Kershaw County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Kershaw County

Being arrested for DUI in Kershaw County, South Carolina, is a stressful experience. On top of dealing with the legal consequences, you're likely wondering what happened to your car. This guide provides immediate, practical information on how to retrieve your impounded vehicle and avoid unnecessary fees.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for DUI, your vehicle is typically impounded for several reasons. It prevents you from driving under the influence again and ensures the vehicle isn't left unattended on the roadside, posing a safety hazard. Understanding the impound process is the first step in getting your car back.

Where Is Your Car?

Finding your car quickly is crucial to minimize storage fees.

Official Impound Lots in Kershaw County

Unfortunately, we don't have specific impound lot data for Kershaw County at this time. However, here's how to find out where your car is:

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call Kershaw County Police/Sheriff: Contact the Kershaw County Sheriff's Department or the police department of the municipality where you were arrested. They will have the information on where your vehicle was towed.
• Possible Number: (Use the non-emergency number for the Kershaw County Sheriff's Department or relevant municipal police department. A quick Google search will help you find it.)
• Reference your case number: When you call, provide your name, date of birth, and most importantly, your case number (if you have it). This will help them quickly locate your vehicle's impound location.
• 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

• Valid driver's license: You or someone retrieving the vehicle on your behalf must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration: Proof that you (or someone authorizing the retrieval) are the registered owner of the vehicle.
• Proof of insurance: Current insurance documentation for the vehicle.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Impound lots typically accept cash or major credit cards. Confirm the accepted payment methods with the specific impound lot beforehand.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you can still get your car back, but you'll need someone else with a valid license to retrieve it.

• Have someone else pick it up: A friend or family member with a valid driver's license can retrieve your vehicle.
• They need:
• Their valid driver's license.
• Authorization from you (a signed note or document stating you authorize them to pick up the vehicle).
• Vehicle title or registration (proving ownership or your right to authorize retrieval).

Costs & Fees in Kershaw County

Understanding the costs involved is critical to avoid surprises and plan accordingly.

Typical Fees

IMPORTANT: Fees accumulate DAILY. Get your car ASAP!

• Towing fee: Expect to pay between $150 and $300 for the towing service.
• Daily storage: Daily storage fees can range from $20 to $50 per day. This is where costs can quickly escalate.
• Administrative fees: These fees cover the impound lot's administrative costs.
• Release fee: A release fee is charged for processing the vehicle's release.

Contact the specific impound lot holding your vehicle to get exact fee amounts.

Payment Methods

While specific payment methods for Kershaw County impound lots aren't available, most typically accept:

• Cash
• Major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover)
• Sometimes debit cards

Call the impound lot to confirm their accepted payment methods before heading there.

Timeline

Time is of the essence when it comes to retrieving your vehicle.

Within 24 Hours

Make every effort to retrieve your car within the first 24 hours to avoid accumulating significant daily storage fees. This is the most crucial period to act.

After 30 Days

In South Carolina, if the vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period (typically 30 days), the impound lot may have the right to sell the vehicle at a lien sale to recover their costs.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Financial constraints can make retrieving your vehicle challenging, but options exist.

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: Consider borrowing money from trusted sources to cover the impound fees.
• Payment plans (some lots offer this): Some impound lots may offer payment plans, allowing you to pay the fees in installments. Inquire about this possibility.
• Sign vehicle over to impound lot (avoid debt but lose car): As a last resort, you can sign the vehicle title over to the impound lot. This will relieve you of the debt but will also mean you lose ownership of the car.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait - fees add up fast: Procrastination will only increase the financial burden.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning the vehicle can lead to further legal complications and additional fees.

Special Situations

Certain circumstances require special attention.

If Your Car Was Evidence

If the police are holding your car as evidence in your DUI case, it will likely be held longer than a typical impound.

• 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 going to the impound lot, obtain a release authorization from the police department.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

If the vehicle is registered in someone else's name (e.g., a family member), they have the right to retrieve it, regardless of your DUI arrest.

• Registered owner can retrieve regardless of your situation: The registered owner needs to show proof of ownership (vehicle title or registration).
• They'll need proof of ownership: They will also need a valid driver's license.

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: Document any damage with clear photographs.
• Report damage to impound lot manager: Immediately report any damage to the impound lot manager and file a written complaint.

Kershaw County Impound Lot Locations

[This section will be updated with specific Kershaw County impound lot locations, addresses, phone numbers, hours of operation, and map references as data becomes available. Check back regularly for updates!]

This guide is intended to provide general information and should not be considered legal advice. Consult with a qualified attorney in Kershaw County, South Carolina, for personalized guidance regarding your DUI case and vehicle retrieval.