Bedford County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Bedford

A DUI arrest in Bedford, Tennessee, is a stressful experience. On top of the legal challenges, you're likely dealing with the immediate issue of your impounded vehicle. This guide provides practical information to help you navigate the process of retrieving your car quickly and efficiently. The clock is ticking, and daily storage fees can add up fast!

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

After a DUI arrest, law enforcement typically impounds your vehicle to ensure public safety. This prevents you from driving under the influence again and allows police to conduct any necessary investigations. Don't panic; getting your car back is a manageable process, but requires swift action.

Where Is Your Car?

The first step is locating your vehicle. It's likely at an official impound lot within or near Bedford.

Official Impound Lots in Bedford

Unfortunately, we don't currently have specific impound lot information in our database for Bedford, TN. This information is being compiled to help you. In the meantime, follow the steps below to find your vehicle.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call Bedford Police/Sheriff: This is the most direct way to find out where your car was towed. Call their non-emergency line: **.
• Reference your case number: Have your case number ready when you call. This will help them quickly locate your vehicle's impound location.
• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: Your car was likely towed within 24 hours of your arrest, so act quickly to minimize storage fees.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Before heading to the impound lot, gather the necessary documents to avoid unnecessary trips.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: You, or the person retrieving the vehicle, needs a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration: Proof that the vehicle is registered.
• Proof of insurance: Current insurance information for the vehicle.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Impound lots typically accept cash or credit cards, but it's best to confirm their accepted payment methods beforehand.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you'll need someone with a valid license to retrieve the vehicle for you.

• Have someone else pick it up: A friend or family member with a valid license can retrieve the car.
• They need: Their valid driver's license, written authorization from you (a simple signed note stating you authorize them to pick up the vehicle), and a copy of the vehicle's title or registration.

Costs & Fees in Bedford

Be prepared for a range of fees associated with retrieving your impounded vehicle. These fees can quickly add up, so prompt action is crucial.

Typical Fees

• 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 the fee that escalates the fastest, so retrieve your vehicle as soon as possible.
• Administrative fees: There might be administrative fees associated with processing the release of your vehicle. Expect these to be in the range of $[range].
• Release fee: A flat release fee may also apply, potentially around $[amount].

IMPORTANT: Fees accumulate daily. Every day your car sits in the impound lot, the cost increases significantly.

Payment Methods

While specific payment methods vary by impound lot, most accept:

• Cash
• Credit Card
• (Check with the specific impound lot about debit cards and personal checks)

Timeline

Understanding the timeline is crucial to avoid further complications and potential loss of your vehicle.

Within 24 Hours

Prioritize retrieving your car within the first 24 hours to minimize accumulating daily storage fees.

After 30 Days

If the vehicle remains unclaimed after 30 days, the impound lot may have the legal right to sell it at a lien sale to recover their costs. This means you'll lose your car entirely.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you're facing financial difficulties, explore these options to help cover the impound fees:

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: Reaching out to loved ones for financial assistance can be a viable solution.
• Payment plans: 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: As a last resort, you can sign the vehicle's title over to the impound lot. This avoids accumulating further debt but means you will lose ownership of the vehicle.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait: Procrastination will only increase the fees. Take action immediately.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning the vehicle can lead to further legal consequences and negative impacts on your credit score.

Special Situations

Certain circumstances require additional considerations:

If Your Car Was Evidence

If your vehicle is being held as evidence in the DUI investigation, it may be held longer by the police.

• May be held longer by police: Contact the Bedford Police or Sheriff's Department to determine when the vehicle will be released.
• Get release authorization first: Before going to the impound lot, obtain a written release authorization from the police department.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

If the vehicle is registered to someone else (e.g., a family member or leasing company), the registered owner has the right to retrieve it.

• Registered owner can retrieve regardless of your situation: The owner needs to provide proof of ownership (title or registration) and a valid driver's license.
• They'll need proof of ownership: This is crucial for them to claim the vehicle.

After Retrieval

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

Check Your Vehicle

• Document any damage immediately: Carefully inspect the vehicle for any damage that may have occurred during towing or storage.
• Take photos: Take clear photos of any damage as evidence.
• Report damage to impound lot manager: Report the damage to the impound lot manager immediately and obtain a written record of your report.

Bedford Impound Lot Locations

Unfortunately, we don't have specific impound lot details available in our database for Bedford, TN at this time. We're actively working to gather this information. Remember to contact the Bedford Police/Sheriff to find out where your vehicle is located.

Getting your car back after a DUI arrest in Bedford, TN, requires prompt action and careful attention to detail. By following these steps, you can navigate the process efficiently and minimize the financial burden. Remember to act quickly to avoid accumulating excessive storage fees. Good luck!