Moore County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Moore

Being arrested for DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in Moore, Tennessee (TN) is a stressful experience. One of the first things you're likely worried about is getting your car back. This guide provides immediate, practical steps to help you navigate the vehicle impound process in Moore. We understand this is a difficult time, and we're here to help you through it.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for DUI in Tennessee, police often impound your vehicle. This is standard procedure and is done for several reasons, including:

• Public Safety: Preventing you from driving under the influence again immediately after your arrest.
• Evidence Preservation: If there's evidence related to the DUI inside the vehicle.
• Liability: Protecting the police department and towing companies from liability.

Understanding why your car was impounded is the first step in getting it back. The good news is, with the right information and a bit of effort, you can usually retrieve your vehicle relatively quickly.

Where Is Your Car?

Locating your car is the first crucial step. Time is of the essence, as storage fees accumulate daily.

Official Impound Lots in Moore

Unfortunately, Moore, TN, being an unincorporated area with no official population, doesn't have designated impound lots within its boundaries. Your vehicle was most likely towed to an impound lot in a neighboring town or county. We're actively working to compile a list of common impound locations used by Moore County law enforcement. Check back soon for a more comprehensive list.

How to Find Your Vehicle

Since there's no central database in Moore, you'll need to contact the authorities directly.

• Call Moore Police/Sheriff: Contact the Moore County Sheriff's Department to inquire about the location of your vehicle. You can likely reach them through the Lincoln County Sheriff's Department, as they often handle law enforcement in Moore County: ****.
• Reference your case number: Have your arrest paperwork handy. The case number will help them locate your vehicle quickly.
• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: The towing company typically removes the vehicle within hours of the arrest. If you act quickly, you can minimize storage fees.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Before heading to the impound lot, gather the necessary documents to avoid delays and further complications.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license (or someone with valid license): The person retrieving the vehicle must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration: Proof that you (or the person authorized) own the vehicle.
• Proof of insurance: Current insurance policy for the vehicle.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Impound lots typically accept cash or major credit cards. Contact the specific lot beforehand to confirm accepted payment methods.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended 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.
• They need:
• Their valid driver's license.
• Authorization from you (a signed letter stating they are authorized to pick up the vehicle on your behalf).
• Vehicle title or registration (to prove ownership).

Costs & Fees in Moore

Understanding the costs associated with vehicle impound is crucial to avoid surprises and plan accordingly.

Typical Fees

• Towing fee: $150-300 (This can vary depending on the distance towed and the type of vehicle.)
• Daily storage: $20-50 per day (This is the most significant cost driver, so act fast!)
• Administrative fees: $25-75 (These cover the impound lot's paperwork and processing.)
• Release fee: $50-100 (A one-time fee charged upon release of the vehicle.)

IMPORTANT: Fees accumulate daily. The longer you wait, the more expensive it becomes to retrieve your car.

Payment Methods

We are working to gather payment information for the impound lots commonly used in Moore County. Typically, they accept cash and major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover). It's always a good idea to call the impound lot beforehand to confirm their accepted payment methods.

Timeline

Understanding the timeline is critical to avoid losing your vehicle.

Within 24 Hours

Getting your car within the first 24 hours is the best way to minimize storage fees. This is the most cost-effective approach.

After 30 Days

In Tennessee, if a 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. Don't let this happen!

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you're struggling to afford the impound fees, explore the following options.

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: This is often the quickest and easiest solution.
• Payment plans (some lots offer this): Ask the impound lot if they offer payment plans. 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 can sign the title over to the impound lot. This avoids accumulating further debt, but you will lose ownership of the vehicle.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait - fees add up fast: Procrastination will only make the situation worse.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning the vehicle can lead to additional fines and legal complications.

Special Situations

Certain situations may require additional steps or considerations.

If Your Car Was Evidence

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

• May be held longer by police: Contact your attorney to determine when the vehicle will be released.
• Get release authorization first: You'll likely need written authorization from the police department 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, 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 will need to provide proof of ownership (title or registration) and their valid driver's license.
• They'll need proof of ownership: Title or registration in their name.

After Retrieval

Once you've retrieved your vehicle, take the following steps:

Check Your Vehicle

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

Moore Impound Lot Locations

[Note: As mentioned above, Moore itself has no impound lots. We are researching the most commonly used lots in neighboring areas and will update this section with addresses, phone numbers, and map references as soon as possible. Please check back frequently for updates.]

This guide provides a starting point for retrieving your vehicle after a DUI arrest in Moore, TN. Remember to act quickly, gather the necessary documents, and contact the relevant authorities for specific information regarding your situation. Good luck.