URGENT: Daily Storage Fees Are Accumulating

Every day your car sits in impound costs $20-50. After 30-90 days, it can be auctioned. You may also have the right to contest the tow - but deadlines are strict.

Getting Your Car Out of Impound After DUI

Complete guide to retrieving your vehicle, understanding your rights, and contesting impound fees.

Why Was My Car Impounded?

Common Impound Reasons:

•DUI arrest - Car can't be left unattended
•Suspended/revoked license - Illegal to drive
•No insurance - State-specific requirements
•Outstanding warrants - Extended detention
•Vehicle evidence - Accident/investigation

Mandatory vs. Discretionary:

Mandatory Impounds

Arizona: 30 days for suspended license

Some jurisdictions: Automatic tow

Discretionary Impounds

Officer's choice based on circumstances

May allow alternative arrangements

Impound Fees Breakdown

Fee Type	Typical Range	Notes
Tow Fee	$150-$300	One-time charge for towing
Daily Storage	$20-$50/day	Begins immediately after tow
Administrative Fee	$50-$150	Processing/paperwork
After-Hours Release	$75-$200	If available outside business hours

Cost Example (7 days):

• Tow fee: $200
• Storage (7 days × $35): $245
• Admin fee: $75
• Total: $520

What You Need to Get Your Car

Required Documents

•
Valid Photo ID
Driver's license or state ID
•
Proof of Ownership
Title, registration, or loan documents
•
Payment
Cash, money order, or cards (varies)

❓ Insurance Requirements (State-Specific)

NOT Required:

Texas: VSFs cannot require insurance proof

Many states: Tow-out option available

May Be Required:

Some jurisdictions: Valid insurance to drive

Check local requirements

Contest Your Tow - Know Your Rights

When You Can Contest:

• Illegal tow: No proper authorization
• Improper signage: Private property tows
• Excessive fees: Above legal limits
• Damage claims: Vehicle damaged during tow
• Invalid hold: Legal basis questionable

Contest Deadlines by State:

• Texas: 14 days (JP court where towed)
• Arizona: 30 days post-storage hearing
• Georgia: Magistrate court process
• Colorado: Municipal court jurisdiction
• Other states: Check local laws

Texas Special Rule: JP Precinct Jurisdiction

In Texas, you must file your tow hearing in the Justice of the Peace court for the precinct where the tow occurred, NOT where your car is stored. This is a common mistake. Contact the arresting agency or county clerk for the correct JP precinct.

State-Specific Impound Rules

TXTexas Impound Rules

• 14-day hearing deadline to contest tow
• No insurance requirement for vehicle release
• Tow-out option: Licensed tow truck can remove without owner insurance
• JP court jurisdiction: File where towed, not where stored

AZArizona Impound Rules

• 30-day mandatory impound for suspended/revoked license
• Early release options: Spousal affidavit, license reinstatement
• Post-storage hearing: 30 days to contest after release
• Rental/bailment exception: Special rules for non-owner vehicles

GAGeorgia Impound Rules

• NCT permit required for private property towing
• Signage requirements: Must accept cash, money order, AND credit cards
• 30-day personal property rule: Can retrieve belongings
• Magistrate court: Contest through local magistrate court

COColorado Impound Rules

• 15% payment rule for residential property tows (max $60)
• Essential items free: Medications, ID, child seats
• Labor charges: Up to $100/hour for property retrieval (police tows)
• Retrieval with Payment Owed form: Special payment arrangement

OHOhio Impound Rules

• BMV 4202 affidavit: Vehicles worth <$3,500 can transfer title
• 60-day rule: Tow company can claim title after 60 days
• Defense: If vehicle worth >$3,500, company needs court order
• Notification required: Tow company must verify ownership via BMV

TNTennessee Impound Rules

• TIES verification: Sheriff must verify ownership within 3 days
• Consumer Bill of Rights: Right to retrieve personal property
• Rental vehicle notice: 3 business days for notification
• Property retrieval: Business hours only, photo ID required

What If You Can't Afford the Fees?

Immediate Options:

• Get personal property first - Usually free
• File tow hearing - May reduce/eliminate fees
• Negotiate payment plan - Some lots offer this
• Tow-out arrangement - Move car to cheaper storage

Timeline Consequences:

• Day 30: Title transfer possible (low-value vehicles)
• Day 90: Lien foreclosure proceedings begin
• Day 120+: Vehicle auction/disposal
• Deficiency: You may still owe money after auction

Controlled Abandonment:

If fees exceed vehicle value, you may choose to abandon the vehicle. However, you could still be liable for storage fees up to abandonment, and any deficiency after auction.