Smith County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Smith County

After a DUI arrest in Smith County, one of the most immediate concerns is retrieving your vehicle. Texas law enforcement will impound your vehicle following a DWI arrest for several reasons: as evidence, for public safety, or because you are unable to legally drive it from the scene. Understanding the process for locating and retrieving your vehicle is crucial to minimize expenses and avoid further complications. This guide provides the essential steps and information you need to get your car back as quickly as possible.

Where Is Your Car?

After a DWI arrest, your vehicle will be towed to either the Tyler Police Department Property Department or to a private Vehicle Storage Facility (VSF) under contract with the Smith County Sheriff's Office or the Texas Highway Patrol. Here's where your car might be located:

• Tyler Police Department Property Department: For arrests made by the Tyler Police Department.

• Address: 711 W. Ferguson St., Tyler, TX 75702

• Phone (release line): 903-531-1075 (Contact: Lisa Blackmon)

• Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Closed on weekends and city holidays.

• Private Vehicle Storage Facilities (VSFs): If you were arrested by the Smith County Sheriff's Office or the Texas Highway Patrol, your car was likely towed to a private VSF. Two such facilities are:

• Campbell's Towing & Recovery: 3053 Texas Spur 124, Tyler, TX 75707

• Liberty Towing and Recovery: 4848 Tidwell Dr, Tyler, TX 75708

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Check Your Arrest Paperwork: The arresting officer should provide documentation indicating the name and location of the towing company that impounded your vehicle.
• Call the Arresting Agency: If you are unsure where your car was towed, contact the Smith County Sheriff's Office or the Tyler Police Department.
• Reference your Booking Number: Have your booking number ready when you call to help them locate your vehicle information quickly.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

To retrieve your vehicle, you will need to provide the following documentation and payment:

Required Documents

• Valid Driver's License: The person retrieving the vehicle must have a valid driver's license. If your license was confiscated at the time of your arrest (replaced with a Notice of Suspension - Form DIC-25), see the section below, "If You Don't Have a Valid License."
• Vehicle Registration or Title: Proof of ownership is essential. Bring your vehicle registration or title.
• Proof of Insurance: You must provide proof that the vehicle is currently insured.
• Payment for Fees: Be prepared to pay all applicable towing and storage fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

A common issue after a DWI arrest is the confiscation of your physical driver's license. The Tyler Police Department, in particular, requires a valid driver's license to release the vehicle. Here's how to navigate this:

• Have a Licensed Friend or Family Member Retrieve It: The easiest solution is to have a licensed driver accompany you to the impound lot.
• They Need: Their valid driver's license, a signed authorization letter from you (the registered owner), and the vehicle title or registration.
• Tyler Police Department Requirement: If the registered owner is incarcerated or unable to retrieve the vehicle, they must authorize a third party by executing a specific "Property Release Form". This form must be secured and signed immediately following magistration. The designated third party must then submit this form, present their own valid driver's license and secondary photo ID, and call 903-531-1075 to schedule the pickup appointment.

Costs & Fees in Smith County

The costs associated with retrieving your vehicle can add up quickly, so it's essential to be prepared.

• Tow Fee (Tyler PD): $175.00 flat fee (includes admin/processing fee).
• Daily Storage Rate: Storage fees vary depending on the impound location. Contact the specific impound lot to confirm their daily storage rate.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day, including weekends and holidays. The longer you wait, the more you will pay.

Payment

Call the impound lot in advance to confirm accepted payment methods. The Tyler Police Department Property Department only accepts cash or checks. If using a check, make sure it is verifiable. Failure to adhere to this payment modality results in the immediate forfeiture of the scheduled appointment slot.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day that passes adds to the total cost. For example, if your vehicle is at a lot charging $25 per day, waiting a week will add $175 to your bill.

After 30 Days

In Texas, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period (usually 30 days), the impound lot can initiate a lien sale to recover their costs. This means they can sell your vehicle to the public. Do not let it reach this point.

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 to cover the costs.
• Ask About Payment Plans: Some impound lots may offer payment plans or allow you to pay in installments.

After Retrieval

Before driving your vehicle away from the impound lot:

• Inspect the Vehicle: Carefully inspect the vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.
• Document Any Damage: Take photos of any scratches, dents, or other damage.
• Report Any Damage: Immediately report any damage to the impound lot manager in writing before you drive away. Keep a copy of the report for your records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: If I was arrested on a Friday night, when can I retrieve my car from the Tyler Police Department Property Department? A: Because the Tyler Police Department Property Department operates exclusively from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and is strictly closed on weekends, a vehicle impounded on a Friday night cannot be retrieved until Monday morning.

Q: What payment methods does the Tyler Police Department Property Department accept? A: The facility maintains a rigid "cash or check only" policy. The $175.00 tow fee must be presented in exact cash or via a verifiable check.

Q: I don't have a valid driver's license. Can I still retrieve my vehicle? A: The registered owner must bring a secondary, fully licensed driver to the appointment. The owner provides the proof of ownership and insurance, while the secondary party provides the valid, physical operational license required to legally remove the vehicle from the property. If the registered owner remains incarcerated or is physically unable to retrieve the vehicle, they cannot simply send a family member with the keys. The owner must authorize a third party by executing a specific "Property Release Form". This form must be secured and signed immediately following magistration. The designated third party must then submit this form, present their own valid driver's license and secondary photo ID, and call 903-531-1075 to schedule the pickup appointment.