Ouray County Vehicle Impound Guide
Impound Cost Calculator — Ouray County, Colorado
Calculate how much it will cost to retrieve your vehicle from the impound lot.
*Estimated fees shown. Actual fees in Ouray County may vary. Contact the impound lot directly for exact costs.
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see cost estimate
The First 48 Hours Are Critical
After a arrest in Ouray 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 Ouray 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 Ouray 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)
The Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) between Ouray and Montrose counties stipulates a daily housing rate of $65.00 per inmate. If you've been arrested for DUI in Ouray County, Colorado, understanding the vehicle impound process is crucial, as it presents a significant logistical and financial challenge.
Vehicle Impound in Ouray County
When you're arrested for DUI in Ouray County, your vehicle is typically impounded. The location of your vehicle depends on which towing company is called by law enforcement. Ouray County uses a rotation list for towing services, so your car will be towed by either Timber Ridge Wrecker Service in Ouray or M&H Towing in Montrose. Be aware of the "predatory economics of vehicle impoundment under Colorado PUC rules"
Timber Ridge Wrecker Service: 1600 Main St, Ouray, CO. If Timber Ridge tows your vehicle, it remains in Ouray.
M&H Towing: 19185 Hwy 550 South, Montrose, CO. If M&H tows your vehicle, it will be taken to Montrose.
Law Enforcement Hold
Vehicles involved in DUIs are frequently placed on a "Law Enforcement Hold" for evidence or processing. If your car is at M&H Towing, it cannot be released until they receive a specific release document from the arresting agency (OCSO or CSP). You may have to travel to Ouray to get the paper release, then travel back to Montrose to get the car.
Impound Fees
The cost of impoundment is regulated by the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC). The fees accrue daily. Here's how the costs can add up, especially over a weekend:
- Saturday: Storage accrues ($47.12).
- Sunday: Storage accrues ($47.12).
- Monday: Storage accrues ($47.12).
- Notification Fee: Likely triggered ($75.00).
Important Financial Note
While residential tows allow for a 15% down payment to retrieve a vehicle, Law Enforcement Tows do not. The full balance must be paid immediately to release the car.
To retrieve your vehicle from Timber Ridge Wrecker Service, the address is 1600 Main St, Ouray, CO.
Sources
Colorado Transportation Code
Ouray County Towing Regulations
Colorado Department of Licensing and Regulation
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