Medina County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Medina County

After a DUI arrest in Medina County, Texas, one of the first things you'll need to address is retrieving your vehicle. Vehicles are typically impounded following a DUI arrest to ensure public safety and prevent further potentially illegal operation. Understanding the process and acting quickly is crucial to minimize storage fees and avoid further complications.

Where Is Your Car?

In Medina County, vehicles are towed to private Vehicle Storage Facilities (VSFs) contracted by the Medina County Sheriff’s Office. The Medina County Sheriff’s Office maintains a localized towing rotation list to manage non-consent tows. Because the county does not operate a centralized, municipally owned impound lot, all vehicles seized during a DWI arrest are dispatched to privately owned, state-licensed Vehicle Storage Facilities (VSFs) that operate on this county-managed rotation. Here are a few prominent regional operators:

• Hawkins Towing & Recovery: 20222 TX-16, Von Ormy, TX 78073
• MCW WRECKER: 1957 TX-16, Bandera, TX 78003

Due to the rotational dispatch protocol, your vehicle may be at any number of privately owned VSFs throughout Medina County. It is important to determine exactly which lot possesses your vehicle.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer may provide information about the towing company used.
• Call the Medina County Sheriff’s Office Communications Division: Contact them at (830) 741-6153. The civilian dispatchers maintain the central rotation log and can verify which towing company was dispatched to your arrest location.
• Reference your booking number: Have your booking number ready when you call to help them locate your information quickly.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

To retrieve your vehicle, you'll need specific documents and be prepared to pay associated fees.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: The person retrieving the vehicle must have a valid driver’s license.
• Vehicle registration or title: Proof of ownership is required.
• Proof of insurance: You must show current insurance coverage for the vehicle.
• Payment for fees: Be prepared to pay all 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 for any other reason, you can still have someone else retrieve the vehicle for you.

• Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it: They will need their valid driver’s license.
• Signed authorization letter from you: You must provide a signed letter authorizing them to pick up the vehicle on your behalf.
• Vehicle title or registration: They will also need proof of your ownership of the vehicle (title or registration).

Costs & Fees in Medina County

The costs associated with retrieving your vehicle can add up quickly, so understanding the fee structure is crucial. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) regulates these fees.

• Daily Storage Rate: $20.00 - $22.85 per day (Regulated by TDLR)
• Tow Fee: $250.00 - $300.00 base non-consent fee
• Admin/Processing Fee: $50.00 (Notification fee allowed after initial 24 hours)

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day, starting the moment your vehicle is towed. Retrieve your vehicle as quickly as possible to minimize these costs.

Payment

Call the specific impound lot in advance to confirm their accepted payment methods. While Texas law mandates that VSFs accept major credit and debit cards, network connectivity issues in rural Medina County frequently result in "broken" credit card machines. Cash is often the most reliable payment method.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day costs more money, so act without delay.

After 14 Days

If a defendant believes the non-consent tow was unlawful or the fees charged by the VSF violate TDLR caps, they possess the right to a tow hearing. The absolute deadline to request this hearing is fourteen days from the date the vehicle was towed. The request must be formally filed in the Medina County Justice of the Peace court corresponding directly to the precinct where the tow originated, not necessarily the precinct where the impound lot is located. A standard Justice of the Peace filing fee of approximately $20.00 is required to initiate the hearing.

After 30 Days

Most states, including Texas, allow the impound lot to initiate a lien sale if the vehicle is unclaimed after a certain period (typically 30 days). Do not let it reach this point, as you will lose ownership of your vehicle.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you are struggling to afford the impound fees, consider the following:

• Contact a family member or friend: Ask for assistance in covering the costs.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available: Some lots may offer payment plans, but this is not guaranteed.

After Retrieval

• Inspect the vehicle immediately before leaving the lot: Thoroughly check for any damage that may have occurred while the vehicle was in their possession.
• Document any damage with photos: Take clear photos of any damage as evidence.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away: Obtain a signed copy of your written report. This is crucial for filing a claim for damages.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Where is the Medina County Jail located? The Medina County Jail is located at 2319 8th Street, Hondo, TX 78861 (Also listed administratively as 801 Ave Y).
• How do I find out the bail amount set in Medina County? Bail amounts are determined individually by a reviewing Magistrate. There is no set bail schedule that is publicly available.
• Who do local municipal police departments rely on for long-term suspect holding? Local municipal police departments, such as those in Devine and Lytle, rely almost entirely on the centralized Medina County Sheriff's Office for long-term suspect holding, warrant processing, and jail administration.