Wilson County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Wilson County

After a DUI arrest in Wilson County, Texas, one of the most pressing issues is retrieving your vehicle. Your car is typically impounded following a DWI arrest to prevent further potential offenses and ensure public safety. Understanding the process for locating, claiming, and paying for your vehicle's release is critical to minimizing expenses and complications. This guide provides a step-by-step approach to navigating vehicle retrieval in Wilson County.

Where Is Your Car?

The first step is determining where your vehicle was towed. Wilson County utilizes Rick's Towing Services, Inc. as the primary impound lot. The arresting officer should provide you with documentation indicating the name of the towing company and potentially the location of the impound lot. However, contacting the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) can also help you locate your vehicle.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Check your arrest paperwork: The tow company's name and contact information should be listed on the documents provided by the arresting officer.
• Call the Wilson County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: Contact the WCSO at (830) 393-2535 to inquire about the location of your vehicle.
• Reference your booking number: Providing your booking number to the WCSO can help them quickly locate your vehicle's impound location.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you've located your vehicle, gather the necessary documents and prepare for the associated fees. Rick's Towing Services, Inc. requires specific documentation before releasing a vehicle.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: You (or the person retrieving the vehicle) must have a valid, unexpired driver's license.
• Vehicle registration or title: Proof of ownership is essential. Bring your vehicle's registration or title. A tax collector's receipt accompanied by a vehicle registration renewal card is also acceptable.
• Proof of insurance: A current insurance policy that explicitly names you as an insured party.
• Payment for fees: Be prepared to pay towing and storage fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended or you don't have a valid driver's license, you can still have someone else retrieve the vehicle for you.

• Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it: A licensed individual can pick up the vehicle on your behalf.
• They need: Their valid driver's license, a signed authorization letter from you granting them permission to retrieve the vehicle, and the vehicle's title or registration.

Costs & Fees in Wilson County

Towing and storage fees can quickly add up. Rick's Towing Services, Inc. charges fees in accordance with Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) guidelines.

Typical towing fees in Texas can reach up to $272.00 for a light-duty tow. Daily storage fees are capped by the state based on vehicle size:

• Daily Storage Rate: $22.85 per day (vehicles ≤ 25 feet) / $39.99 per day (vehicles > 25 feet)
• Admin/Processing Fee: A $50.00 Notification Fee is applied after 24 hours. Also, a $22.85 Impoundment Fee applies.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accrue daily, including partial days. Retrieve your vehicle as quickly as possible to minimize expenses. However, if the vehicle is on the lot for two calendar days but within a total continuous 12-hour period, the facility may only legally charge for one day of storage.

Payment

Contact Rick's Towing Services, Inc. or the WCSO dispatch (830) 393-2535 in advance to confirm accepted payment methods. Typically, they accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards (Visa, MasterCard).

Timeline

Time is of the essence when retrieving your vehicle.

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day that passes increases the total cost.

After 30 Days

In Texas, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period (typically 30 days), the impound lot can initiate a lien sale to recover the outstanding fees. Do not allow the situation to escalate to this point.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you are struggling to afford the towing and storage fees, consider the following options:

• Contact a family member or friend to help cover costs: Seek assistance from your support network to alleviate the financial burden.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available: Some impound lots may offer payment plans or financial assistance programs. Inquire about available options.

After Retrieval

Before leaving the impound lot with your vehicle, take the following precautions:

• Inspect the vehicle immediately before leaving the lot: Conduct a thorough inspection of your vehicle for any new damage.
• Document any damage with photos: Take photographs of any pre-existing or new damage to your vehicle as evidence.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away: Notify the impound lot manager of any damage in writing before removing the vehicle from the premises. This creates a record of the damage and can be helpful if you need to file a claim later.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I get my personal belongings out of the car before I have the money to get it out of impound? Yes, Rick's Towing Services, Inc. is legally obligated to allow an owner access to the interior of the vehicle to retrieve ownership documents (such as an insurance card kept in the glove compartment) without charging a drop fee or access fee.
• What if I think my car was towed illegally? You have the right to demand a formal tow hearing. The deadline to request is 14 days from the date the vehicle was towed. File at the Justice of the Peace (JP) court covering the precise precinct where the tow originated. Wilson County operates four JP precincts. Statutory filing fees apply, generally ranging between $20 and $50 depending on the precinct schedule.
• Does Wilson County have any programs to help with the cost of getting my car back after a DWI? No programs are known to exist.