El Paso County Vehicle Impound Guide
Impound Cost Calculator — El Paso County, Texas
Calculate how much it will cost to retrieve your vehicle from United Road Vehicle Management Solutions (URVMS).
*Estimated fees shown. Actual fees in El Paso County may vary. Contact the impound lot directly for exact costs.
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The First 48 Hours Are Critical
After a arrest in El Paso 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 El Paso 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
Impound Lot Details
United Road Vehicle Management Solutions (URVMS)
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 magistrate court in El Paso County operates within the Downtown Detention Facility. Texas law requires an appearance before the magistrate without "unnecessary delay," typically within 24 to 48 hours of arrest. This guide outlines vehicle impound procedures specific to El Paso County, Texas, following a DWI arrest.
Vehicle Impound in El Paso County: Understanding the Process
Following a DWI arrest in El Paso County, your vehicle will be impounded. The impound location depends on the arresting agency. This "bifurcation" can be a source of confusion.
El Paso Police Department (EPPD) Arrests: If arrested by EPPD within city limits, your vehicle will be taken to United Road Vehicle Management Solutions (URVMS) at 11615 Railroad Drive, El Paso, Texas 79934. This facility is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and can be reached at (915) 212-0205. They accept cash, Visa, MasterCard, and Discover (note the 1.98% government fee on credit card transactions).
El Paso County Sheriff’s Office (EPCSO) Arrests: Arrests by deputies outside city limits or on county roads lead to the Sheriff's Impound / Abandoned Motor Vehicle (AMV) Section. Contact them at (915) 538-2009 or (915) 546-2280. Their hours of operation are Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. This difference in hours creates a potential "weekend trap." If arrested on a Friday evening by the Sheriff's Office, you won't be able to retrieve your vehicle until Monday morning, incurring additional storage fees.
Avoiding the "Notification Fee Cliff"
A critical point to remember is the Notification Fee ($50). Vehicle storage facilities must notify registered owners and lienholders via certified mail, usually 24-48 hours post-impoundment. Recovering your vehicle before this letter is generated can save you this fee.
The "Midnight Rule" and Storage Fees
A daily storage fee applies for any part of a day the vehicle is on the lot, with a "day" officially starting and ending at midnight. If your vehicle is impounded late at night (e.g., 11:30 PM) and retrieved early the next morning (e.g., 8:00 AM), the impound lot may attempt to charge for two days of storage. However, regulations often state that a daily storage fee cannot be charged for more than one day if the vehicle remains at the VSF for less than 12 hours. If this applies, cite this rule to the attendant.
Required Documents for Vehicle Release
Be prepared with the necessary documentation:
- Proof of Ownership: Valid Title or Registration. Note that the registration is often in the glovebox of the impounded vehicle. Immediately inform the lot attendant if this is the case; they will typically escort you to the vehicle to retrieve it before you process payment.
- Valid Photo ID: Driver’s License or State ID. If your driver's license was seized during the DWI arrest, use an alternative government ID (Passport, State ID card) or the temporary driving permit issued by the police, confirming it's accepted by the lot.
- Proof of Insurance: Must be valid and list the vehicle being recovered.
Vehicle "Holds"
Before heading to the impound lot, verify the vehicle status. Call (915) 212-0205 (URVMS) or the Sheriff's office to ensure there is no "hold" on the vehicle preventing its release.
You can contact United Road Vehicle Management Solutions (URVMS) at 11615 Railroad Drive, El Paso, Texas 79934.
Sources
Texas Transportation Code
El Paso County Towing Regulations
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
Nearby Texas Counties
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