Abbeville County Vehicle Impound Guide
Impound Cost Calculator — Abbeville County, South Carolina
Calculate how much it will cost to retrieve your vehicle from the impound lot.
*Estimated fees shown. Actual fees in Abbeville 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 Abbeville 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 Abbeville 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 Abbeville 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 you've been arrested for DUI in Abbeville County, South Carolina, understanding the impound process and related consequences is crucial. Your journey through the legal system starts immediately, and knowing what to expect can save you time, money, and unnecessary stress.
Understanding Vehicle Impoundment After a DUI Arrest in Abbeville County
Following a DUI arrest in Abbeville County, your vehicle may be impounded. The specific circumstances dictating impoundment are determined by the arresting officer and depend on factors like the driver's BAC level, prior offenses, and whether there were passengers in the vehicle. South Carolina law allows for impoundment in DUI cases, and local law enforcement, including the Abbeville County Sheriff's Office and the South Carolina Highway Patrol (SCHP) Troop 2, actively enforce these regulations.
If your vehicle is impounded, you'll need to contact the impounding agency (either the Sheriff's Office or the specific police department involved) to determine the location of your vehicle and the requirements for release. Expect to pay towing and storage fees, which can accumulate quickly. These fees vary depending on the towing company contracted by the law enforcement agency.
Temporary Alcohol License (TAL): Your Key to Driving While Awaiting Your Hearing
A critical step after a DUI arrest is understanding the Temporary Alcohol License (TAL). This license allows you to drive legally while awaiting your Office of Motor Vehicle Hearings (OMVH) hearing. To obtain a TAL, you must request an OMVH hearing within 30 days of your arrest. This is a crucial deadline. The TAL requires the payment of an additional $100 fee to the DMV.
The OMVH hearing is where an administrative law judge will determine whether your driver's license suspension will be upheld. Due to backlogs, it can take several months for the hearing to be scheduled. The TAL is a lifeline during this period.
Important Change: As of May 19, 2024, South Carolina law has changed. If you refused a breathalyzer or your BAC was over 0.15%, you can no longer skip the OMVH hearing and apply for a route-restricted license. You must engage the OMVH process to secure any interim driving privileges.
If you win the OMVH hearing, your regular driving privileges are restored. If you lose, you must surrender the TAL, and the hard suspension period begins.
Navigating Ignition Interlock Device (IID) Requirements
"Emma's Law" in South Carolina mandates the use of Ignition Interlock Devices (IIDs) for certain DUI offenders. If your BAC was 0.15% or higher on a first offense, or if you have repeat offenses, you'll be required to install an IID in any vehicle you drive.
Abbeville County presents a logistical challenge: there are no IID installation or service centers within the county. You'll need to travel to Greenwood or Anderson.
Nearest Authorized Installers for Abbeville Residents:
- Smart Start (Primary Option): Located inside Pro Audio & More, 1819 Bypass 72 NE, Greenwood, SC 29649. Phone: (833) 404-3087.
- Intoxalock (Secondary Option): 1648 Calhoun Rd, Greenwood, SC 29649. Phone: (864) 622-5746.
- Intoxalock (Alternate Option): Located at Palmetto State Automotive, 2808 Highway 29 North, Anderson, SC 29621.
Expect to dedicate a half-day each month to drive to Greenwood or Anderson for monthly calibration appointments. These appointments are mandatory to ensure the device's accuracy and to download data logs. Failure to attend these appointments will result in the device locking your vehicle's ignition. You'll also pay a recurring monthly lease and calibration fee.
Continuous Alcohol Monitoring (SCRAM)
In some cases, especially involving repeat offenses or felony DUIs, a judge may order you to wear a Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitor (SCRAM) ankle bracelet. This device continuously monitors your perspiration for alcohol. SCRAM management companies are located in larger cities like Greenville and Seneca.
SR-22 Insurance Certification
A DUI conviction or certain administrative suspensions require you to file an SR-22 certificate with the SCDMV. This certificate, provided by your auto insurance carrier, guarantees that you maintain the state-mandated minimum liability coverage. Filing an SR-22 categorizes you as a "high-risk" driver, which will increase your insurance premiums.
What To Do Next
If your vehicle has been impounded, immediately contact the Abbeville County Sheriff's Office at (864) 366-7200 to determine the location of your vehicle and the requirements for release. Remember, you have only 30 days from the date of your arrest to request an OMVH hearing to be eligible for a Temporary Alcohol License.
Sources
South Carolina Transportation Code
Abbeville County Towing Regulations
South Carolina Department of Licensing and Regulation
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