Maryland DUI Lawyer. Montgomery County DUI Lawyer. Prince George's County DUI Lawyer. DWI Attorney. DUI Attorney. Frederick DUI Lawyer. Anne Arundel DUI Lawyer.

Award Winning DUI Attorney

Trial lawyers fighting for dismissals and acquitals (not guilty) in every case we handle.

FREE CONSULTATION Maryland DUI towing + impound steps

Car back after a DUI? How to get a car back after a DUI in Maryland

“How do I get my car back after a DUI?” is one of the most stressful questions clients ask after an arrest. The answer depends on the arresting agency, whether a release form is required, and how you legally move the vehicle once it’s released. Below are the steps to get your car back after a DUI — and (less commonly) the steps to get your car back after a DWI — with Maryland-specific details.

Call 240-992-4733 Text for a FREE case review
TL;DR Locate the vehicle Release form Tow yard pickup Checklist FAQ

Car back after a DUI? TL;DR: steps to get your car back after a DUI (and DWI)

Answer:
  1. Locate the tow destination (tow slip, charging docs, or the arresting agency).
  2. Confirm if you need a vehicle release form (many jurisdictions require one before the lot releases the car).
  3. Bring ID + proof of ownership (passport/state ID is safest; DR-15A can help).
  4. Bring a licensed driver or arrange a second tow (you may be suspended and you may be within the 12-hour rule window).
  5. Pay towing + storage fees at the lot (separate from any police administrative release fee).

If you want help beyond “car back after a DUI?” (MVA hearing timing, interlock strategy, suppression issues), request a FREE consultation or FREE case review. See: MVA hearing guide · Ignition interlock overview · Field sobriety tests.

Car back after a DUI? Step 1: How do I get my car back after a DUI if I don’t know where it is?

These are the steps to get your car back after a DUI when the vehicle was not left legally parked: the police typically ordered a tow to a municipal impound lot or a private tow yard under contract. The same process applies if you’re trying to get your car back after a DWI — but most people searching this are dealing with a DUI.

1) Check the paperwork first
Tow slip, charging documents, or booking property inventory often lists the tow company and lot address.
2) Call the arresting agency (non-emergency)
Ask: “Where was my vehicle towed and do I need a release form before the tow yard will release it?”

Car back after a DUI: agency quick lookup in Maryland

  • Montgomery County (DUI/DWI tows): Police non-emergency 301-279-8000.
  • Prince George’s County (DUI/DWI tows): Non-emergency dispatch 301-352-1200; towed/impounded vehicle information 301-516-9777.
  • Maryland State Police (DUI/DWI tows): Call the specific barrack that handled the arrest (example: Rockville, College Park, etc.).

Car back after a DUI: online lookup tools that can save time

  • Baltimore City: “Find Vehicle” portal via the City towing page.
  • Anne Arundel County (often): Police-initiated tows frequently run through Autura (AutoReturn).
Pro move: If your registration is inside the car, ask the tow yard what their process is for retrieving documents from inside the vehicle. Don’t assume they’ll let you in without proof of ownership.

Helpful public resources:
• Montgomery “Make the Right Call”
• Prince George’s non-emergency + towing info line
• Baltimore City towing + find vehicle
• Anne Arundel towing info
• MSP Rockville Barrack contact

Car back after a DUI? Step 2: Do I need a release form to get a car back after a DUI?

Often, yes. Many Maryland jurisdictions require the owner to obtain a Vehicle Release Form from the police station before the tow yard releases the car. That’s a common “gotcha” when someone is trying to get my car back after a DUI quickly.

What you usually need at the station

  • Proof of ownership: title or valid registration.
  • ID: passport, state ID, military ID, or temporary license DR-15A (some tow yards still demand photo ID).
  • Administrative fee: sometimes $50–$75 (varies by jurisdiction).
Quick answer: If your driver’s license was confiscated, you can still get your car back after a DUI, but you must bring an alternative ID and you should confirm the tow yard’s policy before you go. (Same concept if you’re trying to get your car back after a DWI.)

Car back after a DUI? Step 3: Steps to get your car back after a DWI or DUI from the tow yard

Once you have the release form (if required), the tow yard is the final gate. Expect separate charges: tow fee + daily storage fees. This is where delays get expensive.

Payment + logistics

  • Payment method varies: cash, credit card, or money order (call first).
  • Receipts matter: keep them for any reimbursement/insurance follow-up.
  • Go ready: paperwork + payment + release form (if required) prevents a wasted trip.

Who can drive (why “car back after a DUI” isn’t the same as “drive away”)

Do not plan to drive the car off the lot yourself.
After a Maryland DUI/DWI arrest your license may be confiscated/suspended. Maryland law also prohibits driving for 12 hours after the arrest (Md. Transp. § 21-902.1). Most tow yards will not release the car to you within that window anyway. Bring a licensed driver or have the vehicle towed to your home.

12-hour rule reference: Md. Transp. § 21-902.1

Car back after a DUI? Maryland checklist to get your car back after a DUI (or DWI)

ItemRequirement
Identification Passport, state ID, military ID, or DR-15A temporary license (tow yards may still require photo ID).
Ownership Registration or title (you may need a plan if it’s inside the vehicle).
Release Form Often required from the police station before the tow yard releases the vehicle.
Licensed Driver Bring one, or arrange a second tow — especially if you’re within 12 hours of arrest or your license was confiscated.
Payment Tow + daily storage fees at the lot (separate from any police administrative fee).
If you’re asking “car back after a DUI” because everything feels urgent: request a FREE case review early while facts are still fresh.

Car back after a DUI? FAQ (Maryland)

Only one answer stays open at a time (unless you choose “Open all”).
Call the arresting agency’s non-emergency line and ask where the vehicle was taken. Have your name, plate, VIN (if available), and arrest date/time ready. This is usually the fastest answer to “car back after a DUI?” when you don’t know the tow yard.
Ask the tow yard whether you can retrieve documents from inside the vehicle while it’s in storage. Some lots allow it with an escort. If they require proof of ownership first, bring alternative documentation or ask the agency about their process.
Not always — but many Maryland jurisdictions require a police release form for police-initiated tows. Confirm with the tow yard and the arresting agency before going to the lot.
Bring a passport, state ID, or military ID. A DR-15A temporary license may help, but some tow yards require a photo ID. Call ahead so you don’t waste a trip.
Usually no. Bring a licensed driver or tow it home. Maryland prohibits driving for 12 hours after a DUI/DWI arrest (Md. Transp. § 21-902.1).
Confirm tow yard hours and payment methods, determine whether a release form is required, and go in one trip with ID + ownership proof + a licensed driver (or arrange a second tow). Every day matters because storage fees compound.

General information only. For advice about your facts, request a FREE consultation.

Car back after a DUI? Want the fastest plan for the case too?
Call or text now for a FREE case review. We’ll help you triage next steps and avoid avoidable mistakes.
Told you “failed” field sobriety tests? Get a second opinion.
Text Call (240)9924733