Blount County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Blount

Being arrested for a DUI in Blount, Tennessee is a stressful experience. Not only are you facing legal consequences, but you're also likely dealing with the immediate problem of your vehicle being impounded. This guide is designed to provide you with the immediate, practical information you need to retrieve your car and understand the process in Blount County.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in Blount County, your vehicle is almost always impounded. This is standard procedure to prevent you from driving under the influence again and to ensure the vehicle is safely stored while your case proceeds. Understanding the impound process and acting quickly is crucial to minimizing costs and complications.

Where Is Your Car?

Finding out where your car is located is the first step in getting it back.

Official Impound Lots in Blount

Unfortunately, we don't currently have a list of specific impound lots in Blount County. This information is being gathered and will be updated as soon as possible. However, you can use the methods below to quickly locate your vehicle.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call Blount Police/Sheriff: The quickest way to find your car is to call either the Blount County Sheriff's Office or the local police department that made the arrest. They will be able to tell you which impound lot your vehicle was towed to.

• We are still gathering the official phone numbers for the Blount County Sheriff's Office and local police departments. Please check back soon. In the meantime, a quick online search for "Blount County Sheriff's Office phone number" or the relevant police department in the area where you were arrested should provide you with the necessary contact information.

• Reference your case number: When you call, be sure to have your case number handy (if you have it). This will help them locate your vehicle information more efficiently.

• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: Generally, your vehicle will be towed to an impound lot within 24 hours of your arrest.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you know where your vehicle is, you'll need to gather the necessary documents to retrieve it.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license (or someone with valid license): You, or the person retrieving the vehicle, must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration: You'll need proof that you own the vehicle, usually in the form of your vehicle registration.
• Proof of insurance: You'll also need to show proof of current insurance coverage for the vehicle.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Be prepared to pay the impound fees. Most lots accept cash, and many also accept credit cards.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended or revoked due to the DUI arrest, you won't be able to retrieve the vehicle yourself.

• Have someone else pick it up: You can authorize someone else to pick up the vehicle for you.
• They need:
• Their valid driver's license.
• A signed authorization letter from you (stating they have permission to retrieve the vehicle).
• The vehicle title or registration (proving ownership).

Costs & Fees in Blount

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

Typical Fees

• Towing fee: Expect to pay between $150 and $300 for the initial towing fee.
• Daily storage: Daily storage fees typically range from $20 to $50 per day. This is why it's so important to retrieve your vehicle as soon as possible.
• Administrative fees: We are currently researching the specific administrative fees charged by impound lots in Blount County. Please check back for updates.
• Release fee: We are currently researching the specific release fees charged by impound lots in Blount County. Please check back for updates.

IMPORTANT: Fees accumulate daily. The longer you wait, the more you'll owe.

Payment Methods

We are currently gathering information on the specific payment methods accepted by impound lots in Blount County. In the meantime, it's a good idea to call the impound lot beforehand to confirm their accepted payment methods (cash, credit card, debit card, etc.).

Timeline

Understanding the timeline is critical to avoiding further complications and financial burdens.

Within 24 Hours

Try to retrieve your car within 24 hours to minimize daily storage fees.

After 30 Days

If your vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period (typically 30 days), the impound lot has the right to sell it at a lien sale to recover their costs. You'll lose your vehicle entirely if you don't act before this happens.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you're struggling to afford the impound fees, consider these options:

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: Asking for help from loved ones can be a temporary solution.
• Payment plans (some lots offer this): Contact the impound lot and ask if they offer payment plans. Some may be willing to work with you.
• Sign vehicle over to impound lot (avoid debt but lose car): As a last resort, you can sign the title of your vehicle over to the impound lot. This will relieve you of the debt but you will lose ownership of the car.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait - fees add up fast: Procrastination will only make the situation worse.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning your vehicle is illegal and can result in further fines and legal trouble.

Special Situations

If Your Car Was Evidence

If the police are holding your vehicle as evidence in your DUI case, it may be held longer.

• May be held longer by police: Your car may be kept as evidence until the investigation is complete.
• Get release authorization first: Contact the police department handling your case and obtain a written release authorization before attempting to retrieve your vehicle.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

If the vehicle is registered in someone else's name (e.g., a parent, spouse, or leasing company), the registered owner has the right to retrieve it regardless of your situation.

• Registered owner can retrieve regardless of your situation: The registered owner has the legal right to claim the vehicle.
• They'll need proof of ownership: They will need to provide proof of ownership (vehicle title or registration) and their valid driver's license.

After Retrieval

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

Check Your Vehicle

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

Blount Impound Lot Locations

[This section will be populated with a detailed list of Blount County impound lot locations, addresses, phone numbers, hours of operation, and map references as soon as the data is available. Please check back soon.]

This guide is intended to provide helpful information, but it is not a substitute for legal advice. If you have been arrested for a DUI in Blount County, Tennessee, it is important to consult with an experienced attorney to discuss your legal options.