Few experiences are more frustrating than walking to where you parked, only to discover your car is missing. Whether you mistakenly parked in a restricted zone, overstayed at a meter, or got caught in a temporary no-parking area, finding out your car has been towed can feel overwhelming. But taking quick, informed steps can help you recover your vehicle as efficiently (and affordably) as possible.

Here’s exactly what to do if your car gets towed in the city.

Confirm That Your Car Was Towed — Not Stolen

Before you panic, make sure your car was actually towed. Look around for towing notice signs or posted warnings nearby. Cities typically require signage indicating restricted parking zones and the towing agency responsible for enforcement.

Check for curbside clues:

• Fresh tire marks or debris where your car was parked
• Temporary no-parking signs for construction or events
• Street cleaning schedules, which often lead to tows

You can also call the non-emergency police line for your city. Many cities maintain towing databases, so if your car was towed, they should be able to confirm quickly. For example, New York City has a handy Towed Vehicle Lookup tool, and San Francisco offers similar assistance through their 311 service.

Find Out Where Your Car Was Taken

Once you’ve confirmed your car was towed, your next step is to locate the impound lot. Most cities contract with specific tow yards based on the area or violation type.

You can usually:

• Call the number listed on towing signs at the location
• Use your city’s 311 or online towed vehicle lookup tool
• Ask local police for impound lot details

Act quickly, as many tow yards charge daily storage fees that add up fast.

Gather Required Documents Before Pickup

When you head to the tow yard, bring the following items:

• Valid driver’s license
• Proof of vehicle ownership (registration or title)
• Proof of insurance (in some cities)

Some impound lots allow you to pay fines online or over the phone, but many still require in-person pickup and payment.

Be sure to confirm accepted payment methods before you go. Some facilities only accept cash or specific credit cards.

Understand the Fees

Tow and storage fees can vary widely depending on your city and the reason for the tow. Common charges include:

• Tow fee (usually between $100–$300)
• Daily storage fee (often $20–$75 per day)
• Administrative or release fees

If you believe your car was towed in error, you still need to pay the fees to release your vehicle, but you can typically file a dispute afterward for a potential refund.

Appeal or Dispute If Necessary

If you suspect your car was wrongfully towed, document everything. Take photos of the area, signage (or lack thereof), and your parking location.

File a dispute with the city or the agency that ordered the tow. Many cities have online forms or specific departments to handle appeals. 

Preventative Measures for Next Time

To avoid future towing headaches:

• Always check for temporary no-parking signs
• Set reminders for meter time limits or street cleaning schedules
• Use parking apps that alert you to local restrictions
• Read signage carefully, especially in unfamiliar neighborhoods