York County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in York County

Being arrested for a DUI in York County, South Carolina is stressful enough. On top of that, your vehicle is likely impounded, adding another layer of worry and expense. This guide provides immediate, practical steps to retrieve your vehicle as quickly as possible. Time is of the essence to minimize costs and avoid further complications.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in York County, your vehicle is typically impounded for a few key reasons:

• Public Safety: To prevent you from immediately driving under the influence again.
• Evidence Preservation: In some cases, the vehicle itself may be considered evidence.
• Legal Requirement: South Carolina law allows for the impoundment of vehicles following a DUI arrest.

Understanding why your car was impounded is the first step. Now, let's focus on getting it back.

Where Is Your Car?

Finding your vehicle quickly is crucial to minimize storage fees.

Official Impound Lots in York County

Unfortunately, we don't have specific data on official impound lots in York County at this time. However, here's how to locate your vehicle:

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call York County Police/Sheriff: This is your first and most important step. The non-emergency number for the York County Sheriff's Office is likely the best starting point. Search online for "York County Sheriff's Office non-emergency number" or "York County Police non-emergency number" and make the call.
• Reference your case number: If you have a case number from your arrest, provide it to the dispatcher. This will help them locate your vehicle quickly.
• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: Your car was likely towed to an impound lot within 24 hours of your arrest. The police should be able to tell you which lot.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

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

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license (or someone with a valid license): A valid driver's license is typically required to prove you are authorized to operate the vehicle.
• Vehicle registration: This proves ownership of the vehicle.
• Proof of insurance: This verifies that the vehicle is insured.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Impound lots require payment for towing, storage, and administrative fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license was suspended or revoked due to the DUI arrest, you'll need someone else to retrieve the vehicle for you.

• 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 allowing them to pick up the vehicle.
• The vehicle title or registration (proving ownership).

Costs & Fees in York County

Understanding the costs involved is essential to planning your retrieval strategy. Remember, fees accumulate daily, so act quickly!

Typical Fees

• Towing fee: Expect to pay between $150 and $300 for the towing service.
• Daily storage: Storage fees can range from $20 to $50 per day. This is where costs can quickly escalate.
• Administrative fees: These fees can vary, potentially ranging from $25-$75.
• Release fee: A release fee might be charged, potentially around $50.

IMPORTANT: These fees accumulate daily. The longer you wait, the more expensive it will be to get your car back.

Payment Methods

[We don't have specific payment method information for York County impound lots. Call the specific lot you are directed to and ask about acceptable payment methods. Commonly accepted methods include cash and major credit cards. Some may accept debit cards.]

Timeline

Adhering to the timeline is crucial to avoid losing your vehicle.

Within 24 Hours

Aim to retrieve your car within 24 hours of impoundment to avoid substantial daily storage fees.

After 30 Days

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

If You Can't Afford the Fees

It's understandable if you're facing financial difficulties after a DUI arrest. Don't panic; there are options.

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 the possibility of a payment plan.
• Sign vehicle over to the impound lot (avoid debt but lose car): If you absolutely cannot afford the fees, you may be able to sign the vehicle over to the impound lot to avoid accruing further debt. This means you will 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 consequences and additional fees.

Special Situations

Certain circumstances may complicate the retrieval process.

If Your Car Was Evidence

If the police are holding your car as evidence, you'll need to obtain a release authorization from them before the impound lot will release the vehicle. Contact the investigating officer to determine the process for obtaining this authorization.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

If the car is registered to someone else (e.g., a parent or spouse), the registered owner can retrieve the vehicle regardless of your situation. They will need to provide proof of ownership, such as the vehicle title or registration.

After Retrieval

Once you have your car back, take these important steps.

Check Your Vehicle

Thoroughly inspect your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred during towing or storage.

• Document any damage immediately: Note any scratches, dents, or other damage you find.
• Take photos: Photographic evidence is crucial if you need to file a claim.
• Report damage to the impound lot manager: Notify the impound lot manager of any damage immediately.

York County Impound Lot Locations

[Unfortunately, we do not have a pre-populated list of impound lots in York County. You must contact the York County Police or Sheriff's office to find out where your car was towed. Be prepared to provide your name, date of birth, and case number (if you have it).]

This guide is intended to provide helpful information. Always consult with legal counsel for specific advice regarding your DUI arrest. Good luck getting your car back, and please drive safely in the future.