Tarrant County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Tarrant County

Being arrested for DUI in Tarrant County can be a disorienting experience, and one of the immediate concerns is often: what happens to my car? In most DUI arrests, the arresting officer will have your vehicle towed and impounded. This guide provides the steps you need to take to locate, claim, and retrieve your vehicle as quickly as possible. Acting fast is crucial to minimize storage fees and prevent further complications.

Where Is Your Car?

After a DUI arrest, your vehicle is typically towed to a local impound lot. It's essential to determine where your vehicle was taken. The arresting officer should provide this information, but it can sometimes be overlooked in the chaos of the arrest. Don't panic if you don't have the information immediately. There are several ways to find out where your car is located.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Check your arrest paperwork: The most direct way to find your car is to carefully review all the paperwork you received from the arresting officer. The name and contact information for the towing company used will usually be written on one of these documents.
• Call the Tarrant County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: If you can't find the information on your paperwork, contact the Tarrant County Sheriff's Office. You can find the non-emergency number on the Tarrant County Directory. Be prepared to provide your name, date of birth, and the approximate location where you were arrested.
• Reference your booking number: When you call the Sheriff's Office, having your booking number readily available will help them locate your information more efficiently. This number is assigned when you are processed at the Tarrant County Corrections Center, located at 100 N. Lamar St., Fort Worth, Texas 76196.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you've located your vehicle, you'll need to gather the necessary documents and prepare for the associated costs.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license (or a licensed person picking it up for you): You, or the person retrieving the vehicle, must have a currently valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration or title: You must provide proof that you own the vehicle. A current vehicle registration or the vehicle's title will suffice.
• Proof of insurance: You must show proof of 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 due to the DUI arrest, you cannot personally retrieve the vehicle. However, you can authorize someone else to pick it up for you. They will need:

• Their valid driver's license.
• A signed authorization letter from you, giving them permission to retrieve the vehicle on your behalf. This letter should include your name, their name, the vehicle's make and model, and the vehicle's VIN (Vehicle Identification Number).
• The vehicle's title or registration in your name.

Costs & Fees in Tarrant County

Towing and storage fees can add up quickly, creating a significant financial burden. It's crucial to understand the potential costs involved.

Typical towing fees in Texas range from $150 to $300. Daily storage fees typically range from $25 to $50 per day. These fees are set by the individual towing companies and impound lots, so they can vary.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day, including weekends and holidays. The longer you wait to retrieve your vehicle, the more it will cost.

Payment

Call the impound lot before you go to confirm what forms of payment they accept. Some lots only accept cash or money orders, while others may accept credit cards. Knowing this in advance will save you time and potential frustration.

Timeline

Time is of the essence when it comes to retrieving your impounded vehicle.

Act Immediately

Storage fees begin accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day that passes adds to the total cost. Start the retrieval process as soon as possible after your release.

After 30 Days

Under Texas law, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for a certain period (typically 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 everything possible to avoid this scenario.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

The cost of retrieving an impounded vehicle can be prohibitive, especially when combined with other DUI-related expenses.

• Contact a family member or friend: Ask if they can lend you the money to cover the towing and storage fees.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available: Some impound lots may offer payment plans, allowing you to pay the fees in installments. It's worth asking, although not all lots offer this option.
• Consult with your attorney: Your DUI attorney may be able to negotiate with the impound lot to reduce the fees or challenge the legality of the impoundment.

After Retrieval

Once you've paid the fees and have your vehicle back, take these precautions:

• Inspect the vehicle immediately before leaving the lot: Carefully examine the vehicle for any new damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.
• Document any damage with photos: Take clear photos of any damage you find, focusing on the affected areas.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away: Notify the impound lot manager of the damage in writing, providing them with copies of your photos. This creates a record of your claim and strengthens your position if you need to pursue compensation for the damage.

Retrieving your vehicle after a DUI arrest in Tarrant County requires prompt action and careful attention to detail. By following these steps, you can minimize the financial impact and get your car back on the road as quickly as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I get my personal belongings out of the car before I retrieve it? Generally, yes. Contact the impound lot to arrange a time to collect personal items. They may require you to inventory the items with them first.
• What happens if I can't afford to get my car out of impound? The impound lot will eventually sell the car at auction to cover the towing and storage fees. You will likely lose any equity you have in the vehicle.
• Does Tarrant County offer any assistance programs for vehicle retrieval after a DUI? There are no specific county programs for this. Contacting local charities or non-profits may be helpful.