That sinking feeling when you return to an empty parking spot is unmistakable. If your car has been towed from a public lot, your first instinct might be panic—but acting quickly and following the right steps can save you time, money, and unnecessary stress.

Here’s what to do immediately, and how to handle the process from start to finish.

Step 1: Confirm That It Was Towed—Not Stolen

Before assuming the worst, double check the surroundings. Were there temporary tow-away signs for construction, street cleaning, or a special event? Were you parked in a clearly marked restricted area, like a fire lane, bus stop, or permit-only zone?

Call the local non-emergency police line or municipal parking authority and provide your license plate number. Most cities maintain a real-time database of towed vehicles, and they can tell you whether your car was removed, who towed it, and where it was taken.

For example:

• In Los Angeles, you can search towed vehicle info at lapdonline.org
• In Chicago, use chicagopolice.org
• In New York City, visit nyc.gov/towedvehicles

Step 2: Locate the Impound Lot and Call Ahead

Once confirmed, you’ll need to retrieve your car from a city impound lot or private tow yard. These facilities often have limited operating hours, and daily storage fees can add up quickly. Call ahead to:

• Confirm your vehicle is there
• Ask what documentation you need
• Check what forms of payment are accepted
• Find out how much the total cost will be

In most cases, you’ll need a valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, vehicle registration, and payment (credit card or cash depending on the facility).

Step 3: Understand the Fees

Towing and impound fees vary widely by city and whether a private or municipal operator towed your car. You may be charged for:

• The tow itself (usually $100–$250)
• Daily storage fees (often $30–$60/day)
• An administrative release fee
• After-hours access or gate fees if you pick up your car outside business hours

Ask for an itemized receipt when paying. If you feel you’ve been overcharged or towed unlawfully, you may have a right to appeal.

Step 4: Check for Damage

Before driving off the lot, inspect your car for any damage that may have occurred during towing or storage. Take photos from multiple angles, and document anything that wasn’t present before. Report damage immediately—some cities require that claims be filed within 24–48 hours of pickup.

Step 5: Appeal If You Believe the Tow Was Illegal or Unjustified

If you think your car was towed unfairly or signage was unclear, you can often file an appeal through your city’s parking enforcement office. Gather photos of the location, all signs, your ticket or tow slip, and any receipts. Some cities let you submit an appeal online; others may require an in-person hearing.

Examples:

• San Francisco: sfmta.com
• Seattle: seattle.gov
• Boston: cityofboston.gov

Step 6: Prevent It from Happening Again

To avoid future tows:

• Pay attention to temporary signs posted for street work or events
• Double-check enforcement hours and permit rules
• Use parking apps like SpotAngels to get alerts about risk zones and sweeping schedules