Richmond County Vehicle Impound Guide

The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) initiates a non-consensual tow when a DUI arrest occurs and there isn't a sober, licensed passenger authorized to take the vehicle. Unlike some jurisdictions, Richmond County doesn't operate a central municipal impound lot. Instead, it relies on a rotation list of private towing operators.

Vehicle Impound After a DUI in Richmond County, GA

If your vehicle is impounded following a DUI arrest in Richmond County, understanding the process can save you time and money. The vehicle seizure is not merely an evidentiary procedure; it is a logistical displacement of the defendant's primary asset into a privatized storage network. Here's what you need to know about retrieving your vehicle.

Locating Your Vehicle

A key challenge is finding out where your vehicle has been towed. Unlike jurisdictions that may operate a central municipal impound lot, Richmond County relies on a decentralized network of private towing operators. There is no centralized, real-time public database for impounded vehicles in Richmond County. The defendant or their family must subsequently query the Sheriff’s Records Bureau or decipher the incident report to identify which specific private lot holds the asset. Contact the Sheriff's Records Bureau at 706-821-1010 or visit them at 400 Walton Way to locate your vehicle.

Understanding Impound Status: Standard vs. Investigative Hold

A critical distinction is whether your vehicle is under a "Standard Impound" or an "Investigative Hold." In a routine DUI arrest, it's typically a "Standard Impound," meaning you can retrieve it directly from the towing company once released. However, if the DUI involved a serious accident or is part of a broader felony investigation, it's placed on "Investigative Hold." In this case, the RCSO policy explicitly states: "Under no circumstances will the vehicle be released to the owner from the station".

Release Order Requirements for Investigative Holds

If your vehicle is on "Hold," you'll need a specific release order from the investigating deputy or detective. Visiting the tow yard without this document is futile. The Records Bureau at 400 Walton Way is the central node for processing these release requests.

Costs Associated with Impound

The "sobering period" required at the jail (typically 8-12 hours) ensures that the vehicle will remain in storage for at least one, if not two, billing cycles before the defendant is physically capable of retrieving it. This structural delay guarantees the towing operator a minimum revenue of ~$200-$250 per initial tow.

If the hold is lifted, the vehicle is typically towed again to a private rotation lot. The defendant is frequently liable for the costs of both the initial tow to the station and the secondary tow to the storage lot, doubling the removal fees.

Required Documents for Release

The private towing companies are strictly bound by liability laws to release vehicles only to the registered owner. You will need a valid, government-issued photo ID" for release. They may refuse to accept the paper DDS 1205 form as valid identification. You'll also need proof of current vehicle insurance. If the insurance has lapsed, the vehicle cannot be released to be driven. It must be towed out of the impound lot to a private residence. This necessitates paying a third towing fee (Impound to Home), further escalating the costs.

Payment Methods

Towing companies often have unreliable credit card machines; cash is strongly recommended for payment.

Families or defendants are strongly advised to contact the Records Bureau (706-821-1010) immediately upon release to verify the vehicle's location and status (Hold vs. Release). Attempting to "chase" the vehicle by visiting random lots is a waste of resources. The Records Bureau is located at 400 Walton Way.