Lauderdale County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Lauderdale

Being arrested for a DUI in Lauderdale, Tennessee is a stressful experience. One of the immediate concerns is often: what happens to my car? Vehicles are typically impounded after a DUI arrest for safety reasons and to prevent further potentially dangerous driving. This guide will walk you through the process of retrieving your vehicle as quickly and efficiently as possible. Time is of the essence to minimize impound fees!

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in Lauderdale, your vehicle is usually taken into custody by law enforcement. This is standard procedure for a few key reasons:

• Public Safety: Removing a vehicle from the road prevents a potentially impaired driver from getting behind the wheel again.
• Evidence: The vehicle itself might be considered evidence, especially if there was an accident involved.
• Liability: Law enforcement wants to avoid any liability associated with leaving a vehicle unattended.

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

Where Is Your Car?

Finding your car is the next crucial step.

Official Impound Lots in Lauderdale

Unfortunately, we don't have specific impound lot data for Lauderdale right now. However, common practice dictates that your vehicle will be taken to a designated impound lot or towing company contracted by the Lauderdale Police Department or the Lauderdale County Sheriff's Office.

How to Find Your Vehicle

The best way to locate your car is to:

• Call Lauderdale Police/Sheriff: Contact either the Lauderdale Police Department or the Lauderdale County Sheriff's Office. You can find their contact information online or by searching "[Lauderdale County] Police Department phone number" or "[Lauderdale County] Sheriff's Office phone number" on Google.
• Reference your case number: When you call, provide your name and the case number associated with your DUI arrest. This will help them quickly locate your vehicle.
• Expect towing within 24 hours: Most vehicles are towed to an impound lot within 24 hours of the arrest. If you can't locate it immediately, call again the next day.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

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

Required Documents

You (or someone authorized to retrieve the vehicle on your behalf) will typically need the following:

• Valid driver's license: 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 name of the person authorizing retrieval).
• Proof of insurance: Current and valid insurance documentation for the vehicle.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Be prepared to pay towing, storage, and administrative fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

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

• Have someone else pick it up: A friend or family member can retrieve the car for you.
• They need:
• Their valid driver's license
• Written authorization from you (a signed note stating they are authorized to pick up your vehicle)
• A copy of the vehicle title or registration (to prove ownership)

Costs & Fees in Lauderdale

Understanding the costs involved is crucial to avoid surprises.

Typical Fees

Expect to pay the following types of fees:

• Towing fee: Typically ranges from $150 to $300.
• Daily storage: Can range from $20 to $50 per day. This is where the costs can really add up!
• Administrative fees: Expect a range of $25 to $75 for administrative processing.
• Release fee: A flat fee, often around $50, for releasing the vehicle.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate daily. The longer you wait, the more expensive it will be. Get your car back as soon as possible to minimize these costs.

Payment Methods

Contact the impound lot directly to determine accepted payment methods. Common options include:

• Cash
• Credit Card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover)
• Debit Card

Timeline

Time is of the essence when it comes to retrieving your impounded vehicle.

Within 24 Hours

Aim to retrieve your car within the first 24 hours to avoid accumulating significant daily storage fees.

After 30 Days

In Tennessee, if a vehicle is not retrieved within a certain timeframe (typically 30 days), the impound lot may have the right to sell the vehicle at a lien sale to recover their costs. Don't let this happen!

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Financial constraints can make retrieving your car difficult, but there are options.

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: See if you can borrow money to cover the fees.
• Payment plans: Some impound lots may offer payment plans, although this is not guaranteed. Inquire directly with the lot.
• Sign the vehicle over to the impound lot: As a last resort, you may be able to sign the vehicle's title 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 quickly, making the situation worse.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning the vehicle can lead to further legal consequences and negatively impact your credit.

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 (especially if there was an accident), it may be held longer by the police.

• Get release authorization first: Contact your attorney or the Lauderdale County District Attorney's office to obtain written authorization for the vehicle's release. The impound lot will likely require this before releasing the car.

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 the vehicle, regardless of your DUI situation.

• They'll need proof of ownership: The registered owner will need to present their driver's license and proof of ownership (vehicle title or registration).

After Retrieval

Once you've retrieved your vehicle, take these important 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 evidence.
• Report damage to the impound lot manager: Immediately report any damage to the impound lot manager and obtain a written record of your report. This is crucial for filing a claim if necessary.

Lauderdale Impound Lot Locations

[This section will be populated with data as it becomes available. Check back later for a detailed list of impound lot locations in Lauderdale.]

While we don't currently have a detailed list of impound lot locations, remember to contact the Lauderdale County Police Department or Sheriff's Office to determine where your vehicle is located. Good luck!