Aiken County Vehicle Impound Guide
Impound Cost Calculator — Aiken County, South Carolina
Calculate how much it will cost to retrieve your vehicle from the impound lot.
*Estimated fees shown. Actual fees in Aiken 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 Aiken 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 Aiken 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 Aiken 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)
Navigating DUI Impound and License Suspension in Aiken County, SC
If you've been arrested for DUI in Aiken County, South Carolina, you're likely facing immediate concerns about your vehicle and driver's license. The process involves navigating strict deadlines and administrative hurdles with the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) and the Office of Motor Vehicle Hearings (OMVH). Understanding these steps is crucial to protecting your driving privileges and minimizing disruption to your life.
Vehicle Impound in Aiken: What to Expect
Following a DUI arrest, your vehicle may be impounded. In Aiken County, Eastside Automotive & Towing, located at 195 Beaufort St, Aiken, SC 29801, is a primary impound lot used by the South Carolina Highway Patrol. Their phone number is 803-766-7986. A key detail to remember is their limited operating hours: they are open Tuesday through Friday, from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM, and closed Saturday through Monday.
Actionable Step: If your arrest occurs on a weekend, be prepared for compounding daily storage fees, as you won't be able to retrieve your vehicle until Tuesday morning. Contact Eastside Automotive & Towing directly to confirm their specific fees and required documentation for release.
The 30-Day Deadline and Your Driver's License
A DUI arrest in South Carolina triggers an immediate administrative license suspension process, separate from the criminal case. If you refused a breathalyzer test or registered a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.15% or higher, the arresting officer likely confiscated your license and issued a Notice of Suspension.
Critical Deadline: You have only 30 days from the date of the Notice of Suspension to request an Administrative License Suspension (ALS) hearing. Missing this deadline results in an automatic, permanent license suspension for the statutory duration.
Actionable Step: To request a hearing, you must file Form ADH-001 (or equivalent request document) and a $200 non-refundable fee with the OMVH. Send these documents via tracked, certified mail with a return receipt requested to:
Office of Motor Vehicle Hearings (OMVH) Edgar A. Brown Building 1205 Pendleton St., Suite 325 Columbia, SC 29201
This ensures you have proof of timely submission.
Securing a Temporary Alcohol License (TAL)
Filing the hearing request within the 30-day window allows you to apply for a Temporary Alcohol License (TAL), which restores your driving privileges while your case is pending.
Actionable Step: After the OMVH confirms receipt and scheduling of your hearing, visit the SCDMV branch on Richland Ave East in Aiken to process your TAL. Be aware of a local quirk: the Aiken SCDMV branch opens at 9:30 AM on Wednesdays, an hour later than other weekdays. Check the SCDMV's online wait-time tracker before you go to avoid delays.
Ignition Interlock Device (IID) Installation
South Carolina's "Emma's Law" mandates the use of Ignition Interlock Devices (IID) for many DUI offenders. You'll need to use a certified private vendor for installation.
Logistical Synergy Tip: If your vehicle is impounded at Eastside Automotive & Towing, consider coordinating your IID installation with Intoxalock at the same location. This minimizes the hassle of transporting a vehicle with suspended tags to a separate installation center.
ADSAP: A Mandatory Requirement
The South Carolina Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program (ADSAP) is a mandatory requirement for anyone convicted of DUI, DUAC, or whose license is suspended via the Implied Consent process. The DMV will not reinstate your license until ADSAP completion is verified.
Actionable Step: Enroll in ADSAP within 30 days of your conviction to avoid being held in contempt of court. Contact the Aiken Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Services at 1105 Gregg Hwy, Aiken, SC 29801, or call (803) 649-1900. They are open Monday through Friday, from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. The base fee for ADSAP educational services is $500, but can escalate to $2,500 if intensive treatment is required.
By understanding these specific details and taking prompt action, you can navigate the complex DUI process in Aiken County and work towards restoring your driving privileges and resolving your case.
Sources
South Carolina Transportation Code
Aiken County Towing Regulations
South Carolina Department of Licensing and Regulation
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