Start with the towing authority in your area
When your car is towed, it goes to an impound lot run by either your city or county police department, or sometimes a private towing company contracted by local law enforcement. The first step is to call the non-emergency police line for the city or county where your car was towed and ask which impound facility has it. Have your license plate number and vehicle identification number (VIN) ready — they're on your registration documents.
If you don't know which jurisdiction towed your car, start with the police department where the car was parked when it was taken. They can tell you when ready whether they have it or direct you to the right facility. Some cities maintain a searchable online database of towed vehicles, so check your city or county website first — it may save you a phone call.
Once you locate your car, the impound facility will tell you the towing fee, daily storage charges, and what documents you need to retrieve it. Storage fees typically run $15 to $50 per day depending on your location, and towing itself costs $75 to $300. These amounts vary significantly by region and the reason for the tow.
Key Takeaways
- Call your local police non-emergency line with your license plate number to find which impound lot has your car.
- Towing fees and daily storage charges vary by location and reason for tow, so ask the impound facility for the exact total before you go.
- You will need your driver's license, proof of vehicle ownership, and proof of insurance to retrieve your car.
- If your car was towed for an unpaid parking ticket or traffic violation, you may need to pay or resolve that citation first.
- Some impound lots accept payment by phone or online, while others require you to pay in person before release.
Gather the documents you need before going to the impound lot
Impound facilities require specific paperwork to release a vehicle. Bring your driver's license, the vehicle's title or registration, and proof of current auto insurance. If someone other than the registered owner is picking up the car, bring a signed letter from the owner authorizing that person to retrieve it, plus both people's IDs.
If your car was towed because of an unpaid parking ticket or traffic violation, you'll need to resolve that first. This might mean paying the ticket, going to traffic court, or providing proof that the citation was dismissed. The impound facility can tell you which violations are attached to your vehicle and whether they must be cleared before release.
Understand why your car was towed
Cars are towed for different reasons, and the reason affects what you must do to get it back. The most common reasons are parking violations (expired meter, no-parking zone, handicap spot without a permit), unpaid parking tickets, expired registration, suspended license plates, or being parked in a tow-away zone during street cleaning or snow removal.
Less common but more serious reasons include being involved in a crime, being abandoned, or having unpaid traffic citations. If your car was towed for one of these reasons, the police may place a hold on it even after you pay the towing and storage fees. Call the impound lot and ask whether any holds are on your vehicle before you make the trip.
If your car was towed because your registration or license plates were expired, you'll need to renew your registration before the impound will release the vehicle. You can renew online or at your local DMV office, and the impound facility will verify the renewal in their system.
Know what to expect at the impound lot
Impound lots typically operate during business hours only, usually 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and sometimes limited hours on Saturday. Some facilities are closed on Sundays and holidays. Call ahead to confirm hours before you go, and ask whether they accept cash, card, or both — not all impound lots take credit cards.
When you arrive, bring all required documents and be prepared to pay the full amount owed before your car is released. The total includes the towing fee, storage charges for each day the car has been held, and any administrative fees. Some facilities will give you an itemized receipt showing each charge.
After you pay, staff will retrieve your car from the lot and do a brief inspection to make sure there's no new damage. You'll sign a release form, receive your keys, and can drive away. The entire process usually takes 15 to 45 minutes once you're at the facility.
Challenge the tow if you believe it was illegal
If you think your car was towed without legal cause — for example, you had a valid parking permit but weren't given a chance to display it, or the tow-away signs were not clearly posted — you can file a complaint with your city or county. Most jurisdictions have a formal process for disputing tows, and some will refund your fees if they determine the tow was improper.
To challenge a tow, contact your city or county's parking enforcement office or transportation department and ask for their dispute procedure. You'll typically need to submit a written complaint with photos, witness statements, or other evidence within a set time frame — often 30 days from the date of the tow. Keep your impound receipt and any documentation showing you had the right to park there.
If the dispute process doesn't resolve the issue, you may be able to file a small claims court case to recover the towing and storage fees. Small claims court is designed for disputes under a certain dollar amount (usually $5,000 to $10,000, depending on your state) and does not require a lawyer.
Prevent future tows by understanding local parking rules
The easiest way to avoid impound fees is to know where you can and cannot park. Check your city or county's parking regulations, which are usually available on their website. Pay attention to street signs that indicate time limits, tow-away zones, or permit requirements. If a sign is unclear, take a photo and ask a parking enforcement officer or call the parking office for clarification.
Keep your vehicle registration current and your license plates valid. Expired registration is a common reason for tows, and renewing online or at the DMV takes only a few minutes. If you receive a parking ticket, pay it promptly or contest it in traffic court — unpaid citations can lead to license plate suspension and towing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can an impound lot hold my car?
Most impound lots can hold a vehicle for 30 to 90 days before they're allowed to sell it at auction or scrap it. However, storage fees accumulate daily, so the longer you wait, the more you'll owe. If your car was towed for a criminal investigation, police may place a hold that extends beyond the normal impound period.
What if I can't afford to pay the towing and storage fees right now?
Some impound facilities offer payment plans, though this varies by location. Call the facility and ask whether they allow installment payments or whether they accept a partial payment to release the car while you pay the rest later. A few cities have hardship programs that reduce or waive fees for low-income residents, so ask whether your jurisdiction offers this.
Can someone else pick up my car if I'm not available?
Yes, but the impound lot will require a signed letter from the registered owner authorizing that person to retrieve the vehicle, plus both the owner's and the authorized person's driver's licenses. Some facilities may also require a notarized letter, so call ahead to confirm what they need.
What happens if my car is damaged while it's in the impound lot?
When you pick up your car, inspect it carefully and note any new damage on the release form before you sign it. Take photos if possible. If damage occurred while the car was in the lot's custody, you may be able to file a claim against the impound facility or the city. Contact your city's risk management office or attorney's office to learn how to file a claim in your jurisdiction.
Can I get my personal items out of my car before I pay the towing fee?
Most impound lots will allow you to retrieve essential items like medications, important documents, or valuables before you pay, but policies vary. Call the facility and ask what they allow. Do not assume you can access your car — some lots restrict access until the full fee is paid.