Kimble County Vehicle Impound Guide

After a DUI arrest in Kimble County, Texas, one of your immediate concerns will likely be retrieving your vehicle. Texas law allows law enforcement to impound your car following a DWI arrest for various reasons, including public safety and preventing further illegal activity. This guide provides practical information on locating your vehicle, understanding the required documentation, associated costs, and the steps you need to take to get your car back as quickly as possible.

Where Is Your Car?

Following a DUI arrest in Kimble County, your vehicle is most likely impounded at one of the following locations:

• Roy’s Garage & Wrecker Service: 314 Main Street, Junction, TX 76849
• Back on Your Feet Recovery: 1420 W. Ranch Rd 1674

How to Find Your Vehicle

If the arresting officer didn't provide specific impound information, here's how to locate your vehicle:

• Check your arrest paperwork: The tow company used should be listed on the documents provided to you at the time of your arrest.
• Call the Kimble County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: Contact them at (325) 446-2766. Provide your name and date of arrest, and they should be able to tell you where your car was towed.
• Reference your booking number: Having your booking number readily available when contacting the Sheriff's Office will expedite the process.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Be prepared with the correct documentation to avoid delays and additional trips. Roy’s Garage has a strict bureaucratic process designed to limit liability.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: If your license was not seized at the time of arrest (seizure is common when a breath test is refused), you will need it to drive the vehicle off the lot.
• Vehicle registration or title: You must prove ownership of the vehicle.
• Proof of insurance: Valid insurance for the specific vehicle is mandatory.
• Payment for fees: Cash is preferred by most rural VSFs to avoid credit card chargebacks.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your driver's license was suspended or seized, you cannot legally drive the vehicle yourself.

• Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it: This is the most common solution.
• They need: Their valid driver's license, a signed authorization letter from you allowing them to pick up the vehicle, and the vehicle title or registration.

Costs & Fees in Kimble County

Understanding the fees associated with impoundment is crucial, as they can accumulate quickly. Towing fees in Texas are regulated by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). A DWI arrest tow is classified as "Incident Management."

• Incident Management Tow (Non-Consent): The maximum allowable fee is generally $272 for light-duty vehicles (under 10,000 lbs).
• Daily Storage Rate: Capped at $22.85 per day for vehicles shorter than 25 feet.
• Impound Fee: A flat fee of $21.03 may be charged for processing the vehicle into the VSF (Vehicle Storage Facility).
• Notification Fee: If the vehicle is held for more than 24 hours, the VSF must send a certified letter to the registered owner. This triggers a notification fee, typically capped at $50.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accrue every day, including weekends and holidays. The longer you wait, the more expensive it becomes. For an out-of-town defendant arrested on a Friday night who cannot bond out until Monday, the storage fees alone can exceed $100 before the tow fee is added.

Payment

Call Roy’s Garage & Wrecker Service in advance to confirm their accepted payment methods. Many smaller, rural Vehicle Storage Facilities (VSFs) prefer or require cash to avoid credit card chargebacks.

Timeline

Act Immediately

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

After 30 Days

Texas law allows the impound lot to initiate a lien sale if the vehicle remains unclaimed after a certain period, typically 30 days. This means they can sell your vehicle to recover the outstanding fees. Do everything possible to retrieve your vehicle before this happens.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

The cost of retrieving your vehicle can be a significant burden, especially after incurring legal fees and other expenses associated with a DUI arrest.

• Contact a family member or friend: Ask for assistance in covering the impound fees.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available: Some impound lots may offer payment plans, but this is not guaranteed.
• Consult with a DUI attorney: A local attorney may be able to negotiate with the impound lot or challenge the fees in certain circumstances.

After Retrieval

• Inspect the vehicle immediately before leaving the lot: Carefully examine the vehicle for any damage that may have occurred during the tow or while in storage.
• Document any damage with photos: Take clear photographs of any scratches, dents, or other damage.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away: Obtain a signed copy of the report for your records.