Johnson County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Johnson County

Following a DUI arrest in Johnson County, Texas, one of the most immediate concerns is retrieving your vehicle. Texas law enforcement officers have the authority to impound a vehicle to ensure public safety. This guide provides practical information on locating your vehicle, understanding the associated costs, and completing the necessary steps for retrieval.

Where Is Your Car?

The arresting agency arranges for a contracted towing company to remove your vehicle. Johnson County agencies like the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office and municipal police departments such as the Cleburne Police Department and the Burleson Police Department operate on a rotational list of towing companies. The specific impound lot your vehicle was taken to depends on which company was on call at the time of your arrest.

How to Find Your Vehicle

Pinpointing the exact location of your vehicle requires contacting the arresting agency. Here's how:

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided documentation that includes the name of the towing company.
• Call the Johnson County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: Contact the Sheriff's Office to inquire about the location of your vehicle.
• Reference your booking number: Having your booking number available when you call can help expedite the process.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you've located your vehicle, gather the necessary documents to present to the impound lot.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: You (or the person retrieving the vehicle) must have a valid state-issued driver's license.
• Vehicle registration or title: Proof of ownership is essential. Bring your vehicle registration or title.
• Proof of insurance: While Texas law doesn't allow impound lots to require proof of insurance for release, having it readily available can streamline the process.
• Payment for fees: Be prepared to pay all accrued towing and storage fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

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

• 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 title or registration.

Costs & Fees in Johnson County

Towing and storage fees can accumulate rapidly, making it crucial to retrieve your vehicle as soon as possible.

Typical towing fees in Texas range from $272 for light-duty vehicles (10,000 lbs or less). Daily storage fees can reach a maximum of $22.85 per day for vehicles 25 feet in length or less. An administrative fee of up to $50 may also apply.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accrue for every part of a calendar day that a vehicle occupies the lot. If your vehicle is towed in late in the evening and you pick it up early the next morning, you may be charged for two days of storage. However, according to TDLR rules, if a vehicle remains on the lot for two calendar days, but the total duration is less than 12 hours, the facility can only charge for one day of storage. Demand the intake timestamp from the VSF records.

Payment

Contact the specific impound lot in advance to confirm which payment methods they accept. Most facilities are mandated to accept cash, debit cards, and major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover).

Timeline

Time is of the essence when it comes to retrieving your vehicle.

Act Immediately

Storage fees begin accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day that passes increases the total cost.

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 the outstanding fees. Avoid allowing the situation to reach this point.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you're facing financial difficulties and struggling to pay the towing and storage fees, consider the following options:

• Contact a family member or friend to help cover costs.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available. Some facilities may offer payment arrangements.

After Retrieval

Before driving away with your vehicle, take the following precautions:

• Inspect the vehicle immediately before leaving the lot.
• Document any damage with photos.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away. Get a signed copy of the damage report for your records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does the impound lot have to keep my car? A: In Texas, impound lots can initiate a lien sale if a vehicle remains unclaimed, generally after 30 days.

Q: What if I can't find out where my car was towed? A: Contact the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line. Provide them with your name, date of arrest, and vehicle description.

Q: Can the impound lot refuse to release my vehicle if I don't have car insurance? A: No. Texas law only requires a valid photo ID, proof of ownership (title or registration), and payment of fees for vehicle release.