What to Do When Your Car is Towed Away Due to a Parking Violation

Valerie Raskovic

Jun 03, 2025

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Finding out that your vehicle has been towed away can be a stressful and frustrating experience. Whether you made a mistake in parking or were unaware of local regulations, knowing what steps to take next can help you retrieve your vehicle efficiently and minimize further inconvenience.

Here are the steps you need to follow when your car is towed away due to improper/illegal parking.

1. Check for Notices and Signs

Finding your car missing from where you parked could mean one of 2 things, it was either stolen or towed away. Before coming to any conclusions, it is important to stay calm and clear headed, keeping in mind that panicking will most likely further complicate the situation. Take a moment to assess the area and look for any signs or notices that might provide information about the towing company or the reason for the tow. Parking meters, no-parking zones and private property signs often have contact information or instructions for retrieving a towed vehicle.

2. Contact the Local Police Department

If you can’t find any information at the parking location, contact the local police department. In most states and municipalities tow trucks must register parking related vehicle towing events with the local authorities. The local police department will keep records of towed vehicles and can provide you with the name and contact information of the towing company. You can usually find the non-emergency number for your local police department online or in a phone book.

• What to ask the local police:

• Do you have a record of a vehicle being towed from the following address?
• What is the address where my car has been towed to?
• Can you provide me with the name and contact information of the towing company?
• What are the steps I need to follow to retrieve my car?

3. Contact the Towing Company

Once you have the contact information for the towing company, call them immediately. Be prepared to provide them with your name, the make and model of your car and the license plate number. They will typically give you the location of the impound lot and the fees you need to pay to retrieve your vehicle.

• What to ask the towing company:

• Where is my car being stored?
• What are the hours of operation for the impound lot?
• What are the fees I need to pay to retrieve my car?
• What type of payment do you accept?
• Do I need to bring any specific documents or forms?

4. Gather Necessary Documents and Payment

Before heading to the impound lot, be sure to gather all necessary documents and prepare to pay the required fees and parking fines. You will typically need:

• Your Driver’s License: To prove your identity.
• Vehicle Registration: Or any other document that can be used as proof of ownership.
• Proof of Insurance: Some impound lots may require this.
• Payment: Towing and storage fees can vary and they can be quite expensive. Be prepared to pay with cash, a credit card or a debit card. Some impound lots may not accept certain forms of payment so, it’s a good idea to call ahead to confirm.

5. Pick up your car

Be sure to arrive at the impound lot during their operating business hours. Be prepared to wait, as the process can take some time especially if the lot is busy. When you arrive follow the instructions provided by the staff.

Before taking possession of the vehicle, take a few moments to inspect your car for any damage. If you notice any issues report them to the towing company immediately. Document any damage with photos and consider filing a complaint if you believe the damage was caused by the towing or storage process.

6. Understand the Reason for the Tow

In order to prevent this from happening in the future it is important to understand the reason why your vehicle was towed in the first place. Review the parking regulations in the area where you were parked and make note of any restrictions. Common reasons for towing include:

• Parking in a No-Parking Zone
• Blocking a Fire Hydrant or Driveway
• Parking in a Handicapped Space Without Proper Permits
• Parking in a Tow-Away Zone
• Expired or Missing Parking Permits

7. You may have a reason to file an official complaint

If you believe your car was towed unfairly or if you were not given proper notice as mandated by local laws, you can file a complaint with the local police department or the city’s parking enforcement agency. Be sure to provide them with all relevant documents and information as it relates to the towing event and your dispute. If the towing is determined to be unlawful you may be intitled for a full refund of the tow fees. 

8. Learn from the Experience

Finally, use this experience as a learning opportunity. Familiarize yourself with local parking regulations and always double-check the signs before parking. Consider using parking apps or services that provide real-time information about available parking and regulations in your area.

No one enjoys finding out that their vehicle has been towed away and impounded but by staying calm and knowing the steps to take may help you retrieve your vehicle efficiently and minimize the inconvenience.