Galveston County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Galveston County

After a DUI arrest in Galveston County, Texas, one of the most immediate concerns is retrieving your vehicle. Vehicles are typically impounded after a DUI arrest for several reasons: as evidence, to prevent further operation by an impaired driver, or because the driver was arrested and unable to legally drive it from the scene. Understanding the process and acting quickly can minimize storage fees and prevent further complications.

Where Is Your Car?

Galveston County does not operate a centralized, municipal impound lot. Instead, law enforcement agencies like the Galveston Police Department and the Galveston County Sheriff's Office use a rotation list of private Vehicle Storage Facilities (VSFs). This means your car could be at any one of several different lots within the county. Determining the exact location is the first critical step.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer should have indicated which towing company was dispatched to the scene. This information is usually included on the paperwork you received at the time of your arrest.
• Call the Galveston County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: If you cannot locate the paperwork or the information is missing, contact the Galveston County Sheriff's Office. For the island and specific mainland areas, call 409-766-2322. For League City and northern mainland jurisdictions, call 281-534-3515. Be prepared to provide your name, date of birth, and date of arrest.
• Reference your booking number: Having your booking number ready when you call can expedite the process.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you've located your vehicle, you'll need to gather the necessary documents and payment to retrieve it.

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. A current vehicle registration or the vehicle title will suffice.
• 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 cannot legally drive the vehicle yourself. In this case:

• Have 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 letter authorizing them to pick up the vehicle on your behalf, and the vehicle title or registration. The registered owner (you) must sign the authorization letter.

Costs & Fees in Galveston County

Towing and storage fees can add up quickly, so understanding the cost structure is essential. Towing fees in Galveston County are approximately $272.00 base (Light Duty <= 10,000 lbs) / $380.00 (Medium Duty). Daily storage rates are $22.85 per day (vehicles <= 25 ft) / $39.99 per day (vehicles > 25 ft).

Also, be aware of the "Daily Cutoff" and 12-Hour Trap: Under TDLR guidelines, a VSF may charge the daily storage fee for any part of a calendar day the vehicle is on the lot. However, if a vehicle is on the lot spanning two calendar days but the total elapsed time is within a strict 12-hour window, the facility may only charge for one day.

A $50.00 Notification Fee is assessed after 24 hours of storage.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accrue daily. The sooner you retrieve your vehicle, the less you'll pay.

Payment

Call the impound lot in advance to confirm accepted payment methods. Texas law mandates that VSFs accept cash, debit, and major credit cards. Using a credit card may provide some protection if you need to dispute charges later.

Timeline

Act Immediately

The clock starts ticking the moment your vehicle is towed. Storage fees accumulate every day, so immediate action is critical.

After 14 Days

If you believe your vehicle was seized without probable cause or that the VSF has assessed excessive fees, you must file a formal request for a Tow Hearing within 14 calendar days of the tow at the Justice of the Peace (JP) Court corresponding to the specific precinct where the tow originated. The JP court typically assesses a standard $20 filing fee to initiate the proceeding.

After 30 Days

If the vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period (typically 30 days), the impound lot can initiate a lien sale to recover their costs. This means they can legally sell your vehicle.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you're struggling to afford the impound 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 impound lots may offer payment plans. It doesn't hurt to ask.

After Retrieval

Before driving away with your vehicle, take these precautions:

• Inspect the vehicle immediately before leaving the lot: Carefully examine the vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.
• Document any damage with photos: Take photos of any dents, scratches, 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 you leave the premises. This creates a record of the damage and can be helpful if you need to file a claim later.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I find out the exact impound lot my car was towed to in Galveston County? Contact the Galveston County Sheriff's Office at 409-766-2322 or 281-534-3515, or check your arrest paperwork.
2. What if the registered owner is in jail and can't retrieve the vehicle? The incarcerated owner can execute a notarized letter of authorization directing the VSF to release the vehicle to a specific third party. Mobile notary services are available in Galveston County.
3. What can I do if I think the impound lot is charging me too much? File a formal request for a Tow Hearing within 14 calendar days of the tow at the Justice of the Peace (JP) Court corresponding to the specific precinct where the tow originated.