Anderson County Vehicle Impound Guide
Impound Cost Calculator — Anderson County, South Carolina
Calculate how much it will cost to retrieve your vehicle from the impound lot.
*Estimated fees shown. Actual fees in Anderson County may vary. Contact the impound lot directly for exact costs.
Select a pickup date to
see cost estimate
The First 48 Hours Are Critical
After a arrest in Anderson 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 Anderson 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 Anderson 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 Vehicle Impound After a DUI Arrest in Anderson County, SC
After a DUI arrest in Anderson County, South Carolina, one of the first and most urgent issues you'll face is retrieving your impounded vehicle. The process varies significantly depending on which law enforcement agency made the arrest: the City of Anderson Police Department, the Anderson County Sheriff's Office (ACSO), or the South Carolina Highway Patrol (SCHP). Understanding these differences is crucial to minimizing costs and delays.
City of Anderson Police Department Impound: A Two-Step Process
If the City of Anderson Police Department arrested you within the city limits, retrieving your vehicle involves a specific two-step process. First, you must pay a $150 administrative fee at the City of Anderson Revenue Collections Department, located at 401 S Main St, Anderson, SC 29624. This payment must be made before you can retrieve your vehicle.
After paying the fee, you must then proceed to the City of Anderson Public Works Department at 100 Civic Center Blvd, Anderson, SC 29625, to pick up your vehicle. Be aware of their limited operating hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. The Public Works Department is closed for lunch between 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM, and closes entirely at 4:00 PM. Missing these windows can result in additional storage fees.
Storage fees at the City of Anderson Public Works Department are $20 per day. These fees accrue daily, so prompt action is essential to minimize costs.
Actionable Step: If arrested by the City of Anderson Police Department, immediately arrange to pay the $150 fee at 401 S Main St and then retrieve your vehicle from 100 Civic Center Blvd during their operating hours.
ACSO and SCHP Impound: Private Rotation Wrecker Services
If the ACSO or SCHP made the arrest outside the Anderson city limits, your vehicle was likely towed by a private wrecker service operating on a rotation list. Unlike the City of Anderson's municipal lot, these private facilities operate independently and charge their own storage rates.
To determine the exact location of your vehicle, you must contact the Anderson County Sheriff's Office central dispatch at (864) 260-4444. They can provide the name and location of the towing company that impounded your vehicle.
Private towing companies generally allow storage fees to accrue continuously, including weekends and holidays. While these fees must align with maximum state tariffs set by the Department of Public Safety, the lack of centralized oversight can lead to significant financial burdens, especially if you remain incarcerated over a long weekend.
Actionable Step: If arrested by ACSO or SCHP, immediately call (864) 260-4444 to locate your vehicle and inquire about the towing company's fees and operating hours.
Important Considerations for All Impounds
Regardless of which agency impounded your vehicle, you will need valid identification and proof of ownership (registration or title) to retrieve it. If someone else is retrieving the vehicle on your behalf, they will likely need a notarized letter from you authorizing the release.
Also, be aware that South Carolina law mandates the removal of vehicles operated by impaired drivers to eliminate public safety hazards. This means that even if you are the registered owner, you cannot simply drive the vehicle away from the impound lot. You will need a licensed driver to operate the vehicle or arrange for a tow.
The Financial Burden of Impound
The financial implications of vehicle impoundment after a DUI arrest in Anderson County can be substantial. The $150 administrative fee charged by the City of Anderson, combined with daily storage fees, can quickly add up. Private towing companies may also charge additional fees for towing, recovery, and other services.
It's crucial to act quickly to minimize these costs. Contact the appropriate agency or towing company as soon as possible to determine the location of your vehicle, the fees involved, and the requirements for release.
Actionable Step: Document all interactions with law enforcement, towing companies, and municipal offices. Keep receipts for all payments made.
To locate your vehicle after an ACSO or SCHP arrest, call the Anderson County Sheriff's Office central dispatch at (864) 260-4444.
Sources
South Carolina Transportation Code
Anderson County Towing Regulations
South Carolina Department of Licensing and Regulation
24/7 Legal Support
Need a Attorney in Anderson County?
Get connected with experienced attorneys who know Anderson County courts and can fight for the best outcome.