Karnes County Vehicle Impound Guide
Impound Cost Calculator
Calculate how much it will cost to retrieve your vehicle from the impound lot in Karnes County, Texas.
*Estimated fees shown for Karnes County. Actual fees may vary.
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What comes next after a Texas DUI arrest
SR-22 insurance
A DUI in Texas often means an SR-22 must be filed before your license is reinstated.
Texas SR-22 guideDUI classes
Courts and the DMV usually require an approved alcohol education program in Texas.
DUI school guideIgnition interlock
Depending on your offense, Texas may require an interlock device to drive again.
Interlock guideThe First 48 Hours
After a DWI arrest in Karnes County, your vehicle is likely towed to an impound lot. Storage fees accumulate daily, making time your biggest enemy.
Retrieval Timeline
- 1
Vehicle Towed
Usually within 30 minutes of your arrest.
- 2
Lot Notification
Fees and admin processing start immediately upon arrival.
- 3
Daily Accrual
Fees start at state averages in Karnes County.
- 4
Final Notice
After 30 days, the lot may begin the auction process.
Required Documents
- Valid Photo ID (License or State ID)
- Vehicle Registration or Title
- Current Proof of Insurance
- Full Payment (Cash/Credit)
- Release Authorization (if not owner)
Owner Not Present?
If the registered owner is in custody, you will need a notarized power of attorney or specific written authorization and a copy of their ID to retrieve the vehicle.
Lot Details & Map
Current storage facility information for Karnes County. Verify your vehicle's location before traveling.
Lot Information Pending
Contact Karnes County local dispatch for specific towing lot assignments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Karnes City Towing is the primary 24/7 impound operator for local law enforcement rotations; 5M Road Service, based in neighboring Frio County, also services the broader area.
Texas caps a light-duty tow at $272, medium-duty at $380, and heavy-duty up to $489 or $978 for the largest vehicles. Daily storage runs $22.85 for standard vehicles or $39.99 for anything over 25 feet, plus a $22.85 impound fee and a $50 notification fee. One real protection: if the facility misses the deadline to mail required notice to the owner and lienholder, the total storage charge caps at five days, no matter how long the vehicle actually sits.
If the owner reaches the scene before the tow truck leaves with the vehicle hooked up, Texas law requires the operator to release it for a reduced drop fee instead of the full tow charge — a real savings if timed right. Retrieving the vehicle otherwise requires a driver's license or state ID plus proof of ownership — a title, current registration, or dated purchase receipt. If the arrested driver wasn't the registered owner, only that owner or someone with notarized authorization can claim it.
Need Help Beyond Impound?
If you're dealing with a recent arrest, here are immediate resources for release and legal help: