Winkler County Vehicle Impound Guide
Impound Cost Calculator — Winkler County, Texas
Calculate how much it will cost to retrieve your vehicle from the impound lot.
*Estimated fees shown. Actual fees in Winkler County may vary. Contact the impound lot directly for exact costs.
Select a pickup date to
see cost estimate
The First 48 Hours Are Critical
After a arrest in Winkler 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 Winkler 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 Winkler 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)
Winkler County Impound After a DUI Arrest
In Winkler County, Texas, if you are arrested for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI), your vehicle will almost certainly be towed and impounded. The Winkler County Sheriff's Office, located at 100 E Winkler St, Kermit, TX 79745, handles DWI enforcement and can be reached at (432) 586-3461.
What Happens to Your Vehicle
When you're arrested for DWI in Winkler County, your vehicle is typically towed to a local impound lot. The Kermit Police Department and Winkler County Sheriff's Office coordinate vehicle seizures. Texas law allows law enforcement to impound vehicles when the driver is arrested and no licensed driver is available to take custody.
Impound Fees and Costs
Vehicle impound in Winkler County involves several fees:
- Towing fee: Typically $150-$250 depending on the tow company and distance
- Daily storage fee: Usually $20-$35 per day
- Administrative fee: May apply depending on the circumstances
These fees accumulate daily, so retrieving your vehicle quickly minimizes costs. After 10 days of storage, additional notification and lien fees may be assessed under Texas Transportation Code Chapter 683.
How to Get Your Vehicle Released
To retrieve your impounded vehicle in Winkler County:
- Contact the Winkler County Sheriff's Office at (432) 586-3461 to determine which tow lot has your vehicle
- Obtain a vehicle release form from the Sheriff's Office or arresting agency
- Bring valid identification and proof of vehicle ownership (title or registration)
- Pay all outstanding fees - towing, storage, and any administrative charges
- Provide proof of insurance - Texas requires minimum liability coverage
Important Timelines
Texas law requires that you be notified within 48 hours of your vehicle being impounded. You typically have 20 days to claim your vehicle before it may be sent to auction. Acting quickly reduces storage fees significantly.
Vehicle Forfeiture
For repeat DWI offenders in Texas, vehicle forfeiture is possible under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 59. If you have prior DWI convictions, the state may seek to permanently seize your vehicle as an instrument of the crime.
Insurance Implications
A DWI arrest and vehicle impound in Winkler County will likely impact your auto insurance. Texas requires SR-22 insurance filing after a DWI conviction, which significantly increases premiums. Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible after arrest.
Local Resources
- Winkler County Sheriff's Office: 100 E Winkler St, Kermit, TX 79745 - (432) 586-3461
- Kermit Municipal Court: Handles local traffic and DWI cases
- Winkler County Clerk: 100 E Winkler St, Kermit, TX - (432) 586-3401 for court records
Contact the Winkler County Sheriff's Office at (432) 586-3461 to confirm the location of your impounded vehicle and begin the release process.
Sources
Texas Transportation Code
Winkler County Towing Regulations
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
24/7 Legal Support
Need a Attorney in Winkler County?
Get connected with experienced attorneys who know Winkler County courts and can fight for the best outcome.