Eagle County Vehicle Impound Guide
Impound Cost Calculator — Eagle County, Colorado
Calculate how much it will cost to retrieve your vehicle from the impound lot.
*Estimated fees shown. Actual fees in Eagle 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 Eagle 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 Eagle 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 Eagle 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)
Navigating Vehicle Impound After a DUI in Eagle County, Colorado
If you've been arrested for DUI in Eagle County, Colorado, you're likely facing a complex situation involving both criminal and administrative penalties. One immediate concern is the impoundment of your vehicle. Understanding the process and your options is crucial to minimizing disruption to your life.
Why Was My Car Impounded?
In Eagle County, as in Colorado generally, a DUI arrest often leads to immediate vehicle impoundment. This is standard procedure, especially if you were driving with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher (a "per se" DUI) or if you refused to submit to a chemical test. Even a DWAI (Driving While Ability Impaired), with a BAC between 0.05% and 0.08%, can result in impoundment depending on the circumstances.
Where is My Car?
Unlike court and detention facilities centralized in Eagle, impound locations are dispersed. If arrested in Vail, Avon, or Edwards, your vehicle is likely held at a private towing and storage facility contracted by the local police department or the Eagle County Sheriff's Office (ECSO). Contact the arresting agency immediately to determine the exact location. The ECSO processed 96 DUI arrests in a recent year, covering unincorporated areas and towns like Gypsum, so if you were arrested outside of the main resort areas, they are a good starting point. Vail Police Department, known for its high-visibility presence, also uses local towing companies.
How Do I Get My Car Back?
Reclaiming your vehicle involves several steps and associated costs:
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Identify the Impound Location: As mentioned, contact the arresting agency (ECSO, Vail PD, Eagle PD) to confirm where your vehicle is being held. Eagle PD, despite serving a smaller municipality, recorded 73 DUI arrests in a recent year, indicating active enforcement.
-
Gather Required Documents: You'll typically need:
- Valid photo identification (driver's license or government-issued ID). Note: If your license is revoked, you'll need a valid form of ID. Since Eagle County lacks a State Driver License Office, obtaining a non-driver ID requires a trip to Glenwood Springs or Leadville.
- Proof of ownership (vehicle registration or title).
- Proof of insurance.
- Payment for towing and storage fees. These fees can accumulate quickly, so prompt action is essential.
-
Pay Towing and Storage Fees: Be prepared for potentially significant costs. Towing fees can range from $200-$400, and daily storage fees can add another $50-$100 per day. Contact the specific towing company for their exact fee schedule.
-
Release Authorization (If Required): In some cases, the impounding agency may require a release authorization before the towing company can release your vehicle. This is more common if the vehicle is subject to a hold for evidentiary purposes.
What if I Can't Drive?
A DUI arrest triggers an immediate administrative license suspension under Colorado's Express Consent Law. Refusing a chemical test results in a mandatory one-year revocation. Even with a "per se" violation (BAC of 0.08% or higher), your license will likely be suspended.
This creates a significant logistical challenge in Eagle County, given the dispersed locations of essential services. Consider these options:
- Non-Driver ID: Obtain a non-driver ID from a DMV office in a neighboring county (Glenwood Springs or Leadville) to facilitate identification and other administrative tasks.
- Alternative Transportation: Utilize ride-sharing services, public transportation (limited in Eagle County), or rely on friends and family for transportation.
- Legal Representation: Consult with a DUI attorney who can advise you on your rights and options, including potential challenges to the impoundment.
The "Compliance Triangle"
The DUI process in Eagle County creates what can be described as a "Compliance Triangle." The judicial and detention systems are centralized in Eagle, high-intensity enforcement zones are in Vail and Avon, and the nearest DMV License Offices are in Glenwood Springs. This geographic dispersion makes compliance difficult, especially without a valid driver's license.
Key Logistical Contact
Eagle County Sheriff's Office: (970) 328-8500. Contact them to determine where your vehicle was towed and if a release authorization is needed.
Sources
Colorado Transportation Code
Eagle County Towing Regulations
Colorado Department of Licensing and Regulation
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