Lubbock County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Lubbock County

Following a DUI arrest in Lubbock County, your vehicle is typically impounded. This impoundment is a standard procedure designed to ensure public safety and prevent further potential offenses. Understanding the steps required to retrieve your vehicle, associated costs, and your rights is crucial to minimizing expenses and reclaiming your property.

Where Is Your Car?

In Lubbock County, vehicles impounded due to a DUI arrest are often taken to a contracted impound facility. While several towing companies operate in the area, one that holds the exclusive municipal towing contract is:

• Lubbock Wrecker Service: 3209 Slaton Hwy, Lubbock, TX 79404. You can reach them at 806-748-1044 to inquire about your vehicle.

Other impound lots in the area include:

• Liberty Towing: 814 FM 41, Lubbock, TX 79423.
• R P's Heavy Duty Towing: 711 Erskine St, Lubbock, TX 79403.

How to Find Your Vehicle

Several methods can help you locate your impounded vehicle:

• Check Your Arrest Paperwork: The arresting officer should provide documentation indicating the name and location of the towing company that took possession of your vehicle.
• Call the Lubbock County Sheriff's Office: You can contact the Lubbock County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line for assistance in locating your vehicle.
• Reference Your Booking Number: When you call the Sheriff's Office or potential impound lots, provide your booking number to help them quickly locate your vehicle's record. You can search the Lubbock County Detention Center active jail roster for booking information.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

To reclaim your vehicle, you (or someone acting on your behalf) must provide specific documentation and payment.

Required Documents

• Valid Driver's License: The person retrieving the vehicle must have a currently valid driver's license.
• Vehicle Registration or Title: You must provide proof of ownership, such as the vehicle's registration or title.
• Proof of Insurance: Current, valid insurance documentation for the vehicle is required.
• Payment for Fees: You must pay all applicable towing and storage fees before the vehicle will be released.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended or you do not have a valid license, you can still have someone else retrieve the vehicle for you. They will need:

• Their valid driver's license.
• A signed authorization letter from you, explicitly granting them permission to retrieve the vehicle. A specifically formatted, notarized Power of Attorney (such as the standard Form VSF010) explicitly granting them the right to retrieve the asset may be required.
• The vehicle title or registration in your name.

Costs & Fees in Lubbock County

Retrieving your vehicle involves several potential fees, which can accumulate quickly.

• Maximum Tow Fee: Up to $272.00 for standard light-duty vehicles (<10,000 lbs).
• Daily Storage Rate: $20.00 per day (vehicles under 25 feet).
• Administrative/Notification Fees: $20.00 Impound Fee + $50.00 Statutory Notification Fee.
• Credit Card Processing Fee: The City of Lubbock imposes a 2.5% service fee on credit transactions.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accrue every day the vehicle is impounded, including weekends and holidays. Contact Lubbock Wrecker Service at 806-748-1044 for their hours of operation. Retrieve your vehicle as quickly as possible to minimize these costs. If a defendant is arrested and their vehicle is impounded late Saturday night, the vehicle cannot physically be recovered until the facility reopens on Sunday morning.

Payment

Contact the impound lot in advance to confirm their accepted payment methods. Lubbock Wrecker Service accepts cash, credit cards, and debit cards. Be aware of the 2.5% service fee imposed on credit transactions.

Timeline

Act Immediately

The timeline for retrieving your vehicle is critical due to accruing storage fees. Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day costs more money.

After 30 Days

If a vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period, the impound lot may initiate a lien sale to recover their costs. While the exact timeframe can vary, most states allow this process to begin after approximately 30 days. Do not let it reach this point.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you are facing financial hardship and cannot afford the towing and storage fees, consider the following:

• Contact a Family Member or Friend: Ask for assistance in covering the costs.
• Ask About a Payment Plan: Some impound lots may offer a payment plan, allowing you to pay the fees in installments. Contact the lot to inquire about this option.

After Retrieval

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

• Inspect the Vehicle Immediately: Carefully inspect the vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was in the impound lot's possession.
• Document Any Damage: Take photographs of any damage you find.
• Report Any Damage: Immediately report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away. This documentation can be crucial if you need to file a claim for damages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I get a Personal Recognizance (PR) bond in Lubbock County for a DWI? A: No. According to Lubbock County's Local Procedural Rules, PR bonds are not used for DWI offenses. You will likely need to secure a cash bond or surety bond.

Q: What happens if I refuse a blood test during a "No Refusal" weekend in Lubbock County? A: During "No Refusal" operations, a magistrate judge is on-call to quickly review probable cause affidavits and issue blood search warrants. If you refuse, the officer will likely obtain a warrant to forcibly extract a blood sample.

Q: Where is the Lubbock County Detention Center located? A: The Lubbock County Detention Center is located at 3502 N. Holly Avenue, Lubbock, TX 79403. You can call 806-775-7009 or 806-775-7048 for booking/inmate information.