Nueces County Vehicle Impound Guide
Impound Cost Calculator — Nueces County, Texas
Calculate how much it will cost to retrieve your vehicle from Corpus Christi Police Department (CCPD) Impound Facility.
*Estimated fees shown. Actual fees in Nueces 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 Nueces 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 at $22.85/day in Nueces 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
Corpus Christi Police Department (CCPD) Impound Facility
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 Corpus Christi Police Department (CCPD) impound facility is located at 5485 Greenwood Drive, Corpus Christi, TX 78417. This is where vehicles seized during DWI arrests by the CCPD are typically stored.
Retrieving Your Vehicle from the CCPD Impound
Getting your vehicle back after a DWI arrest in Nueces County involves understanding the CCPD Impound's specific procedures and potential challenges.
Location and Hours
The CCPD Vehicle Impound Lot is located at 5485 Greenwood Drive, Corpus Christi, TX 78417. The listed operating hours are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Keep in mind that arriving even a few minutes after 5:00 PM often results in being turned away until the next business day, incurring an additional day of storage fees. It's also wise to avoid the 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM window due to potential lunch breaks or shift changes.
Fees
Be prepared for several costs associated with retrieving your vehicle. The daily storage fee at the CCPD Impound is $22.85. There is also a $40 administrative processing fee.
Payment Methods
Cash is the most reliable form of payment at the CCPD Impound. While Texas law mandates that Vehicle Storage Facilities (VSFs) accept electronic payments, "system down" excuses are common. Money orders may be accepted, but only for the precise amount owed. Personal checks are not accepted. It is best to treat the CCPD impound as a "cash-only economy."
Required Documents
To retrieve your vehicle, you'll need the following documents:
- Valid Government-Issued Photo ID (Driver's License, Passport, Military ID)
- Proof of Insurance (explicitly listing the vehicle's VIN)
- Valid Vehicle Registration or One Trip Permit receipt (if registration is expired)
- If someone else is picking up the vehicle on your behalf, they will need a Notarized Letter of Authorization signed by the registered owner, along with a photocopy of the owner’s driver’s license or ID.
Important Considerations
- Strict Closure: The impound lot has a strict 5:00 PM closure. Arriving after this time often results in denial of service until the following morning, incurring an additional day of storage fees.
- Cash is King: Be prepared to pay with cash, as credit/debit card acceptance is unreliable.
- Expired Registration: If your vehicle registration is expired, you'll need to purchase a "One Trip Permit" from the Nueces County Tax Assessor-Collector and bring the receipt back to the impound lot.
The CCPD Vehicle Impound Lot is located at 5485 Greenwood Drive, Corpus Christi, TX 78417.
Sources
Texas Transportation Code
Nueces County Towing Regulations
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
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