot by a licensed wrecker service. You cannot drive it yourself.

Q: Where can I find out the exact location and fees for the impound lot holding my car in Dallas County? A: The arresting officer's paperwork names the tow company, or call the Dallas County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line. Call the impound lot to confirm their exact fee structure before heading over.