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Towing help in San Jose

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Local towing guide — Last reviewed February 2026

San Jose Towing Recovery Guide

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

Fee Structure

Towing Fee (standard)$250–$300
Towing Fee (heavy)Higher rate per CHP agreement
Daily Storage$55–$70/day
Storage (heavy)Higher rate per CHP agreement
Storage CapNo cap specified
Rates set by CHP Tow Services Agreement for the Golden Gate Region, updated annually (effective July 1)
Administrative fee of $200+ for DUI/30-day holds
After-hours release fee ~$90–$125

Quick Cost Calculator

Same day~$275
After 1 day~$340
After 3 days~$470
After 7 days~$730

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

Required Documents

  • 1Valid photo ID (driver's license or state ID)
  • 2Current vehicle registration
  • 3Proof of insurance
  • 4Valid driver's license (if driving vehicle out)
  • 5Police release (if vehicle was impounded for investigative hold or 30-day impound)
  • 6Lien holder authorization (if applicable)

Payment Methods

CashCredit CardsDebit Cards

Varies by tow yard — call ahead to confirm.

Local Towing Laws & Your Rights

Applicable Laws

California Vehicle Code §22651Authorizes law enforcement to tow vehicles for various violations
California Vehicle Code §22658Governs private property towing
California Vehicle Code §22651.07Requires itemized tow bills and posted rates
CVC §14602.6Authorizes 30-day impound for driving without a license

Your Rights

  • ✓Right to post-storage hearing within 48 hours of request (CVC §22852)
  • ✓Storage yards must release vehicles within 1 hour of payment during business hours
  • ✓No lien sale for at least 15 days
  • ✓Right to retrieve personal belongings during business hours without paying storage fees

Find Your Car in San Jose

Skip the phone tree. Towji helps you search for your towed vehicle, understand likely fees, and prepare the documents you need before you go.

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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

Send your plate and location in chat. We check available tow records.

Step 2

Review the match

Check the vehicle summary before deciding whether to unlock the details.

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 Jose Recovery Guidance

San Jose, California Recovery

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

San Jose, 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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See a vehicle match before deciding. Full recovery details require a subscription when a usable record is available.

Vehicle search & preview

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  • Review vehicle identifiers when available
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Recovery details & ongoing access

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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 Jose, California

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

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More California locations

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Sources & verificationClick to reveal
SJPD — Public Safety FeesSJPD — Recover Towed VehicleCHP — 2024-2025 Tow Service AgreementCalifornia Vehicle Code §§22651, 22658, 22852, 14602.6

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