Lancaster County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Lancaster County

(A DUI.Guide Resource)

Being arrested for a DUI in Lancaster County, South Carolina is a stressful experience. On top of dealing with the legal ramifications, you're likely also worried about your vehicle. A common consequence of a DUI arrest is vehicle impound, leaving you stranded and facing additional expenses. This guide provides practical information on how to retrieve your car quickly and efficiently after a DUI arrest in Lancaster County.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for DUI (driving under the influence) with a BAC of 0.08 or higher in South Carolina, your vehicle is often impounded for several reasons. These include:

• Public Safety: Removing impaired drivers and their vehicles from the road.
• Evidence Preservation: The vehicle might be held as evidence, especially if an accident occurred.
• Preventing Further Offenses: Preventing the immediate possibility of the driver operating the vehicle again while still impaired.

Understanding why your car was impounded is the first step in getting it back.

Where Is Your Car?

Finding your car is the immediate priority. Here's how to track it down in Lancaster County:

Official Impound Lots in Lancaster County

Unfortunately, we don't have specific impound lot data for Lancaster County at this time. However, most jurisdictions contract with specific towing companies to handle impounds.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call Lancaster County Police/Sheriff: The quickest way to locate your vehicle is to contact the Lancaster County Sheriff's Department. You can reach them at their non-emergency number (search online for "Lancaster County Sheriff's Department non-emergency number").
• Reference Your Case Number: When you call, provide your name and the case number assigned to your DUI arrest. This will help them quickly locate the impound information.
• Most Vehicles Towed Within 24 Hours of Arrest: Typically, your vehicle will be towed to an impound lot within 24 hours of your arrest. Don't delay in contacting the authorities to find its location.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Retrieving your vehicle requires specific documentation. Be prepared before heading to the impound lot.

Required Documents

• Valid Driver's License: You (or the person retrieving the vehicle) must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle Registration: You need the vehicle's registration to prove ownership.
• Proof of Insurance: You'll need to show current insurance coverage for the vehicle.
• Cash or Credit Card for Fees: Be prepared to pay towing, storage, and administrative fees. Contact the impound lot to confirm accepted payment methods.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended or you don't have it on you, you can still get your car back, but you'll need someone else to pick it up.

• Have Someone Else Pick It Up: Designate someone with a valid driver's license to retrieve the vehicle.
• They Need:
• Their valid driver's license.
• Written authorization from you allowing them to pick up the vehicle. A simple signed and dated note stating you authorize them to retrieve the car is sufficient.
• The vehicle title or registration in your name.

Costs & Fees in Lancaster County

Understanding the costs associated with vehicle impound is crucial, as these fees can add up quickly.

Typical Fees

• Towing Fee: Expect to pay between $150 and $300 for the initial towing charge.
• Daily Storage: Daily storage fees can range from $20 to $50 per day.
• Administrative Fees: You'll likely encounter administrative fees, which can range from $25 to $75.
• Release Fee: There may be a separate release fee charged by the impound lot. Check with them directly.

IMPORTANT: These fees accrue daily. Every day your car sits in the impound lot, the total cost increases. Act fast to minimize expenses.

Payment Methods

Confirm accepted payment methods with the specific impound lot. Most accept:

• Cash
• Credit Cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover)

Some might accept debit cards or local checks, but don't assume. Call ahead to be sure.

Timeline

Time is of the essence when retrieving your vehicle.

Within 24 Hours

Ideally, retrieve your vehicle within the first 24 hours to avoid accumulating significant daily storage fees.

After 30 Days

In South Carolina, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for a specified period (often 30 days, but check with the impound lot and local ordinances), 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

Impound fees can be a significant financial burden, especially after a DUI arrest.

Options

• Borrow from Family/Friends: If possible, ask for assistance from family or friends to cover the fees.
• Payment Plans: Some impound lots may offer payment plans. Inquire about this option, but be aware that interest and additional fees might apply.
• Sign Vehicle Over to Impound Lot: As a last resort, you can sign the vehicle title over to the impound lot. This releases you from the accumulating debt but means you lose ownership of the car.

What NOT to Do

• Don't Wait: Procrastination will only increase the fees.
• Don't Abandon the Vehicle: Abandoning the vehicle can lead to further legal consequences and negatively impact your credit.

Special Situations

If Your Car Was Evidence

If your vehicle is being held as evidence in connection with your DUI arrest, it might be held longer.

• May Be Held Longer by Police: Contact the Lancaster County Sheriff's Department or your attorney to determine when the vehicle will be released.
• Get Release Authorization First: Before going to the impound lot, obtain written authorization from the police department or the prosecutor's office confirming that the vehicle is no longer needed as evidence.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

If the vehicle is registered to someone else (e.g., a parent, spouse, or leasing company), 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 (vehicle title or registration) and a valid driver's license.
• They'll Need Proof of Ownership: The impound lot will require documentation to verify ownership.

After Retrieval

Once you've retrieved your vehicle, take the following steps:

Check Your Vehicle

Thoroughly inspect your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.

• Document Any Damage Immediately: Note any scratches, dents, or other damage.
• Take Photos: Take clear photos of the damage as evidence.
• Report Damage to Impound Lot Manager: Immediately report any damage to the impound lot manager and request a written acknowledgment of your report. This documentation will be essential if you need to file a claim for damages.

Lancaster County Impound Lot Locations

Unfortunately, we don't have a specific list of Lancaster County impound lot locations at this time. Please follow the steps outlined above (contacting the Lancaster County Sheriff's Department) to locate your vehicle.

(Disclaimer: This information is intended for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult with a qualified attorney for advice regarding your specific situation.)