Spartanburg County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Spartanburg County

A DUI arrest in Spartanburg County, South Carolina, can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. One immediate concern many people face is: what happens to my car? This guide provides practical steps and information to help you retrieve your vehicle as quickly and efficiently as possible. At dui.guide, we understand this is a challenging time, and we're here to help you navigate the process.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

After a DUI arrest in Spartanburg County, your vehicle is typically impounded. This is standard procedure to ensure public safety and to prevent further potential offenses. The impoundment serves several purposes:

• Safety: Removes a potentially dangerous driver from the road.
• Evidence Preservation: The vehicle may be held as evidence, especially if an accident occurred.
• Compliance: Ensures compliance with state and local laws regarding DUI offenses.

Knowing why your car was impounded is the first step in understanding the process of getting it back.

Where Is Your Car?

Locating your vehicle is the priority. Time is of the essence because storage fees accrue daily.

Official Impound Lots in Spartanburg County

Unfortunately, we don't have specific impound lot locations and details yet. However, the most common impound locations are contracted by the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office or local police departments.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call Spartanburg County Police/Sheriff: Contact them immediately. The non-emergency number is your best bet. You can usually find the number online or by searching "Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office phone number."
• Reference your case number: When you call, provide your name, date of birth, and, most importantly, your case number. This will help them quickly locate your vehicle's location.
• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: Typically, your vehicle will be towed to an impound lot within 24 hours of your arrest. Check with the arresting officer or the Sheriff's office for the exact location.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

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

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license (or someone with a valid license): You (or the person retrieving the vehicle) must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration: Proof that the vehicle is registered in your name (or the owner's name).
• Proof of insurance: Current insurance policy for the vehicle.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Impound lots typically accept cash or credit cards. Be prepared to pay all applicable fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you can't retrieve the vehicle yourself.

• Have someone else pick it up: A friend or family member with a valid license can retrieve the vehicle on your behalf.
• They need:
• Their valid driver's license
• A signed authorization letter from you, granting them permission to retrieve the vehicle.
• A copy of the vehicle title or registration (proving ownership).

Costs & Fees in Spartanburg County

Understanding the costs involved is essential to avoid surprises. Fees can accumulate quickly, so act fast!

Typical Fees

• Towing fee: Expect to pay between $150 and $300 for the initial tow.
• Daily storage: Storage fees typically range from $20 to $50 per day.
• Administrative fees: These can vary, but expect to pay an administrative fee in the range of $25-$75.
• Release fee: Some impound lots charge a release fee, typically around $50.

IMPORTANT: These fees accumulate daily. The longer you wait, the more expensive it becomes to retrieve your vehicle.

Payment Methods

Specific payment methods vary by impound lot. It's best to call the impound lot directly to confirm their accepted payment methods. Most accept cash and major credit cards. Some may accept debit cards.

Timeline

Understanding the timeline is critical for minimizing costs and preventing the loss of your vehicle.

Within 24 Hours

Ideally, retrieve your vehicle within 24 hours of it being impounded to minimize daily storage fees.

After 30 Days

If the vehicle remains unclaimed for 30 days or more, the impound lot may have the legal right to sell it at a lien sale to recover their costs. This means you could permanently lose your vehicle.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

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

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: Ask for assistance from trusted friends or family members.
• Payment plans (some lots offer this): Inquire with the impound lot about payment plan options. Some may be willing to work with you, but this is not guaranteed.
• Sign vehicle over to impound lot (avoid debt but lose car): As a last resort, you may be able to sign the vehicle title over to the impound lot to cover the outstanding fees. This will prevent further debt accumulation but means you will lose ownership of your car.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait: Fees add up incredibly fast. Procrastination will only worsen the situation.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning the vehicle can lead to further legal consequences and additional fines.

Special Situations

Certain circumstances can complicate the retrieval process.

If Your Car Was Evidence

If your vehicle is being held as evidence in your DUI case, the police may not release it immediately.

• May be held longer by police: Contact your attorney or the investigating officer to determine when the vehicle will be released.
• Get release authorization first: You'll likely need written authorization from the police or the court before the impound lot will release the vehicle.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

If the vehicle is registered to someone else (e.g., a parent or spouse), the registered owner has the right to retrieve the vehicle, regardless of your license status.

• Registered owner can retrieve regardless of your situation: The registered owner must present their valid driver's license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance.
• They'll need proof of ownership: This typically involves presenting the vehicle title or registration.

After Retrieval

Once you retrieve your vehicle, take the following steps:

Check Your Vehicle

• Document any damage immediately: Carefully inspect the vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.
• Take photos: Take detailed photos of any damage as evidence.
• Report damage to impound lot manager: Immediately report any damage to the impound lot manager and file a written complaint.

Spartanburg County Impound Lot Locations

[Note: As we gather data on specific impound lot locations in Spartanburg County, this section will be populated with addresses, phone numbers, hours of operation, and map references. Please check back regularly for updates.]

In the meantime, the best way to locate your vehicle is to contact the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office or the police department of the jurisdiction where you were arrested.

We hope this guide has been helpful. Remember, at dui.guide, we are dedicated to providing you with the information and resources you need to navigate the complexities of a DUI arrest in Spartanburg County.