A DWI arrest can feel overwhelming. One minute you’re driving home, and the next you’re dealing with flashing lights, questions from police, and uncertainty about what comes next. For many Texans, one of the biggest worries after the arrest is simple: What happens to your car?
If you’ve been arrested for a DWI, you can reach out for immediate help. Contact us right now through our online form or call (713) 364-9913. Guy L. Womack & Associates, P.C. is ready to help guide you through the next steps.
Why Your Car Is Taken After a DWI Arrest
In most DWI situations, the police will not let you drive home after you are arrested. Instead, your car is usually towed and taken to an impound lot. This is mainly for safety. Once you are taken into custody, you cannot move your car on your own, so officers have it removed from the scene.
Here’s what usually happens on the day of the arrest:
- Police call a towing company they work with
- The tow truck transports your car to a nearby impound facility
- The impound lot holds the vehicle until you or someone you authorize picks it up
Your car is not being taken forever. However, you will need to take action to recover it.
Where Your Car Goes After the Arrest
Your vehicle is almost always taken to a private impound lot, sometimes called a “vehicle storage facility.” These businesses store cars for cities, counties, and police agencies. They charge daily storage fees and towing charges.
Common things to expect:
- You will receive information about where your car is stored
- You may need a photo ID to retrieve it
- You might need to bring proof of insurance or vehicle ownership
If you were arrested far from home, the impound facility might also be outside your local area. Picking up the car may require time and planning.
How to Get Your Car Out of Impound
Getting your car back after a DWI arrest is usually straightforward, but you must follow the facility’s rules. These rules can vary by location.
Steps to retrieve your car
- Find out where your car is stored.
Police usually provide you with an impound slip; however, you may need to contact the agency that made the arrest directly.
- Bring the required documents.
Most places want:
A valid ID
Car registration
Proof of insurance
- Pay the towing and storage fees.
The longer your car sits in impound, the more the fees increase.
- Check the car before leaving.
Make sure nothing is missing or damaged. If something is wrong, ask about the facility’s complaint procedures.
If you were charged with DWI and someone else was with you, that person may be allowed to pick up the car sooner. You can also give written permission to a friend or family member to pick up the car on your behalf.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Your Car Back?
Texas law allows towing companies and impound lots to charge for their services. Costs vary by city and towing company, but you can expect:
- Towing fees
- Daily storage charges
- Administrative fees
For many people, the total cost can feel like a financial burden—especially when dealing with court dates, bail, and other expenses. This is why it’s crucial to pick up the car as soon as possible.
Will Police Search Your Car?
Officers may search your car after a DWI arrest. These searches can happen for several reasons, including safety, evidence collection, or standard procedures when a vehicle is being impounded.
What to keep in mind:
- If police find items that raise legal concerns, it may impact the case
- The law limits how and when searches can be done
- Your attorney may challenge an unlawful search
If you have questions about a search or believe the search was not handled correctly, speak with a defense attorney right away. You can learn more about your rights by visiting our page on hiring a Houston DWI lawyer.
Can Your Car Be Taken Away Permanently?
In typical DWI cases, no—your car is not taken away permanently. You can pick it up once the fees are paid.
However, there are rare situations involving repeat offenses or cases linked to other criminal charges where the law may permit the police or the state to hold the vehicle for a longer period. This is not a common occurrence and depends on the specific circumstances.
If you’re unsure whether your car might be held, ask your attorney for guidance.
What If Someone Else Owns the Vehicle?
Many Texans drive cars they do not own, such as:
- A parent’s car
- A spouse’s car
- A rental
- A company vehicle
In most cases, the legal owner can retrieve the car as soon as they provide proof of ownership and pay the related fees. If the vehicle belongs to a business, the company’s policies may require specific paperwork before the car is released.
What If Your Car Was Damaged While Being Towed or Stored?
Impound lots must protect your vehicle while it is stored, but damage can still happen. If your car is scratched, dented, or missing items, you may have the right to file a complaint.
Steps you can take:
- Inspect the car carefully before driving away
- Take photos or videos of any damage
- Ask the impound lot for their complaint or claims process
- Contact your insurance company to see if coverage applies
An attorney can also help you understand what options you may have.
What If You Cannot Afford the Fees?
For some people, the costs of towing and daily storage add up quickly. If you cannot pay the full amount right away, consider:
- Asking the facility whether they allow payment plans
- Checking whether a family member can retrieve the car for you
- Discussing your situation with your attorney
Leaving the car in storage too long can lead to even higher fees or, eventually, the car being sold by the storage company. Acting quickly is essential.
Why Acting Fast Helps Your Defense
Retrieving your car is only one part of what happens after a DWI arrest. You also have deadlines related to:
- Your driver’s license
- Your court dates
- Any required hearings
Waiting too long to get advice can make the situation more challenging. An attorney can guide you through the legal process, explain your rights, and advise on the steps you should take immediately.
Houston DWI Attorney
If you’re dealing with a DWI, you don’t have to figure everything out alone. Your future, your license, and your freedom matter. What you do next can make a difference.
Reach out to Guy L. Womack & Associates, P.C. by calling (713) 364-9913 or contacting us through our online form.
We can help you understand what comes next—both with your vehicle and your case—and guide you through every step.