Fort Bend County Vehicle Impound Guide
Impound Cost Calculator — Fort Bend County, Texas
Calculate how much it will cost to retrieve your vehicle from the impound lot.
*Estimated fees shown. Actual fees in Fort Bend 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 Fort Bend 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 Fort Bend 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 Fort Bend 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 maximum allowable fee for a standard non-consent tow in Fort Bend County is set at $175.00.
Vehicle Impound After a DUI Arrest in Fort Bend County: A Guide
If you've been arrested for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) in Fort Bend County, Texas, your vehicle was likely impounded. Navigating the impound process can be confusing and costly. This guide provides essential information to help you retrieve your vehicle as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Towing and Storage
When you are arrested for DWI, the officer will use the Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office (FBCSO) or the local police department’s Tow Rotation List to select a towing company. This means you don't get to choose where your car is towed. Prominent vendors include A&M Wrecker Service and Clasen Enterprises. It's important to know that vehicles towed via non-consent order must be stored at a Vehicle Storage Facility (VSF) located within the specific zone where the tow originated. This regulation can result in the vehicle being stored in a location significantly removed from the central jail in Richmond.
Fees You Can Expect to Pay
Besides the base tow fee of $175.00, you might encounter additional charges:
- Winching Fee: If your vehicle required winching (e.g., from a ditch), an additional $105.00 fee is permitted.
- Impoundment Fee: An administrative intake fee of approximately $20.00 covers the vehicle's intake.
- Daily Storage Fee: The standard daily storage rate is $22.85 for vehicles under 25 feet.
- Notification Fee: A significant fee to watch out for is the $50.00 notification fee. VSFs can charge this for sending certified letters to registered owners and lienholders if the vehicle is not claimed within 24 hours (for vehicles registered in Texas).
The 12-Hour Rule
A crucial detail to remember is the "12-hour rule" regarding storage fees. If your vehicle is on the lot for fewer than 12 hours, even if that period spans two calendar days, the VSF can only charge for one day of storage. For example, if your car arrived at 11:00 PM and you retrieve it at 8:00 AM the next day, you should only be charged for one day of storage. VSF operators may not always volunteer this information, so be sure to ask.
Release Hours and Potential Delays
Many lots in the Richmond/Rosenberg area operate standard business hours (8 AM - 5 PM). While they must offer after-hours release, this often incurs an additional fee or requires a specific appointment.
Required Documents
VSFs require a valid government-issued ID and proof of ownership to release your vehicle. If your driver's license was confiscated, present the Temporary Driving Permit (DIC-25 form) issued by the officer. Be prepared to provide vehicle registration as well.
Payment
Regulations mandate acceptance of electronic payments. However, some smaller operators may prioritize cash or exact change, with "credit card machine down" being a common excuse.
Key Vendors
- A&M Wrecker Service: Located in Richmond.
- Clasen Enterprises: A long-standing operator in Richmond, operating since 1990.
To start the impound-release process, contact the arresting agency to confirm where your vehicle is being held. Then contact the VSF to confirm hours, acceptable payment methods, and required documentation. Clasen Enterprises operates at 9914 FM 361 Rd, Richmond.
Sources
Texas Transportation Code
Fort Bend County Towing Regulations
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
Nearby Texas Counties
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