Kaufman County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Kaufman County

Following a Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) arrest in Kaufman County, Texas, one of the most pressing concerns is retrieving your vehicle. TX law allows law enforcement to immediately tow and impound a vehicle when the driver is arrested. Understanding the process, required documentation, and associated fees is crucial to minimizing expenses and reclaiming your property promptly. This guide provides a step-by-step approach to navigating vehicle impoundment and retrieval in Kaufman County.

Where Is Your Car?

After a DWI arrest, your vehicle is typically towed to a designated impound lot. Kaufman County utilizes a rotational list for law enforcement towing, so vehicles may be directed to different facilities depending on the arresting agency and the location of the arrest.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer should provide documentation indicating the name of the towing company and its contact information.
• Call the Kaufman County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: If you cannot locate the paperwork, contact the Kaufman County Sheriff's Office dispatch at 469-376-4500. Provide your name, date of birth, and details of the arrest to inquire about the vehicle's location.
• Reference your booking number: Your booking number, obtained during the booking process, can assist in locating your vehicle.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Before heading to the impound lot, gather the necessary documents to ensure a smooth retrieval process.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: You, or the person retrieving the vehicle, must possess a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration or title: Proof of ownership is essential. Provide either the vehicle registration or the title.
• Proof of insurance: Ensure you have current and valid insurance documentation for the vehicle.
• Payment for fees: Be prepared to cover towing and storage fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended or you do not have a valid 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: A licensed driver can retrieve the vehicle for you.
• They need:
• Their valid driver's license
• A signed authorization letter from you, granting them permission to retrieve the vehicle. The letter should include your name, the vehicle's make and model, the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the date.
• Vehicle title or registration in your name.

Costs & Fees in Kaufman County

Towing and storage fees are determined by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) and can vary between impound lots. In Texas, expect to pay a maximum of $22.85 per day for storage for vehicles 25 feet in length or less. Towing fees can range from $255 to $272 for a light-duty non-consent tow. Additionally, a one-time notification fee of $50 may be applied.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accrue daily, so prompt action is crucial to minimize expenses.

Payment

Contact the specific impound lot holding your vehicle to confirm their accepted payment methods. Most facilities accept cash, Visa, MasterCard, and Discover.

Timeline

Act Immediately

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

After 30 Days

Under TX law, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period (typically 30 days), the impound lot can initiate a lien sale to recover unpaid fees. Avoid this scenario by retrieving your vehicle as soon as possible.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you face financial difficulties in covering the impound fees, consider the following options:

• Contact a family member or friend: Seek assistance from loved ones to help cover the costs.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available: Some impound lots may offer payment plans or installment options.

After Retrieval

Before leaving the impound lot with your vehicle, take these precautions:

• Inspect the vehicle immediately before leaving the lot: Carefully examine the vehicle for any signs of damage that may have occurred while in impound.
• Document any damage with photos: Take photographs of any dents, scratches, or other damage as evidence.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away: Notify the impound lot manager of any damage in writing before removing the vehicle from the premises. This creates a record of the damage and can be helpful if you need to file a claim later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I get my personal belongings from the car before I pay the fees? A: Under Texas state law, an impound facility must allow a vehicle owner access to recover personal property (such as wallets, cell phones, or house keys) without paying a fee. However, Diamond J Towing restricts this personal property access exclusively to Monday through Friday, between the hours of 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM.

Q: What if I believe my car was towed illegally? A: If a defendant or vehicle owner believes the vehicle was towed unlawfully or without probable cause, they maintain the statutory right to request a formal tow hearing. The request must be submitted within exactly 14 days of the tow date to the local Kaufman County Justice of the Peace (JP) court encompassing the precinct where the vehicle was towed.

Q: Where is the Kaufman County Sheriff's Office - Detention Facility located? A: The Kaufman County Sheriff's Office - Detention Facility is located at 1900 E US-175, Kaufman, Texas 75142.