Wichita County Vehicle Impound Guide
Impound Cost Calculator — Wichita County, Texas
Calculate how much it will cost to retrieve your vehicle from the impound lot.
*Estimated fees shown. Actual fees in Wichita County may vary. Contact the impound lot directly for exact costs.
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The First 48 Hours Are Critical
After a arrest in Wichita County, your vehicle is likely towed to an impound lot. Storage fees accumulate daily, making time your biggest enemy.
What Happens Immediately After Arrest
- 1
Vehicle is towed (usually within 30 minutes of arrest)
- 2
Tow company notifies impound lot (charges start immediately)
- 3
Storage fees begin accruing daily in Wichita County
- 4
Administrative fees added (varies by lot)
Documents You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle
- Valid photo ID (driver's license or state ID)
- Vehicle registration or title
- Proof of insurance
- Payment for all fees (see calculator above)
- Release authorization (if not the registered owner)
Can Someone Else Pick Up My Car?
Yes, but they'll need:
- • Written authorization from the registered owner
- • Copy of owner's ID
- • Their own valid ID
- • Proof of insurance in their name or the owner's name
Find Impound Lots in Wichita County
Call Before You Go
Verify your vehicle is at this lot and confirm the exact amount owed before making the trip. Hours and fees may change without notice.
The Impound “Poverty Trap”
Many people can't afford to get their car out immediately, but waiting only makes it worse.
Here's the vicious cycle:
Can't afford the first 3 days of storage + admin fees
Wait a week to save money → fees double
Can't get to work without car → lose income
Wait 2 weeks → fees triple or quadruple
After 30 days → Car may be auctioned by the lot
What You Can Do
- • Borrow money from family/friends (pay them back later, cheaper than daily fees)
- • Use a credit card (even with interest, cheaper than impound fees)
- • Sell non-essential items quickly
- • Ask your employer for an advance
- • Check if your auto insurance covers towing/storage (some policies do)
Don't let a DUI impound in Wichita Falls add insult to injury. The city ordinance mandates a $25 Public Safety Towing Administration Fee, on top of towing and storage costs, so understanding your rights and options regarding vehicle impoundment after a DWI arrest is crucial. Here’s what you need to know:
Why Was My Car Impounded?
In Wichita County, Texas, a DWI arrest often leads to vehicle impoundment. This is standard procedure to prevent further impaired driving and to gather evidence related to the offense. If you were arrested by the Wichita Falls Police Department (WFPD), the Wichita County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO), or the Texas Department of Public Safety (TxDPS), your vehicle was likely towed and is being held at a contracted impound facility. Mike's Towing is the primary contractor for the City of Wichita Falls.
Where Is My Car?
Your vehicle is most likely at Mike's Towing, the city's primary impound contractor. They are located at and can be reached at . Contact them immediately to confirm they have your vehicle and to inquire about their release procedures, fees, and operating hours.
Understanding Your Rights and Responsibilities
Upon your arrest, the arresting officer should have provided you with paperwork indicating where your vehicle was towed. However, it's your responsibility to proactively locate your vehicle and understand the conditions for its release. You have a right to retrieve your personal belongings from the vehicle, even if you cannot immediately secure its release. Contact Mike's Towing to arrange a time to collect your belongings, and be prepared to show identification and proof of ownership.
Impound Fees: What to Expect
The costs associated with vehicle impoundment can quickly accumulate. Be prepared to pay for:
- Towing Fees: These vary depending on the distance towed and the size of your vehicle. Contact Mike's Towing for specific rates.
- Storage Fees: These are charged daily, starting from the day your vehicle is impounded. The daily rate will depend on the contracted rate with the city and the size of your vehicle.
- Public Safety Towing Administration Fee: As mandated by city ordinance, you will be charged a $25 fee.
- Other Fees: These may include administrative fees, gate fees (if released after hours), and fees for specialized equipment used during the tow.
Request a detailed breakdown of all fees before paying to ensure accuracy.
How to Get Your Car Back
To release your vehicle, you will generally need to provide the following:
- Proof of Ownership: This can be your vehicle registration or title.
- Valid Driver's License: Even if your license is suspended due to the DWI arrest, a licensed driver can retrieve the vehicle on your behalf with a notarized letter from you authorizing them to do so.
- Proof of Insurance: Your insurance policy must be current and valid for the vehicle.
- Payment: You must pay all outstanding impound fees in full. Mike's Towing likely accepts cash, credit cards, and possibly debit cards. Confirm their payment methods in advance.
If your license is suspended, you'll need to designate someone with a valid license to drive the vehicle off the lot. Ensure they have the necessary paperwork and are authorized to drive your vehicle.
Challenging the Impound
While challenging a DWI arrest directly is complex, you may have grounds to challenge the impoundment itself if you believe it was unlawful. This could be the case if the initial traffic stop was illegal or if the impoundment violated established procedures. However, successfully challenging an impoundment is often difficult and may require legal assistance. Document every interaction with the towing company and law enforcement.
Time is of the Essence
Act quickly to retrieve your vehicle. Storage fees accrue daily, and if your vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period, it may be subject to auction. Contact Mike's Towing immediately and gather the necessary documentation to secure its release. If you are facing DWI charges, contact a qualified attorney to discuss your legal options and protect your rights.
Don't delay. Call Mike's Towing at today to start the process of retrieving your vehicle and mitigating further financial burdens.
Sources
Texas Transportation Code
Wichita County Towing Regulations
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
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