Henderson County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Henderson County

After a DUI arrest in Henderson County, Texas, one of the first things you need to address is the impoundment of your vehicle. Because you are in custody, your vehicle is considered an obstruction and will be towed. This process operates separately from your criminal case, and understanding the steps for retrieval is crucial to minimize expenses and further complications.

Where Is Your Car?

Henderson County utilizes a decentralized towing rotation list. This means that instead of one central impound lot, several private towing companies are used. Finding out which company has your vehicle is the first step.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided you with a tow slip that lists the name of the towing company and its contact information. Look for this document among your booking paperwork.
• Call the Henderson County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: If you cannot locate the tow slip, call the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office at (903) 677-6322. Provide them with your name, date of birth, and date of arrest, and they should be able to tell you where your vehicle was towed.
• Reference your booking number: Have your booking number ready when you call. This will help the Sheriff's Office locate your information more quickly.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Before heading to the impound lot, ensure you have all the necessary documents to avoid delays or denial of release.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: The person retrieving the vehicle must have a valid state or federally issued driver's license.
• Vehicle registration or title: You must provide proof of ownership, such as the vehicle's registration or title.
• Proof of insurance: You'll need to show current insurance coverage for the vehicle.
• Payment for fees: Be prepared to pay the towing and storage fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your driver's license is suspended or you don't have one, you can still retrieve your vehicle by having someone else do it for you.

• Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it: Ask a friend or family member with a valid license to pick up the vehicle.
• They need:
• Their valid driver's license
• A signed authorization letter from you, giving them permission to retrieve the vehicle on your behalf
• The vehicle's title or registration
• Accepted instruments: Accepted instruments include a notarized power-of-attorney (out-of-state notarizations must be accepted by Texas storage facilities), a court order, a current automobile lease agreement, or the original certificate of title (which must be accepted even if the presenter's name differs from the name printed on the title document).

Costs & Fees in Henderson County

Towing and storage fees can add up quickly, so understanding the costs involved is essential. The maximum base tow fee for vehicles 10,000 lbs or less is $272.00. The daily storage rate is $22.85 per day for vehicles 25 feet or less. There is also a maximum notification fee of $50.00.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accrue daily, including weekends and holidays. The sooner you retrieve your vehicle, the less you will pay.

Payment

Contact the specific impound lot holding your vehicle in advance to confirm their accepted payment methods. Texas law requires Vehicle Storage Facilities (VSFs) to accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day your vehicle remains at the impound lot increases the total cost.

The "12-Hour" Billing Trap

Under Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) regulations, a VSF may charge a storage fee for any part of the day the vehicle is on the lot. However, if the vehicle remains on the lot for two calendar days but is retrieved within a continuous 12-hour period, the facility may only charge for one day of storage. For example, if your car was impounded at 11:00 PM on Friday, retrieve it before 11:00 AM on Saturday to avoid being charged for two days of storage.

The "Midnight Cutoff"

VSFs are required to release vehicles within one hour of a valid request made between 8:00 AM and midnight, Monday through Saturday, and from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Sundays. They are not legally obligated to release vehicles after midnight. If you are released from jail in the early morning hours, you will likely have to wait until the following business morning to retrieve your vehicle, incurring an additional day of storage fees.

After 30 Days

If a vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period, the impound lot can initiate a lien sale to recover the outstanding fees. This timeline varies, but typically occurs after 30 days. It is crucial to retrieve your vehicle before it reaches this stage to avoid losing it altogether.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you're struggling to afford the impound fees, explore these options:

• Contact a family member or friend: Ask for financial assistance to help cover the costs.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available: Some impound lots may offer payment plans, allowing you to pay the fees in installments. Inquire about this possibility.

After Retrieval

Before driving away from the impound lot, take these steps:

• 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 the damage in writing before leaving the premises. This will help you pursue a claim for compensation if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I find the impound lot that has my car in Henderson County? A: Check your arrest paperwork for a tow slip, or call the Henderson County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line at (903) 677-6322.

Q: What happens if I can't afford to get my car out of impound in Henderson County? A: Contact family or friends for assistance, inquire about payment plans with the impound lot, and consult with a DUI attorney.

Q: What documents do I need to retrieve my vehicle from the impound lot in Henderson County? A: You will need a valid driver's license, vehicle registration or title, proof of insurance, and payment for the towing and storage fees.