Guilford County Vehicle Impound Guide
Impound Cost Calculator — Guilford County, North Carolina
Calculate how much it will cost to retrieve your vehicle from the impound lot.
*Estimated fees shown. Actual fees in Guilford 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 Guilford 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 Guilford 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 Guilford 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)
If your car has been impounded in Guilford County, North Carolina, following a DUI arrest, understanding the process and your rights is crucial. This guide provides specific information about impound procedures, jail locations, visitation, and financial aspects of pretrial release in Guilford County, with a focus on High Point.
Understanding Impound After a DUI in Guilford County
Following a DUI arrest in Guilford County, your vehicle may be impounded. The reasons for impoundment can vary, but often relate to the driver's intoxication level or prior offenses. To determine where your vehicle is impounded, you'll need to know which jurisdiction made the arrest – Greensboro or High Point.
Guilford County Jail Locations: Greensboro vs. High Point
Guilford County operates two jail facilities: one in Greensboro and one in High Point. It's vital to know where the arrested individual is being held to facilitate communication, visitation, and bond posting.
- High Point Jail: Located at 507 East Green Drive, High Point, NC 27260. You can navigate there using Waze or other GPS services. The main phone number is (336) 641-7900, and the secondary/office phone is (336) 641-7907. The fax number is (336) 641-4137.
Even if someone is arrested in High Point, mail for inmates is routed through Greensboro. The mailing address format is:
Inmate Name, Inmate ID Number Facility ID 5084 PO Box 18247 Greensboro, NC 27419
Verifying Detention Status and Charges
The Guilford County Sheriff’s Office uses the "Police to Citizen" (P2C) platform to provide public access to inmate information. You can verify detention status, charge details, and assigned bond amounts at guilfordcountysheriff.policetocitizen.com. This database is continuously updated.
The P2C system provides details such as:
- Full name, age, race, gender, height, weight, and booking photo.
- The specific statute violated (e.g., driving while impaired).
- The current housing facility (Greensboro Jail Center vs. High Point Jail).
- The total secured bond amount.
- The next scheduled court date.
Visitation Policies at Guilford County Jails
Visitation policies differ slightly between the Greensboro and High Point locations. Inmates are generally permitted two in-person visits per week, with each session limited to 20 minutes.
In-Person Visitation Schedule:
- Check the Guilford County Sheriff's Office website for the most up-to-date schedule, as it can change.
Inmates in segregation (disciplinary or administrative custody) have highly restricted visitation windows, typically limited to Wednesday mornings and Thursday evenings.
Remote Visitation:
Remote visitation is available for a fee, allowing inmates to receive visits twice a day. This is particularly useful for families who cannot travel to the specific facility. Contact the Guilford County Sheriff's Office for details on setting up remote visitation.
Understanding Bail Bonds and Costs in Guilford County
In North Carolina, bail bondsmen are regulated by the Department of Insurance and the General Statutes. The premium a bondsman can charge is capped at 15% of the face amount of the bond, according to N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-71-95(5).
Cost Examples:
| Bond Amount | 15% Premium |
|---|---|
| $1,000 | $150 |
| $5,000 | $750 |
| $10,000 | $1,500 |
While 15% is the legal maximum, market competition often sets this as the standard rate. Be wary of any "processing fees," "administrative charges," or "file maintenance fees" added on top of the 15%, as they may be legally suspect. For very low bonds (under $500), agents may charge a minimum fee (often $50 or $75) to make the transaction commercially viable.
Navigating the Guilford County Court System
Guilford County's court system is overseen by a hierarchy of judicial officials. The district, formerly known as District 18, has been redesignated as District 24. The District Court handles misdemeanors, including DWI, and traffic infractions. The Superior Court handles felony criminal cases and appeals from the District Court.
If convicted in District Court, you have the right to appeal to Superior Court for a trial de novo by a jury.
Key Contacts and Resources
- High Point Jail: 507 East Green Drive, High Point, NC 27260. Phone: (336) 641-7900.
- Guilford County Sheriff’s Office Inmate Search: guilfordcountysheriff.policetocitizen.com
- Clerk of Superior Court (High Point): (336) 641-7900. Located at 507 East Green Drive, High Point, NC 27260.
If your car has been impounded, your first step should be to contact the Guilford County Sheriff's Office to determine the location of your vehicle and the requirements for its release. Be prepared to provide proof of ownership and insurance.
Sources
North Carolina Transportation Code
Guilford County Towing Regulations
North Carolina Department of Licensing and Regulation
Nearby North Carolina Counties
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