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Towing help in San Francisco

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Local towing guide — Last reviewed February 2026

San Francisco Towing Recovery Guide

Local fee guidance, pickup documents, and recovery resources forSan Francisco. Confirm current charges and release requirements with the facility before visiting.

Fee Structure

Towing Fee (standard)$370
Towing Fee (heavy)Higher rate
Daily Storage$60–$70/day
Storage (heavy)Higher rate
Storage CapNo cap specified
First-time administrative tow fee: $275 (registered owner only, first offense)
Low-income tow fee: ~$185 (50% of standard) with up to 14 days free storage
SFPD administrative fee (arrest-related): $194
Dolly/flatbed fee: ~$100

Quick Cost Calculator

Same day$370
After 1 day~$435
After 3 days~$565
After 7 days~$825

* Estimates for standard passenger vehicles. Excludes outstanding tickets and violation-specific fines.

Required Documents

  • 1Valid photo ID (driver's license, state ID, or passport)
  • 2Current vehicle registration
  • 3Proof of insurance
  • 4Valid driver's license (if driving vehicle out)
  • 5Police release (for vehicles impounded under CVC §22651(h), (p), or 22655.5)
  • 6Low-income documentation (if requesting reduced fees)

Payment Methods

CashVisaMasterCardAmerican ExpressDiscoverDebit Cards

No personal checks.

Local Towing Laws & Your Rights

Applicable Laws

SF Transportation Code Division II, §305Establishes towing and storage fees
California Vehicle Code §22651Authorizes law enforcement towing
California Vehicle Code §22852Right to post-storage hearing within 48 hours of request
CVC §14602.630-day impound for driving without a license

Your Rights

  • ✓SFMTA Low-Income Program: eligible residents get 50% off tow fees + 14 days free storage
  • ✓Right to post-storage hearing — must be filed within 10 days, held within 48 hours
  • ✓Personal property access during business hours without paying fees
  • ✓Storage yards must release vehicles within 1 hour of payment during business hours

Find Your Car in San Francisco

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Results depend on local records and the details you provide.

Important Timelines

Start your searchAs soon as possible
Prepare proof of ownership and IDBefore pickup
Review fees and release requirementsBefore visiting

How recovery works

Step 1

Search available records

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Step 2

Review the match

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Step 3

Prepare for pickup

Use the available facility details and checklist. Confirm fees and hours with the facility before leaving.

Cost Estimator

Estimate Your Towing Recovery Costs

Plan for possible towing and storage costs. This is an estimate, not a quote. Confirm the current total and release requirements with the facility.

Towing Recovery Cost Estimator

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San Francisco Recovery Guidance

San Francisco, California Recovery

Get recovery guidance for a towed vehicle in San Francisco, California.

San Francisco, California

How to Find Your Towed Vehicle

1

Provide Your Car Information

Chat with our AI assistant and share your vehicle details like license plate, make, model, and where it was parked.

2

We Find Your Towed Car

Our AI searches available towing records to help locate your vehicle and identify the next recovery step.

3

Retrieve Your Towed Car

Get required documents, fee guidance, and pickup preparation steps to help you get your vehicle back.

Simple, upfront pricing

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Subscription prices are in USD. Taxes may apply. Towing, storage and release fees are separate and payable to the facility. Results depend on available records.

Questions

Common Questions About Towed Vehicles in San Francisco, California

Clear answers about tow records, release steps and fees in San Francisco, California.

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More California locations

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Sources & verificationClick to reveal
SFMTA — Tow Fees ScheduleSF Transportation Code §305SFPD — Towed Vehicle InformationSF Treasurer — Low-Income Tow Fee Program

Last verified: February 16, 2026. Fees and regulations may change. Always confirm with official sources before visiting.