Rutherford County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Rutherford

A DUI arrest is stressful enough, but the added complication of having your vehicle impounded can feel overwhelming. This guide provides immediate, practical information to help you retrieve your car quickly and efficiently after a DUI arrest in Rutherford County, Tennessee. We understand this is a difficult time, and we're here to help you navigate the process.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

After a DUI arrest in Rutherford County, your vehicle is typically impounded for several reasons. These include:

• Public Safety: Removing potentially impaired drivers from the road.
• Preventing Further Offenses: Impounding the vehicle prevents you from driving it again while intoxicated.
• Evidence: In some cases, the vehicle itself might be considered evidence in your DUI case.

Regardless of the reason, understanding the process of retrieving your vehicle is crucial to minimize expenses and potential complications.

Where Is Your Car?

The first step is locating your vehicle. It's likely at an official impound lot within Rutherford County.

Official Impound Lots in Rutherford

Unfortunately, we don't currently have a list of specific impound lots in Rutherford County. (We're working on it!) However, you can quickly locate your vehicle using the steps below.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call Rutherford Police/Sheriff: The quickest way to find your vehicle is to contact the Rutherford County Police Department or the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office. They will have records of where your vehicle was towed.
• Rutherford County Police Department:
• Rutherford County Sheriff's Office:
• Reference Your Case Number: When you call, be prepared to provide your case number (if you have it), your name, date of birth, and a description of your vehicle (make, model, color).
• Most Vehicles Towed Within 24 Hours of Arrest: Your vehicle is usually towed to an impound lot within 24 hours of your arrest.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you've located your vehicle, gather the necessary documents for retrieval.

Required Documents

• Valid Driver's License: You (or the person retrieving the vehicle) must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle Registration: You need the vehicle's current registration.
• Proof of Insurance: You must provide proof of current insurance coverage for the vehicle.
• Cash or Credit Card for Fees: Be prepared to pay the towing and storage fees. Contact the impound lot beforehand to confirm their accepted payment methods.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you can still retrieve your vehicle, but you'll need someone else to do it for you.

• Have Someone Else Pick It Up: A licensed driver can retrieve the vehicle on your behalf.
• They Need:
• Their valid driver's license
• A signed authorization letter from you allowing them to retrieve the vehicle.
• The vehicle's title or registration in your name.

Costs & Fees in Rutherford

The costs associated with impounding your vehicle can add up quickly, so understanding them is essential.

Typical Fees (Estimates Only - Confirm with Impound Lot)

• Towing Fee: $150 - $300 (depending on distance and vehicle type)
• Daily Storage: $20 - $50 per day
• Administrative Fees: $[15-50] (These vary)
• Release Fee: $[25-75] (This also varies)

IMPORTANT: These are estimates only. Contact the specific impound lot holding your vehicle to get exact fee amounts. Fees accumulate daily, so the longer you wait, the more expensive it will be.

Payment Methods

[Unfortunately, we don't have payment method data for Rutherford impound lots yet. Call the impound lot directly to confirm what forms of payment they accept (cash, credit card, debit card, etc.)]

Timeline

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

Within 24 Hours

Ideally, retrieve your car within 24 hours of the tow to minimize daily storage fees.

After 30 Days

In Tennessee, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for a certain period (typically around 30 days), the impound lot may have 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

Facing a DUI arrest can put a strain on your finances. If you're struggling to afford the impound fees, consider these options:

Options

• Borrow from Family/Friends: This is often the quickest and easiest solution.
• Payment Plans: Some impound lots may offer payment plans, but this is not guaranteed. Inquire directly with the impound lot.
• Sign Vehicle Over to Impound Lot: As a last resort, you can sign the vehicle's title over to the impound lot. This will relieve you of the debt but means you will lose your car.

What NOT to Do

• Don't Wait: Fees add up extremely quickly. Procrastination will only make the situation worse.
• Don't Abandon the Vehicle: Abandoning a 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 car as evidence in your DUI case, it may be held longer than usual. You'll need to obtain a release authorization from the investigating officer or the court before the impound lot can release it.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

If the car 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 situation. They will need to provide proof of ownership (title or registration).

After Retrieval

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

Check Your Vehicle

Thoroughly inspect your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.

Document Any Damage Immediately

If you find any damage, document it immediately by taking photos and videos.

Report Damage to Impound Lot Manager

Report the damage to the impound lot manager as soon as possible. Get a written record of your report. This documentation may be necessary for filing a claim later.

Rutherford Impound Lot Locations

[We are working to compile a complete list of impound lot locations in Rutherford County. Please check back soon!]

We hope this guide has been helpful. Remember to act quickly to minimize fees and protect your vehicle. Good luck!