San Patricio County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in San Patricio County

After a DUI arrest in San Patricio County, one of your immediate concerns is likely the location and retrieval of your vehicle. Typically, if you are arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI), your vehicle will be impounded. This is standard procedure when the driver is taken into custody and no sober, licensed passenger is available to take possession of the vehicle. Understanding the process for retrieving your vehicle, the associated costs, and your rights is crucial to resolving this situation quickly and efficiently.

Where Is Your Car?

The San Patricio County Sheriff's Office and local police maintain a rotation list of towing companies. Here are the primary impound locations:

• Apollo Towing & Semi Truck Heavy Wrecker: 6237 US-77, Odem, TX 78370. Phone: (361) 853-0003. This facility is the primary impound lot for the western part of San Patricio County.
• Apollo Towing (Corpus Christi / Portland coverage area): 6318 Harwick Drive, Corpus Christi, TX 78417. Phone: (361) 853-0003. This location covers the eastern, coastal portion of the county, including Portland and Aransas Pass.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Check Your Arrest Paperwork: The arresting officer should provide you with a tow slip indicating which towing company was used.
• Call the San Patricio County Sheriff's Office: If you do not have the tow slip, contact the San Patricio County Sheriff's Office non-emergency dispatch at (361) 364-9600 to identify the specific lot holding your vehicle. Have your booking number ready if possible.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

To retrieve your vehicle, you (or your authorized representative) will need specific documents and must be prepared to pay the associated fees.

Required Documents

• Valid Driver's License: The person retrieving the vehicle must have a valid state or federal photo ID.
• Vehicle Registration or Title: You must provide proof of ownership.
• 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 do not have a valid license, you can have a licensed friend or family member retrieve the vehicle on your behalf. They will need:

• Their valid driver's license.
• A signed authorization letter from you granting them permission to retrieve the vehicle.
• The vehicle title or registration in your name.

Costs & Fees in San Patricio County

Understanding the costs involved in retrieving your vehicle is essential to avoid surprises and delays.

• Daily Storage Rate: The maximum daily storage rate is $22.85 for vehicles 25 feet or less.
• Tow Fee: The maximum base tow fee is $272 for vehicles 10,000 lbs or less.
• Administrative/Processing Fee: A one-time notification fee of up to $50 may be charged.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day, starting the moment your vehicle is towed. Retrieving your vehicle as quickly as possible will minimize these costs. Be aware of the "Daily Cutoff" loophole. Texas law prohibits a VSF from charging for a second day of storage if the vehicle is retrieved within a 12-hour window, even if that window crosses the midnight threshold.

Payment

Call the impound lot in advance to confirm their accepted payment methods. Most facilities accept cash, credit cards, and debit cards. Texas law mandates that Vehicle Storage Facilities (VSFs) accept electronic payments.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees begin accruing the instant your vehicle is towed. Each passing day increases the total cost.

After 30 Days

Under Texas law, if your vehicle remains unclaimed after a certain period (typically 30 days), the impound lot can initiate a lien sale to recover their costs. Do not allow the situation to escalate to this point.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

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

• Seek Assistance: Contact a family member or friend who may be able to help you cover the costs.
• Payment Plan: Ask the impound lot if they offer a payment plan. Some facilities may be willing to work with you, but this is not guaranteed.

After Retrieval

• Inspect the Vehicle: Before leaving the impound lot, thoroughly inspect your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was in their custody.
• Document Damage: If you find any damage, document it with photographs before moving the vehicle.
• Report Damage: Immediately report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away. This creates a record of your claim.

Browse licensed bail bondsmen serving San Patricio County in our bail bond directory.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happens if I don't retrieve my vehicle from the impound lot in San Patricio County? A: If you don't retrieve your vehicle, the impound lot can begin the process of selling it to cover the towing and storage fees.

Q: Can the impound lot in San Patricio County demand proof of insurance before releasing my car? A: No. Under Texas Administrative Code, Vehicle Storage Facilities are prohibited from demanding proof of insurance as a condition of releasing an impounded vehicle.

Q: What is the non-emergency number for the San Patricio County Sheriff's Office to find out where my car was towed? A: The non-emergency number is (361) 364-9600.