Teller County Vehicle Impound Guide
Impound Cost Calculator — Teller County, Colorado
Calculate how much it will cost to retrieve your vehicle from the impound lot.
*Estimated fees shown. Actual fees in Teller 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 Teller 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 Teller 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 Teller 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)
Fred's Towing, operating from Cascade and Lake George, CO, is one of the primary towing companies serving Teller County for DUI impounds. They are known for their heavy recovery capabilities, which is especially important given the mountainous terrain. They service Teller, Park, and El Paso counties.
Vehicle Impoundment After a Teller County DUI
If you are arrested for DUI in Teller County and there is no sober, authorized passenger to take possession of your vehicle, it will be impounded. The Teller County Sheriff's Office (TCSO) uses a non-consensual tow rotation, meaning the specific company used will depend on where the arrest occurred.
Key Towing Companies in Teller County
Besides Fred's Towing, other towing companies you might encounter include:
- Knob Hill Towing: Operates out of Colorado Springs. If your vehicle is towed by Knob Hill, it may be taken to Colorado Springs, complicating retrieval.
- Divide Collision Center: Located at 178 Weaverville Rd, Divide, CO, near the Sheriff’s Office and Jail. They are often used for arrests in the central Divide area.
The "Law Enforcement Hold"
A critical issue in DUI impounds is the "Law Enforcement Hold." If the vehicle contains evidence related to your DUI (open containers, etc.) or is subject to forfeiture, the Sheriff’s Office will place a hold on the vehicle. The tow company cannot release the vehicle until this hold is lifted.
To get the hold lifted, you must contact the Sheriff’s Office Records/Evidence division at 719-687-9652 to obtain a "Release of Vehicle Hold" form (typically SH-CR-94). You must physically present this form to the tow operator.
Vehicle Retrieval Logistics
Retrieving your vehicle requires satisfying the tow company's financial lien.
To take possession of the vehicle, you will generally need:
- A valid Driver’s License: If your license was confiscated or suspended, you need two licensed drivers – one to drive your car and one for the retrieval vehicle.
- Proof of Ownership: Current registration or title.
- Proof of Insurance: A valid insurance card matching the VIN.
- Payment: Cash or money order are typically required. Credit cards may be accepted but often require the cardholder to be present with ID.
Where to Get the "Release of Vehicle Hold" Form
Contact the Teller County Sheriff’s Office Records/Evidence division at 719-687-9652 to obtain a "Release of Vehicle Hold" form.
Sources
Colorado Transportation Code
Teller County Towing Regulations
Colorado Department of Licensing and Regulation
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