Hall County Vehicle Impound Guide

Hall County DUI Impound: What You Need to Know to Get Your Car Back

If you've been arrested for DUI in Hall County, Georgia, your immediate concern beyond the legal ramifications is likely getting your vehicle back. The process can be confusing and expensive, but understanding the procedures and regulations will help you navigate it efficiently. Here's a detailed guide to vehicle impound after a DUI arrest in Hall County.

Immediate Steps After a DUI Arrest and Impound

The moment you're arrested for DUI in Hall County, your vehicle will almost certainly be impounded unless a sober, licensed passenger is available and authorized to drive it. The officer will call a towing company from a "rotation list" to remove the vehicle. While you can request a specific towing company, the officer will default to the rotation list if your preferred company can't respond within 20-30 minutes.

Your first step should be to determine which towing company has your vehicle. Law enforcement (Hall County Sheriff’s Office or Gainesville Police Department) should be able to provide this information. Two primary towing services used in Hall County are:

• Statewide Wrecker Service: They operate a dedicated impound lot at 2315 Murphy Boulevard, Gainesville, GA 30504.
• Lance Wrecker Service: Often used for arrests near county lines (Lawrenceville/Buford/Gainesville corridor).

Knowing the towing company is crucial because that's who you'll deal with to retrieve your vehicle.

Understanding Impound Fees and Regulations

The Georgia Department of Public Safety (DPS) regulates towing fees under Maximum Rate Tariff No. 5. This tariff caps the fees that wrecker services can charge for "non-consensual" tows (tows performed without your authorization). While the tariff provides a maximum rate, costs can still add up quickly.

Key Considerations:

• Storage Fees: These accumulate daily. Statewide Wrecker Service notes that storage rates range from $25 to $75 per day, depending on the size of the vehicle. A weekend arrest can easily result in several days of storage fees before you can retrieve your vehicle.
• Cash-Only Policy: Many impound lots, including Statewide Wrecker Service, operate on a "CASH only" basis for impound fees. Be prepared to have sufficient cash on hand.
• Maximum Rate Tariff No. 5: Familiarize yourself with the maximum allowable fees to ensure you are not overcharged.

Vehicle Release Procedures: What You Need

Retrieving your vehicle involves a separate process from your release from jail. You'll need to meet specific requirements and provide documentation to the towing company.

Required Documentation:

• Valid Government ID: Driver's license or other acceptable identification.
• Proof of Ownership: Vehicle title or current registration.
• Proof of Insurance: Valid insurance policy for the vehicle.
• Licensed Driver (If Applicable): If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you must be accompanied by a licensed driver to remove the vehicle from the impound lot.

Important Considerations:

• Sheriff’s "Hold": If the vehicle is seized as evidence in a felony DUI case (e.g., involving serious injury), it will be held by the Sheriff's Office, requiring a court order or release form from the prosecuting attorney. For standard misdemeanor DUI cases, the hold is usually administrative and clears once you are processed.
• Office Hours: Statewide Wrecker strictly enforces office hours (8 AM - 6 PM, 7 days a week) for vehicle releases. Attempting retrieval outside these hours is generally not possible or may incur additional "gate fees."

Hall County Jail and Bonding Information

All DUI arrestees in Hall County are processed at the Hall County Jail, located at 1700 Barber Road, Gainesville, GA 30507. The jail maintains an online Inmate Population List, updated every 15 minutes, which is a valuable resource for confirming booking details, charges (e.g., "DUI - ALCOHOL/LESS SAFE", "FAIL TO MAINTAIN LANE"), and bond status.

For a first-offense DUI, Hall County typically uses a pre-set Bond Schedule. Once the "sobering period" (4-8 hours) has passed, you'll be eligible for bond, provided no other holds exist.

Language Access

Hall County has a significant Hispanic/Latino population. If you require language assistance, request bilingual services at every stage of the process, from the roadside stop to jail booking and bond hearings.

Next Steps

After posting bond, immediately contact the towing company holding your vehicle to confirm their specific requirements for release, including accepted payment methods and required documentation. Gather all necessary documents and ensure you have sufficient cash to cover the impound fees. Remember that Statewide Wrecker Service is located at 2315 Murphy Boulevard, Gainesville, GA 30504, and their office hours are 8 AM to 6 PM, seven days a week.