Clayton County Vehicle Impound Guide
How to get your car back after a DUI arrest in Jonesboro and Clayton County, Georgia.
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The First 48 Hours Are Critical
After a DUI arrest in Clayton 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 at $35/day in Clayton County
- 4
Administrative fees added ($100 in Clayton County)
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 driver's license
- Proof of insurance in their name or the owner's name
How to Find Your Vehicle
Your vehicle may be at one of several impound lots in Clayton County depending on which agency arrested you:
Call Before You Go
Always call the impound lot first to verify your vehicle is there, confirm the exact amount owed, and check their hours of operation.
Impound Lot Details
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Clayton County Guides
The Clayton County impound process requires a Vehicle Release Form issued specifically by the Clayton County Police Department (CCPD) Records Unit before a vehicle can be retrieved. This necessitates a trip to the CCPD Headquarters before going to the tow lot, a "Two-Stop" system unique to Clayton County.
Obtaining a Vehicle Release Form in Clayton County
The Clayton County Police Department Records Unit, located at 7911 N. McDonough Street, Jonesboro, GA 30236, is where you'll need to start the process of retrieving your impounded vehicle. Remember that they are CLOSED on weekends and holidays.
The Records Unit demands specific documents before issuing a Vehicle Release Form:
- Valid Government Photo ID: If your driver's license was seized due to a DUI, you'll need a Passport, Military ID, or a temporary permit.
- Proof of Ownership: This can be your current tag registration or the vehicle title in your name. A notarized bill of sale is accepted only if it's less than 31 days old.
- Third-Party Release: If the registered owner can't pick up the vehicle (e.g., they're incarcerated), a notarized letter of consent (Power of Attorney) is required. This letter must name the authorized recipient and detail the vehicle's year, make, model, and VIN.
Clayton County Towing Vendors and Fees
Clayton County primarily uses a rotation list to distribute impounds among contracted private vendors. Two primary vendors are:
- New Image Towing: 4780 Old Dixie Hwy, Forest Park, GA 30297. Open Monday-Friday 8 AM - 8 PM; Saturday-Sunday 9 AM - 1 PM.
- Tara Wrecker: 9140 Turner Road, Jonesboro, GA 30236.
Keep in mind that the Police Records Unit is closed on weekends, meaning vehicles impounded after 4:00 PM on a Friday cannot be retrieved until Monday, regardless of the tow lot's hours.
Daily storage fees typically range from $25-$40 per day, plus administrative levies. Total retrieval costs often range from $200-$500, depending on length of stay and tow mileage.
Payment Policies
Most tow lots in Clayton County, including New Image Towing, enforce a strict CASH ONLY policy for impound releases.
CCPD Records Unit Hours:
Monday – Wednesday: 8:00 AM to 4:45 PM
Thursday – Friday: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Weekends and Holidays: CLOSED
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