Bowie County Vehicle Impound Guide
Impound Cost Calculator — Bowie County, Texas
Calculate how much it will cost to retrieve your vehicle from the impound lot.
*Estimated fees shown. Actual fees in Bowie County may vary. Contact the impound lot directly for exact costs.
Select a pickup date to
see cost estimate
The First 48 Hours Are Critical
After a arrest in Bowie County, your vehicle is likely towed to an impound lot. Storage fees accumulate daily, making time your biggest enemy.
What Happens Immediately After Arrest
- 1
Vehicle is towed (usually within 30 minutes of arrest)
- 2
Tow company notifies impound lot (charges start immediately)
- 3
Storage fees begin accruing daily in Bowie County
- 4
Administrative fees added (varies by lot)
Documents You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle
- Valid photo ID (driver's license or state ID)
- Vehicle registration or title
- Proof of insurance
- Payment for all fees (see calculator above)
- Release authorization (if not the registered owner)
Can Someone Else Pick Up My Car?
Yes, but they'll need:
- • Written authorization from the registered owner
- • Copy of owner's ID
- • Their own valid ID
- • Proof of insurance in their name or the owner's name
Find Impound Lots in Bowie County
Call Before You Go
Verify your vehicle is at this lot and confirm the exact amount owed before making the trip. Hours and fees may change without notice.
The Impound “Poverty Trap”
Many people can't afford to get their car out immediately, but waiting only makes it worse.
Here's the vicious cycle:
Can't afford the first 3 days of storage + admin fees
Wait a week to save money → fees double
Can't get to work without car → lose income
Wait 2 weeks → fees triple or quadruple
After 30 days → Car may be auctioned by the lot
What You Can Do
- • Borrow money from family/friends (pay them back later, cheaper than daily fees)
- • Use a credit card (even with interest, cheaper than impound fees)
- • Sell non-essential items quickly
- • Ask your employer for an advance
- • Check if your auto insurance covers towing/storage (some policies do)
The Bi-State Justice Center, located at 100 North State Line Avenue, is the epicenter of DWI processing in Bowie County, Texas. This unique facility houses the courts, jails, and police departments of both Bowie County (Texas) and Miller County (Arkansas).
Vehicle Impound After a DWI in Bowie County, Texas
If you're arrested for DWI in Bowie County, understanding the vehicle impound process is crucial. Your vehicle's fate depends heavily on which law enforcement agency makes the arrest, and whether or not you can provide proof of insurance.
TTPD vs. BCSO/DPS Towing Procedures
The Texarkana Texas Police Department (TTPD) and the Bowie County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), along with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), follow different towing procedures. Understanding these differences can significantly impact the cost and logistics of retrieving your vehicle. The TTPD utilizes a "Contract Wrecker" system where specific towing companies are awarded exclusive rights to handle non-consent tows resulting from police action. In contrast, the BCSO and DPS typically operate on a rotation list pursuant to Texas Occupations Code Section 2308.209.
"No Insurance" Impound in Texarkana, Texas
Texarkana, Texas has an aggressive stance on uninsured motorists. If you cannot provide proof of financial responsibility during a DWI stop in Texarkana, your vehicle will be immediately towed and impounded, regardless of whether a sober passenger is present who could otherwise take possession.
Locating Your Vehicle
If the TTPD impounded your vehicle, it's likely at a specific facility under contract with the city. Contacting the TTPD should provide the location. However, if the BCSO or DPS was involved, your vehicle could be at any one of a dozen local operators' lots. In this case, contact the Sheriff’s non-emergency line at 903-628-6871 or use the "Dispatch and Tracking Solutions" (DTS) online portal if available.
Obtaining a Vehicle Release Form
Before you can retrieve your vehicle, you'll need a Vehicle Release Form from the impounding agency (TTPD or BCSO). This requires a visit to the Records Division at the Bi-State Justice Center (100 N. State Line Ave) or the specific police station. Records offices typically operate Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
Required Documentation for Vehicle Release
The impound lot will require specific documents for release:
- Proof of Ownership: A title or current registration receipt.
- Valid Photo ID: A state-issued driver's license or ID card. Note that if your physical driver's license was seized, some impound lots may be hesitant to accept the paper DIC-25 permit without a secondary form of identification.
- Proof of Insurance: Current financial responsibility must be shown.
The Clock is Ticking: Storage Fees and Abandonment
Once towed, storage fees begin to accrue. The Vehicle Storage Facility (VSF) must send a notice to the registered owner within 5 days (if registered in Texas) or 14 days (if out of state). If the vehicle is not claimed within 10 days of the first notice, it can be processed as abandoned.
Auction Outcome
Unclaimed vehicles are eventually sold at public auction. Bowie County and TTPD impounds frequently appear on digital auction platforms such as SCA Auctions and A Better Bid.
To inquire about a release form, contact the Records Division at the Bi-State Justice Center at 100 N. State Line Ave during business hours.
Sources
Texas Transportation Code
Bowie County Towing Regulations
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
24/7 Legal Support
Need a Attorney in Bowie County?
Get connected with experienced attorneys who know Bowie County courts and can fight for the best outcome.