Mohave County Vehicle Impound Guide

Arizona law mandates a 30-day impound for DUI offenses under A.R.S. § 28-3511. If you've been arrested for DUI in Mohave County, Arizona, understanding the vehicle impound process is crucial to minimize costs and inconvenience. This guide provides local information to help you navigate the complexities of vehicle retrieval.

Vehicle Impoundment in Mohave County: Agency-Specific Information

The specific law enforcement agency that arrested you significantly impacts the vehicle release procedure. Here's a breakdown:

• Mohave County Sheriff's Office (MCSO): The MCSO strictly enforces the "registered owner" rule. If the vehicle is titled to the defendant but the spouse is not on the title, the spouse cannot retrieve the vehicle without a notarized Power of Attorney or specific "spouse" provisions. However, A.R.S. 28-3511 allows a spouse to retrieve the vehicle as a community property interest. Bring a marriage certificate if the last names on the ID do not match to prove the spousal relationship.

• Kingman Police Department (KPD): Be aware of the "Lunch Break Trap" at the KPD records window. Arriving around 11:55 AM can result in a one-hour wait. This delay, combined with the distance to the tow yard and its typical 5:00 PM closing time, can result in an overnight stay and an additional day of storage fees.

• Lake Havasu City Police Department (LHCPD): The LHCPD presents a "Geographic Dislocation" Nightmare. If arrested in Lake Havasu City and transported to the Mohave County Adult Detention Facility (MCADF) in Kingman (60 miles away), you'll be released in Kingman, while your vehicle remains in a tow yard in Lake Havasu City. You'll need to find transport from Kingman to LHC (costing $100+ for a taxi/shuttle), go to LHCPD to pay the $150 administrative fee, and then go to the LHC tow yard to pay storage. This circuit can take 6-8 hours. If released from jail at 2:00 PM, it is often physically impossible to complete this before the LHCPD records division or tow yards close at 5:00 PM, potentially stranding you for another night.

• Bullhead City Police Department (BHCPD): The "Appointment Only" requirement is a significant bottleneck. You cannot simply walk in. You must call during the limited 10 AM - 3 PM window to schedule an appointment. Missing the window on Thursday means you are blocked until Monday.

Costs Associated with Impoundment

The financial costs of a 30-day impound can quickly add up. Expect to pay:

• Tow Fee (Base): $150 - $250 (depending on vehicle size and distance).
• Storage Fee: $15.00 - $25.00 per day.
• Gate Fee: $50 - $100 (if the yard agrees to open after hours, which is rare).
• Admin Fee: $150.00 (fixed).

The total cost for a 30-day impound can range from approximately $700 to $1,200.

Required Documents for Vehicle Release

To retrieve your vehicle, be sure to have the following documents:

• Vehicle Release Form (obtained from the arresting agency after paying the $150 administrative fee).
• Valid Driver's License
• Vehicle Registration
• Proof of Insurance (digital copies on your phone are usually accepted, but printouts are safer)
• Notarized Power of Attorney (if someone other than the registered owner is picking up the vehicle)
• Marriage Certificate (if claiming spousal rights for vehicle release and last names on IDs do not match)

Strategic Recommendation: Title Abandonment

If the vehicle is an older model with low value, the accrued impound fees may exceed the vehicle's worth. In such cases, the owner may opt to sign the title over to the tow company ("Title Abandonment") to waive the storage fees. However, the $150 admin fee to the police is a municipal debt and may still be pursued or sent to collections.

To begin the vehicle release process after a DUI arrest in Kingman, Arizona, you may need to visit the Kingman Police Department at 219 N. 4th Street.