Wake County Vehicle Impound Guide
Impound Cost Calculator — Wake County, North Carolina
Calculate how much it will cost to retrieve your vehicle from the impound lot.
*Estimated fees shown. Actual fees in Wake 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 Wake 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 Wake 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 Wake 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)
Vehicle storage fees in Raleigh, North Carolina, are prohibited for the first 24 hours after a private trespass tow. This means if your car is towed from an apartment complex parking lot for lacking a permit, you have a full day to retrieve it without incurring storage charges.
The First 48 Hours: Wake County Vehicle Impound After a DUI Arrest
If you've been arrested for DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in Wake County, North Carolina, understanding the vehicle impound process is crucial. The first 48 hours are critical for minimizing costs and navigating the legal requirements for retrieving your vehicle. Here's what you need to know:
- Immediate Seizure: Under North Carolina law (N.C.G.S. § 20-28.3), law enforcement must seize your vehicle if you are charged with DWI and your driver's license is already revoked for a prior DWI offense, or if you are driving without insurance.
- Where is it towed? The Raleigh Police Department (RPD) and Wake County Sheriff's Office use a rotation list of private towing companies. This means there isn't a single, designated "police tow lot." If your vehicle is seized due to a DWI, Martin Edwards & Associates is a common vendor used in Wake County.
- Notification: The "authorizing person" (usually the law enforcement officer) must notify the vehicle's registered owner within 24 hours (if the vehicle is registered in North Carolina) or 72 hours (if registered out-of-state). This notification is a legal requirement for the towing company to enforce any storage lien.
- Act Fast: Contact the Raleigh Police Department or the Wake County Sheriff's Office to determine where your vehicle was towed. The sooner you locate your vehicle, the sooner you can begin the process of getting it back.
- Private vs. Public Tows: If your vehicle was towed from private property (e.g., an apartment complex) due to a parking violation, Raleigh City Code caps the towing fee at $100.00. This is significantly lower than the rates for consensual tows.
- No Storage Fees for 24 Hours (Private Tows): If your vehicle was towed from private property, the City of Raleigh prohibits storage fees for the first 24 hours. Take advantage of this grace period to retrieve your vehicle quickly.
- Payment: The City of Raleigh mandates that towing companies accept credit and debit cards. This helps create a paper trail for any potential disputes.
What Happens After Arrest / Documents Required
| Situation | Action
Sources
North Carolina Transportation Code
Wake County Towing Regulations
North Carolina Department of Licensing and Regulation
Nearby North Carolina Counties
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