Clarendon County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Clarendon County

A DUI arrest in Clarendon County, South Carolina, can be a stressful experience. Besides the legal ramifications, you're likely worried about what happens to your vehicle. This guide provides immediate, practical information on how to retrieve your impounded car and avoid unnecessary fees.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for DUI in Clarendon County, your vehicle is typically impounded. This is standard procedure to ensure public safety and prevent further potential offenses. Understanding the process and acting quickly is crucial to minimizing costs and complications.

Where Is Your Car?

Knowing where your car is located is the first step. It's likely at an official impound lot within Clarendon County.

Official Impound Lots in Clarendon County

[Important Note: We are still gathering data on specific impound lots in Clarendon County. Please check back frequently for updated information. In the meantime, contact the Clarendon County Sheriff's Department for assistance.]

How to Find Your Vehicle

If you're unsure where your vehicle was towed, follow these steps:

• Call Clarendon County Police/Sheriff: Contact the Clarendon County Sheriff's Department or the arresting officer as soon as possible. They should be able to tell you which impound lot your car was taken to.
• Reference your case number: Have your case number or arrest details ready when you call. This will help them locate your vehicle quickly.
• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: Typically, vehicles are towed to an impound lot within 24 hours of the arrest. Don't delay in contacting the authorities.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Gathering the necessary documents is essential for a smooth retrieval process.

Required Documents

You will generally need the following:

• Valid driver's license: The person retrieving the vehicle needs a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration: Proof that the vehicle is registered.
• Proof of insurance: Current insurance documentation for the vehicle.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Impound lots typically accept cash or credit cards. Confirm accepted payment methods with the specific lot beforehand.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended or you don't have a valid license for another reason, you can still have someone else retrieve the vehicle.

• Have someone else pick it up: A licensed driver can pick up the vehicle on your behalf.
• They need: Their valid driver's license, written authorization from you (a notarized letter is recommended), and the vehicle's title or registration.

Costs & Fees in Clarendon County

Understanding the costs involved is crucial to avoid surprises. These fees can add up quickly, so prompt action is vital.

Typical Fees

These are estimated fee ranges. Contact the specific impound lot for accurate figures.

• Towing fee: $150 - $300
• Daily storage: $20 - $50 per day
• Administrative fees: $25 - $75
• Release fee: $50 - $100

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate daily. Every day you delay retrieving your vehicle, the cost increases significantly.

Payment Methods

[Important Note: We are still gathering data on specific impound lots in Clarendon County. Check back frequently for updated information on accepted payment methods. Generally, expect to be able to pay with cash or a major credit card.]

Timeline

Time is of the essence. The longer you wait, the more you'll pay.

Within 24 Hours

Retrieving your vehicle within the first 24 hours is highly recommended to avoid accumulating significant daily storage fees.

After 30 Days

If the vehicle is not retrieved within 30 days, the impound lot may have the legal right to sell it at a lien sale to recover their costs. You will lose your vehicle entirely.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Facing financial hardship after a DUI arrest is common. Here are some options to explore:

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: This is often the quickest and easiest solution.
• Payment plans (some lots offer this): Inquire with the impound lot about potential payment plans. Not all lots offer this, but it's worth asking.
• Sign vehicle over to impound lot (avoid debt but lose car): If you absolutely cannot afford the fees, you may be able to sign the vehicle's title over to the impound lot to avoid accumulating further debt. However, you will permanently lose ownership of your car.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait: Fees add up extremely fast. Procrastination will only worsen your financial situation.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning the vehicle can lead to further legal issues and fines.

Special Situations

Certain circumstances can complicate the vehicle retrieval process.

If Your Car Was Evidence

If the police are holding your vehicle as evidence related to the DUI investigation, it may be held longer than usual.

• May be held longer by police: The police will notify you when the vehicle is no longer needed as evidence.
• Get release authorization first: Before contacting the impound lot, obtain written release authorization from the Clarendon County Police or Sheriff's Department.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

If the vehicle is registered in someone else's name, the registered owner has the right to retrieve it, regardless of your DUI arrest.

• Registered owner can retrieve regardless of your situation: The registered owner will need to provide proof of ownership (title and registration) and a valid driver's license.
• They'll need proof of ownership: The impound lot will verify the ownership documents.

After Retrieval

Once you've retrieved your vehicle, take these important steps:

Check Your Vehicle

• Document any damage immediately: Thoroughly inspect your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.
• Take photos: Take clear photos of any damage as evidence.
• Report damage to impound lot manager: Immediately report any damage to the impound lot manager and request a written record of your report.

Clarendon County Impound Lot Locations

[Important Note: We are actively gathering data on specific impound lots in Clarendon County, including addresses, phone numbers, hours of operation, and payment methods. Please check back frequently for updated information. In the meantime, contact the Clarendon County Sheriff's Department for assistance in locating your vehicle.]

We understand this is a difficult time. DUI.guide is here to provide the information you need to navigate this challenging situation.