Austin County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Austin

Being arrested for a DUI in Austin, Texas is stressful. One of the immediate concerns is often: what happens to my car? This guide provides the practical information you need to retrieve your vehicle quickly and efficiently. Time is of the essence, as storage fees accumulate daily.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

After a DUI arrest in Austin, your vehicle is typically impounded. This is standard procedure for a few key reasons:

• Public Safety: To prevent you from driving under the influence again.
• Evidence: The vehicle may be held as evidence in your DUI case (though this is less common than simple impoundment).
• Liability: The Austin Police Department or Travis County Sheriff's Office doesn't want to be liable for the vehicle if left unattended.

Where Is Your Car?

Finding out where your car has been towed is the first crucial step. It's usually taken to an official impound lot contracted by the City of Austin or Travis County.

Official Impound Lots in Austin

[Note: Since the database is unavailable, list placeholder information. Replace with actual data when available.]

• Austin Impound Lot A: 123 Main Street, Austin, TX. Phone: (512) 555-1212. Hours: Mon-Fri 8 AM - 6 PM, Sat 9 AM - 1 PM.
• Travis County Impound Lot B: 456 Oak Avenue, Austin, TX. Phone: (512) 555-3434. Hours: 24/7.
• Central Austin Towing: 789 Pine Lane, Austin, TX. Phone: (512) 555-5656. Hours: Mon-Fri 7 AM - 7 PM, Sun 10 AM - 2 PM.

Important: These are examples. Use the correct impound lot information when available.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call Austin Police/Sheriff: If you're unsure where your vehicle was towed, contact the Austin Police Department or the Travis County Sheriff's Office.
• Austin Police Non-Emergency: (512) 974-2000
• Travis County Sheriff's Office: (512) 854-9770
• Reference your case number: Have your arrest information or case number ready to provide. This will help them locate your vehicle's impound location quickly.
• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: Generally, your vehicle will be towed to an impound lot within 24 hours of your DUI arrest.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Be prepared with the necessary documents to avoid delays and ensure a smooth retrieval process.

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: Proof that the vehicle is currently registered.
• Proof of insurance: Current insurance policy for the vehicle.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Impound lots typically accept cash and major credit cards. Confirm accepted payment methods with the specific lot beforehand.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended or you don't have a valid license for any reason, you have options:

• Have someone else pick it up: A friend or family member with a valid license can retrieve the vehicle for you.
• They need:
• Their valid driver's license.
• A signed authorization letter from you, granting them permission to pick up the vehicle on your behalf.
• A copy of the vehicle title or registration to prove ownership.

Costs & Fees in Austin

Understanding the associated costs is crucial to planning your vehicle retrieval. These fees can add up quickly, so act fast.

Typical Fees

• Towing fee: $150 - $300 (depending on distance and vehicle size)
• Daily storage: $20 - $50 per day
• Administrative fees: $25 - $75
• Release fee: $25

IMPORTANT: These are estimates. Contact the specific impound lot to confirm their exact fee schedule. Fees accumulate daily, making prompt retrieval essential.

Payment Methods

[Note: Replace with actual data from impound lots when available.]

Impound lots in Austin typically accept:

• Cash
• Credit Cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express)
• Some may accept debit cards. Confirm with the specific lot.

Timeline

Acting quickly is paramount to minimizing costs.

Within 24 Hours

Aim to retrieve your vehicle within 24 hours of impoundment to avoid multiple days of storage fees.

After 30 Days

If the vehicle remains unclaimed for 30 days or more, 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 vehicle permanently.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Facing financial hardship after a DUI arrest is common. Here are some options to consider:

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: This is often the quickest and easiest solution.
• Payment plans (some lots offer this): Inquire with the impound lot about payment plan options. Some may allow you to pay the fees in installments.
• Sign vehicle over to impound lot (avoid debt but lose car): As a last resort, you can sign the vehicle title over to the impound lot to cover the outstanding fees. This avoids accruing further debt, but you will lose ownership of your vehicle.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait: Fees add up exponentially. Delaying retrieval only makes the situation worse.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning your vehicle is illegal and can result in further fines and legal consequences.

Special Situations

Certain circumstances can complicate the retrieval process.

If Your Car Was Evidence

If the police are holding your vehicle as evidence in your DUI case, it may be held for a longer period. You'll need to obtain a release authorization from the Austin Police Department or the Travis County District Attorney's office before you can retrieve it. Contact your attorney for assistance with this process.

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 arrest. They will need to provide proof of ownership (title or registration) and their valid driver's license.

After Retrieval

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

Check Your Vehicle

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

Document Any Damage Immediately

Take detailed photos of any dents, scratches, or other damage.

Report Damage to Impound Lot Manager

Immediately report any damage to the impound lot manager and file a written claim. Keep a copy of the claim for your records. This will be important if you need to pursue compensation for the damage.

Austin Impound Lot Locations

[Note: Replace with actual data from impound lots when available. Include addresses, phone numbers, hours of operation, and ideally, map links.]

• Austin Impound Lot A: 123 Main Street, Austin, TX. Phone: (512) 555-1212. Hours: Mon-Fri 8 AM - 6 PM, Sat 9 AM - 1 PM. [Map Link: Placeholder]
• Travis County Impound Lot B: 456 Oak Avenue, Austin, TX. Phone: (512) 555-3434. Hours: 24/7. [Map Link: Placeholder]
• Central Austin Towing: 789 Pine Lane, Austin, TX. Phone: (512) 555-5656. Hours: Mon-Fri 7 AM - 7 PM, Sun 10 AM - 2 PM. [Map Link: Placeholder]

Disclaimer: This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult with an attorney to discuss your specific situation and legal options following a DUI arrest in Austin, Texas.