New Hanover County Vehicle Impound Guide
Impound Cost Calculator — New Hanover County, North Carolina
Calculate how much it will cost to retrieve your vehicle from Martin Edwards & Associates.
*Estimated fees shown. Actual fees in New Hanover 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 New Hanover 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 New Hanover 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
Impound Lot Details
Martin Edwards & Associates
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)
Vehicle impound procedures in New Hanover County, North Carolina, operate on a bifurcated system: municipal impoundment for standard infractions and statutory seizure for repeat DWI offenders or those driving with a revoked license. Understanding this difference is crucial in the first 48 hours after an arrest.
The First 48 Hours After a DWI Arrest in New Hanover County
The fate of your vehicle after a DWI arrest in New Hanover County hinges on whether it falls under municipal impoundment or statutory seizure. For a first-time DWI offense with a valid license, the vehicle is typically towed under standard police powers to a local rotation lot. However, if you are a repeat offender or driving with a revoked license due to a prior DWI, the vehicle is subject to statutory seizure under N.C.G.S. 20-28.3.
Key Actions in the First 48 Hours:
- Identify the Impound Type: Determine if your vehicle is under municipal impoundment or statutory seizure. This dictates the recovery process and associated costs.
- Contact the Arresting Agency: Contact either the Wilmington Police Department or the New Hanover County Sheriff's Office to confirm the location of your vehicle.
- Act Fast for Statutory Seizures: If your vehicle is subject to statutory seizure, understand that it will be moved to Martin Edwards & Associates in Linden, NC, within five business days. This significantly increases travel and storage costs.
- "Innocent Owner" Defense: If you are not the driver but own the vehicle, immediately petition the Clerk of Court or a Magistrate to prove you were unaware of the driver's license revocation, driving prohibition, or impairment.
What Happens After Arrest: Municipal vs. Statutory Seizure
| Feature | Municipal Impoundment |
|---|
Sources
North Carolina Transportation Code
New Hanover County Towing Regulations
North Carolina Department of Licensing and Regulation
Nearby North Carolina Counties
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