Guadalupe County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Guadalupe County

After a DUI arrest in Guadalupe County, Texas, one of the first things you'll need to address is retrieving your impounded vehicle. Understanding the process, required documentation, and associated costs can save you time and money. This guide provides the essential steps to navigate vehicle retrieval in Guadalupe County.

Where Is Your Car?

Following a DWI arrest in Guadalupe County, your vehicle is typically impounded and stored at a private Vehicle Storage Facility (VSF) operating on a police rotation list. Guadalupe County does not have a central, municipally-owned impound lot. Instead, the arresting officer determines which private company to use for the tow. It is your responsibility to locate the vehicle before storage fees accumulate.

How to Find Your Vehicle

Here's how to determine where your vehicle was towed:

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided documentation listing the tow company used. This is the quickest way to find your car.
• Call the Guadalupe County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: If you cannot locate the paperwork, call 830-379-1224. Provide your name and booking information, and they should be able to tell you which VSF has your vehicle. For arrests executed inside city limits, the Seguin Police Department (830-379-2123) maintains the master wrecker log.
• Reference your booking number: Knowing your booking number will help the Sheriff's Office or Police Department locate your information more efficiently.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

To retrieve your vehicle, you'll need specific documents and funds to cover towing and storage fees. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) governs VSF operations, and they have strict requirements.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: The person retrieving the vehicle must have a valid state or federal photo ID.
• Vehicle registration or title: You must prove ownership of the vehicle. Acceptable documents include the vehicle's certificate of title or current registration.
• Proof of insurance: While Texas law prohibits local law enforcement from forcing a VSF to demand proof of insurance before releasing a vehicle, it's always best to have it.
• 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 driver's license, you can still retrieve your vehicle by having a licensed individual act on your behalf.

• Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it: Ask a licensed friend or family member to retrieve the vehicle for you.
• They need: Their valid driver's license, a signed authorization letter from you (if possible), and the vehicle's title or registration in your name.

Costs & Fees in Guadalupe County

Towing and storage fees can add up quickly, so understanding the cost structure is crucial.

Typical towing fees in Texas can reach up to $272 for light-duty vehicles (10,000 lbs or less). Daily storage rates can be up to $22.85 per day for vehicles 25 feet or less. There may also be administrative or notification fees up to $50. Fees vary by lot.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accrue daily, and the fee structure operates under a strict 12-hour statutory parameter. A fee may be legally charged for any part of the calendar day the vehicle is on the lot. However, a critical exception exists if the vehicle is on the lot for two calendar days but within a single 12-hour period. For example, if a vehicle is impounded at 10:00 PM and retrieved at 8:00 AM the following morning, the VSF may only charge for one day of storage because the total duration was under 12 hours, despite the impoundment spanning two separate calendar dates. Retrieve your vehicle as quickly as possible to minimize expenses.

Payment

Call the impound lot in advance to confirm accepted payment methods. Most facilities accept cash and credit/debit cards.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day increases the total cost. Contact the Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Office or Seguin Police Department immediately to determine where your vehicle is located.

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 storage fees. Do not let it reach this point.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you're struggling to afford towing and storage fees, consider the following options:

• Contact a family member or friend to help cover costs: Reach out to your support network for financial assistance.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available: Some VSFs may offer payment plans or reduced rates in hardship cases. It's worth asking about your options.

After Retrieval

• Inspect the vehicle immediately before leaving the lot: Before driving away, carefully inspect your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while in the impound lot's possession.
• 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 the damage in writing before you leave the premises. This creates a record of the damage and strengthens any potential claim you may need to file.

Frequently Asked Questions

1Can I get a ride to the impound lot from the Guadalupe County Adult Detention Center after I'm released?

It is unlikely. You will need to make arrangements for transportation. Consider contacting a taxi service or asking a friend or family member for assistance.

2What if I believe my vehicle was wrongfully impounded in Guadalupe County?

If you believe the tow lacked probable cause or that the VSF assessed illegal fees, you have the statutory right to request a formal tow hearing. The deadline to request this hearing is 14 calendar days from the date of the tow. This request must be filed in any Justice of the Peace (JP) Court within Guadalupe County (Precincts 1, 2, 3, or 4). The statutory filing fee is $54.00.

3Will the Guadalupe County Sheriff's Office tell me what the impound fees will be over the phone?

They can likely tell you the name of the towing company, but you will need to contact the Vehicle Storage Facility directly to inquire about specific fees.