El Paso County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in El Paso County

After a DUI arrest in El Paso County, one of the most pressing concerns is retrieving your vehicle from impound. Vehicles are typically impounded after a DUI arrest for several reasons: as a safety measure to prevent further impaired driving, as evidence in the case, or due to standard operating procedures of the arresting agency. Understanding the retrieval process, required documents, and associated costs is crucial to minimizing expenses and regaining control of your vehicle.

Where Is Your Car?

In El Paso, the location of your impounded vehicle depends on which law enforcement agency made the arrest. This "bifurcated system" means you need to know who arrested you to find your car.

• If you were arrested by the El Paso Police Department (EPPD): Your vehicle was likely towed to United Road Vehicle Management Solutions (URVMS) located at 11615 Railroad Drive, El Paso, Texas 79934.

• If you were arrested by the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office (EPCSO): Your vehicle was taken to the Sheriff's Impound / Abandoned Motor Vehicle (AMV) Section.

How to Find Your Vehicle

If you're unsure where your vehicle was towed, here are a few ways to find out:

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided documentation indicating the tow company and location.
• Call the El Paso County Sheriff's Office: You can contact them to inquire about the location of your vehicle if you suspect they were the arresting agency.
• Reference your booking number: This number can help the Sheriff's office or the EPPD locate records related to your arrest and vehicle impound.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Gathering the necessary documents is essential for a smooth retrieval process. Here’s what you’ll typically need:

Required Documents

• Valid Driver's License: The person retrieving the vehicle must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle Registration or Title: You must provide proof of ownership.
• Proof of Insurance: The insurance policy must be current and cover the specific vehicle.
• Payment for Fees: Be prepared to pay all applicable towing and storage fees.

One critical friction point is that the vehicle registration is often inside the glovebox of the impounded car. You must inform the lot attendant of this immediately; they will usually escort you to the vehicle to retrieve the document before processing the payment.

If the driver's license was seized by the police (which is standard in DWI arrests), the defendant must use an alternative government ID (Passport, State ID card) or the temporary driving permit issued by the police, provided the lot accepts it as valid ID.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended or was seized during the arrest, you have a few options:

• Have a Licensed Friend or Family Member Retrieve It: They can retrieve 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 title or registration.

Costs & Fees in El Paso County

Impound and storage fees can add up quickly, so understanding the cost structure is vital.

The fees for United Road Vehicle Management Solutions (URVMS) at 11615 Railroad Drive, El Paso, Texas 79934 include a daily storage fee of $N/A.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day, so retrieve your vehicle as quickly as possible to minimize expenses.

Payment

Call the impound lot in advance to confirm their accepted payment methods. United Road Vehicle Management Solutions (URVMS) accepts Cash, Visa, MasterCard, and Discover. Note the 1.98% government fee assessed on credit cards.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day that passes costs you more money. With the Sheriff's Impound / Abandoned Motor Vehicle (AMV) Section only open Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, being arrested by the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office (EPCSO) on a Friday evening guarantees the accrual of three days of storage fees.

After 30 Days

Most states, including Texas, allow the impound lot to initiate a lien sale if the vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period (typically 30 days). Do not let it reach this point, as you risk losing your vehicle permanently.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you're facing financial hardship and can't afford the impound fees, consider the following:

• Contact a Family Member or Friend: Ask for assistance in covering the costs.
• Ask About Payment Plans: Some impound lots may offer payment plans, allowing you to pay the fees in installments.
• Consult with Your Attorney: A DUI attorney might be able to negotiate or challenge the fees in certain situations.

After Retrieval

• Inspect the Vehicle Immediately: Before leaving the lot, thoroughly inspect your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while in impound.
• Document Any Damage: Take photos or videos of any damage you find.
• Report Any Damage: Immediately report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away. This creates a record of the damage and can help with any potential claims.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happens if I don't have proof of insurance with me? A: Some lots may try to demand proof of insurance to release the car. However, Texas law (Occupations Code) has specific nuances regarding whether a VSF can withhold a vehicle solely for insurance if the tow was a "consent" tow versus a "non-consent" tow. For incident management tows (arrests), they generally demand it. If the insurance is in the car, you must retrieve it with the registration.

Q: What if the Sheriff's Office arrested me on a Friday night? A: The restricted hours of the Sheriff's Impound / Abandoned Motor Vehicle (AMV) Section compared to the 24/7 municipal lot creates a "weekend trap." If a driver is arrested on Friday evening, the vehicle cannot be recovered until Monday morning, guaranteeing the accrual of three days of storage fees.

Q: What is the Notification Fee and when does it apply? A: The Notification Fee ($50) is triggered between 24 and 48 hours after impoundment at URVMS. It can potentially be avoided if you retrieve the vehicle quickly. Call (915) 212-0205 to check for holds.