Moore County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Moore County

**(dui.guide - Your Guide to Navigating a DUI in Moore, Texas)*Being arrested for a DUI in Moore County, Texas, can disrupt your life in countless ways. Beyond the legal and personal consequences, there's the immediate problem of your vehicle. In most DUI arrests, the arresting officer will have your vehicle towed and impounded. This guide provides a practical, step-by-step explanation of how to retrieve your vehicle from impound in Moore County, minimizing further expenses and headaches. Time is of the essence, as storage fees accumulate daily.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for DUI in Moore County, your vehicle is typically impounded for several reasons:

• Safety: To prevent you from driving under the influence again.
• Evidence: In some cases, the vehicle itself may be considered evidence in the DUI investigation.
• Liability: To protect the arresting agency from liability if the vehicle were left unattended and damaged or stolen.

Following the tow, your vehicle will be stored at a designated impound lot. It's crucial to act quickly to locate and retrieve your vehicle to minimize storage fees.

Where Is Your Car?

Your vehicle is most likely being held at one of the following impound lots that service Moore County. Contact them directly to confirm if your vehicle is there:

• Top of Texas Towing & Recovery: 814 Texas St, Stratford, TX 79084
• Ras towing and recobery: 1607 S Bliss Ave, Dumas, TX 79029

How to Find Your Vehicle

Here are a few ways to pinpoint the exact location of your vehicle:

• Check Your Arrest Paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided you with paperwork that includes the name and contact information of the towing company. This is the quickest way to determine where your vehicle was taken.
• Call the Moore County Sheriff's Office: Contact the Moore County Sheriff's Department at (806) 935-4145. Provide them with your name, date of birth, and a description of your vehicle. They may be able to tell you which impound lot has your car.
• Reference Your Booking Number: Your booking number, assigned during the jail intake process, can help the Sheriff's Office or the impound lot locate your vehicle information more efficiently.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Before heading to the impound lot, gather the necessary documents to avoid delays and additional trips.

Required Documents

• Valid Driver's License: You (or the person retrieving the vehicle) must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle Registration or Title: Proof of ownership is essential. Bring either the vehicle registration or the title.
• Proof of Insurance: You'll need to show proof of current insurance coverage for the vehicle.
• Payment for Fees: Be prepared to pay the towing and storage fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you cannot legally drive the vehicle off the lot yourself. Here's how to proceed:

• Have a Licensed Friend or Family Member Retrieve It: The easiest solution is to have a friend or family member with a valid license pick up the vehicle for you.
• Authorization Letter: In addition to their valid license, they will likely need a signed authorization letter from you granting them permission to retrieve the vehicle.
• Vehicle Ownership Documents: They'll also need the vehicle title or registration to prove ownership.

Costs & Fees in Moore County

Retrieving your vehicle involves paying towing and storage fees. These fees can add up quickly, so it's crucial to act fast.

• Top of Texas Towing & Recovery: Daily Fee: $N/A
• Ras towing and recobery: Daily Fee: $N/A

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day. The sooner you retrieve your vehicle, the less you'll have to pay.

Payment

Call the impound lot before you go to confirm their accepted methods of payment. Some may accept cash only, while others take credit cards or money orders. Confirming this in advance will save you a potentially frustrating trip.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day that passes increases the total cost. Contact the impound lot as soon as possible to determine the exact fees and arrange for retrieval.

After 30 Days

In Texas, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for a certain period (typically 30 days), the impound lot can initiate a lien sale. This means they can sell your vehicle to recover the unpaid towing and storage fees. *Do not let it reach this point.## If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you're struggling to afford the towing and storage fees, consider these options:

• Contact a Family Member or Friend: Ask for assistance in covering the costs.
• Ask About a Payment Plan: Some impound lots may be willing to work with you on a payment plan. It's worth asking, though not all offer this option.
• Consult with Your Attorney: In some cases, your attorney may be able to negotiate the fees or challenge their validity, especially if there were any improprieties in the impound process.

After Retrieval

Before driving away from the impound lot, take these important steps:

• Inspect the Vehicle: Carefully inspect your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was in the impound lot's possession.
• Document Any Damage: Take photos and videos of any damage you find.
• Report Damage Immediately: Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away. Get a copy of the written report for your records. This is crucial for filing a claim for damages later.

By following these steps, you can navigate the process of retrieving your vehicle after a DUI arrest in Moore County, Texas, as smoothly and cost-effectively as possible. Remember, acting quickly is key to minimizing expenses and protecting your vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long do I have to get my car out of impound in Moore County before it's sold? A: Generally, impound lots in Texas can begin the process of selling unclaimed vehicles after 30 days. Contact the specific lot holding your vehicle for their exact policy.

Q: What happens if I can't afford to get my car out of impound in Moore County? A: Explore options like borrowing money from family or friends, asking the impound lot about a payment plan, or consulting with your attorney to see if fees can be negotiated.

Q: Can someone else pick up my car for me if my license is suspended after a DUI arrest in Moore County? A: Yes, a licensed driver can pick up your vehicle. They'll need their valid driver's license, a signed authorization letter from you, and the vehicle's title or registration.