Alamosa County Vehicle Impound Guide
Impound Cost Calculator — Alamosa County, Colorado
Calculate how much it will cost to retrieve your vehicle from the impound lot.
*Estimated fees shown. Actual fees in Alamosa County may vary. Contact the impound lot directly for exact costs.
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The First 48 Hours Are Critical
After a arrest in Alamosa 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 Alamosa 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 Alamosa 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)
Upon a DUI arrest in Alamosa, the vehicle is seized, and a "rotation list" is used for non-consensual tows to ensure equitable distribution of business among local towing companies.
Vehicle Impound After a DUI in Alamosa County
If you are arrested for DUI in Alamosa County, Colorado, your vehicle will likely be impounded. Understanding the process for retrieving your vehicle is crucial. Here's what you need to know:
Locating Your Vehicle
The most immediate issue is knowing where your car is. Defendants released from jail often do not know which company towed their vehicle. Contact the arresting agency’s dispatch or records division -- either the Alamosa Police Department or the Alamosa County Sheriff’s Office at 1315 17th Street, Alamosa, Colorado 81101. The general phone number for the Sheriff is 719.589.6608.
Law Enforcement Hold
Be aware of a potential "Law Enforcement Hold." In DUI cases involving accidents, injuries, or felony charges, the vehicle may be held as evidence. If a hold is placed, the tow yard cannot release the vehicle even if you have the money. You must first contact the arresting agency’s Evidence or Records Division to obtain a written release.
Ignition Interlock Requirement
For many DUI convictions, especially for refusals or BAC ≥ 0.15, an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) is mandatory for license reinstatement.
Local IID Installation
Alamosa has limited IID installation options. Backroads LLC, located at 1825 State Ave #15 in Alamosa, appears to be a key hub, installing devices for multiple brands, including Smart Start. Smart Start at this location boasts a 4.7/5 rating. Thunder Motor Co (7302 Rodeo Lane) also installs Intoxalock.
Winter Considerations
Alamosa's extreme cold poses challenges for IID users. Batteries can drain quickly, and jump-starting can cause issues. In extreme cold, the device may take 5-10 minutes to heat up before it accepts a sample. Investing in a high-quality battery tender (trickle charger) is effectively mandatory for IID users in Alamosa winters.
IID Costs
- Installation: ~$150 (varies by vehicle complexity).
- Monthly Lease: ~$70 - $100 per month.
Release Documentation
Never go to the tow yard without the specific "Tow Release" paper from the Sheriff's Office or APD. The tow yard is legally barred from releasing the car without it.
Backroads LLC is located at 1825 State Ave.
Sources
Colorado Transportation Code
Alamosa County Towing Regulations
Colorado Department of Licensing and Regulation
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