Gila County Vehicle Impound Guide

The request must be made within 10 days of the impoundment to the Payson Police Department. Failure to request within this window forfeits the right to a hearing, locking the vehicle in impound for the full 30 days.

Gila County DUI Vehicle Impound Guide

If you've been arrested for DUI in Gila County, Arizona, one of your immediate concerns is likely the impoundment of your vehicle. Arizona Revised Statute (ARS) 28-3511 allows for vehicle impoundment in DUI cases, and while the law is statewide, Gila County, especially within the Payson jurisdiction, has specific procedures you need to understand. This guide focuses on navigating vehicle impound issues in Gila County, AZ.

Qualifying Offenses for 30-Day Impound

Your vehicle may be impounded for 30 days if you are arrested for one of the following:

• Extreme/Aggravated DUI: DUI with a BAC > 0.15 or while your license is suspended/revoked.
• License Violations: Driving on a suspended, revoked, or canceled license.
• No License: Having no record of ever having a license.
• Interlock Violation: Driving a vehicle without a required certified ignition interlock device.
• Under 21: Any amount of alcohol in your system.

Early Release Eligibility

Even if your vehicle is impounded, you may be eligible for early release under specific circumstances, including:

• Reinstatement of your driving privileges by the MVD.
• Spousal Release (if the spouse was not driving).
• The vehicle was reported stolen prior to the stop.
• The vehicle is a rental asset.
• The owner was not the driver and the driver was the sole violator.

Payson Police Department Release Protocol

The Payson Police Department (PPD) has a specific process for early vehicle release.

Step 1: The Hearing Request

To request early release, the vehicle's registered owner must request a post-towing hearing.

• Deadline: This request must be made within 10 days of the impoundment. Missing this deadline means your vehicle will remain impounded for the full 30 days.
• How to Request: You cannot walk in. You must schedule a hearing by calling (928) 472-5052. Leave a detailed voicemail with your name, phone number, and the case or VIN number.
• Appointment Only: Hearings are not on a drop-in basis. They are strictly by appointment at the Payson Police Department, located at 303 N. Beeline Highway.

Step 2: Required Documentation

When you attend your hearing, be prepared to provide the following documentation:

• Proof of Insurance: A printed, physical copy of your insurance card. Digital copies on your phone might be rejected.
• Spousal Proof: If a spouse is claiming the vehicle but is not on the registration, they must present an original Marriage Certificate or a certified copy.
• Valid Driver: If the owner does not have a valid license, they must bring a second person with a valid license to drive the vehicle off the lot.

Step 3: Agreement of Operation

In Payson, you will likely be required to sign an Agreement of Operation, stating that:

• You will only allow a licensed driver to operate the vehicle.
• You will not allow the arrested driver (if the arrest was for Extreme/Aggravated DUI) to operate the vehicle for one year.

Violating this agreement will result in immediate re-impoundment of the vehicle and a civil traffic citation.

Impound Fees

The financial cost of impoundment in Gila County involves three main components.

1. Administrative Fee: $150.00 payable to the Payson Police Department (or Gila County Sheriff, depending on the arresting agency). Cash or card only.
2. Towing Base Fee: Typically between $150.00 - $250.00 for a standard light-duty tow.
3. Storage Fee: $25.00 per day in Payson.

To schedule the required hearing call (928) 472-5052 and leave a detailed voicemail with your name, phone number, and the case or VIN number.