Washington County Vehicle Impound Guide
Impound Cost Calculator — Washington County, Colorado
Calculate how much it will cost to retrieve your vehicle from the impound lot.
*Estimated fees shown. Actual fees in Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington 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)
J&H Auto LLC, located at 301 E 1st St, Akron, CO 80720, is the primary towing and impound vendor for the Washington County Sheriff's Office. They can be reached at (970) 514-5299.
Vehicle Impound After a DUI Arrest in Washington County, Colorado
If you are arrested for DUI in Washington County, your vehicle will likely be impounded. Understanding the process and costs associated with reclaiming your vehicle is crucial. This guide provides specific information related to vehicle impound in Washington County, Colorado.
Primary Impound Facility
The dominant, if not exclusive, local operator for light-duty police tows in the Akron area is:
- J&H Auto LLC: 301 E 1st St, Akron, CO 80720. Phone: (970) 514-5299.
Fees
Expect to pay fees for towing and daily storage. While specific numbers can fluctuate, here are typical amounts, but confirm current rates with J&H Auto:
- Base Tow Fee: Regulated by the PUC, typically starting around $279.78/hour for the truck.
- Storage Fee: Approximately $47.12 per day.
- After-Hours Fee: If a release is negotiated outside business hours (e.g., late Saturday), expect an "After Hours Fee" of ~$103.70.
A weekend arrest creates a minimum 3-day storage bill ($141) on top of the tow, potentially pushing the recovery cost over $450.
Weekend/Holiday Considerations: The "Weekend Blackout"
This is a critical point. J&H Auto is closed on Sundays. This means:
- If your DUI arrest occurs Friday night or Saturday evening, your vehicle will remain impounded until Monday morning at the earliest.
- Storage fees will accrue over the weekend.
Example Scenario: If your vehicle is towed around 10:00 PM on a Saturday, it will remain at J&H Auto until they open at 8:00 AM on Monday.
"Police Hold" Mechanism
If the vehicle is held for evidence (common in vehicular assault or felony DUI cases) or if the officer places a hold for insurance verification, the release authority rests with the investigating agency (WCSO or CSP). To get the vehicle released:
- The registered owner must physically go to the Sheriff's Office at 26861 Hwy 34 to obtain a written release before going to the tow yard.
Important Contact Information
- J&H Auto LLC: 301 E 1st St, Akron, CO 80720. Phone: (970) 514-5299. Open Monday-Saturday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM.
Sources
Colorado Transportation Code
Washington County Towing Regulations
Colorado Department of Licensing and Regulation
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