Skip to main content
CityCliq

Some links here are partner links — we may earn a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you. Details.

Towed Car Guide: Fees and Rights in San Diego

By CityCliq Reference Staff · ·

Key Takeaways

  • Locate your car via AutoReturn Online, (619) 527-4392, or the SDPD non-emergency line at 619-531-2000 (sandiego.gov).
  • City tow fees for vehicles under 9,500 lb GVWR include a $178 tow fee and $41 daily storage (autoreturn.com).
  • Private lots must post signs at least 17 by 22 inches to legally tow unauthorized vehicles (leginfo.legislature.ca.gov).
  • Storage facilities are required to accept cash or valid bank credit cards.
  • You can request a post-storage hearing by calling SDPD Tow Administration at 858-495-7830.

How to Find Your Towed Vehicle

If your car has been removed from a street or lot in San Diego, you have three primary ways to locate it. You can perform a search through AutoReturn Online, call (619) 527-4392, or contact the SDPD non-emergency line at 619-531-2000 (sandiego.gov).

Once you identify the location of your vehicle, you should contact the storage facility to confirm the total amount due for release. Ensure you have the necessary identification and payment methods ready to avoid further storage charges. If the vehicle was towed by the city, be aware that there are specific fee schedules and administrative processes you must follow to regain possession of your property.

Understanding City Tow and Impound Fees

For regular-duty vehicles under 9,500 lb GVWR towed by the City of San Diego, the published fee schedule includes a $178 tow fee (autoreturn.com). In addition to the initial tow, you will be charged $41 per day for storage.

There is also a $54 tow/impound cost recovery fee. If you need to retrieve your vehicle after 5 p.m. or during the weekend, an after-hours release fee of $48 applies. These costs accumulate daily, so it is in your best interest to recover the vehicle as quickly as possible to minimize the storage expenses.

Your Rights on Private Property

Towing from a private lot in San Diego must follow strict California Vehicle Code rules. A private lot can only tow if it displays a sign at least 17 by 22 inches (leginfo.legislature.ca.gov).

This sign must state that unauthorized vehicles will be removed at the owner’s expense and must include the local police phone number, as well as the name and phone number of every towing company used. If you arrive at the scene and reach the tow truck before your car has left the property, the driver or company must release the vehicle immediately and unconditionally upon your request.

Related: — Get matched with vetted for lockouts, leaks, and emergency repairs..

When retrieving your car, the storage facility must accept cash or a valid bank credit card for all towing and storage charges (leginfo.legislature.ca.gov). SDPD’s Know Your Rights guidance confirms that facilities must provide an itemized invoice and accept valid credit cards (sandiego.gov).

If an operator refuses a valid credit card, they are civilly liable to the owner for four times the towing and storage charges. Furthermore, if the signs on a private lot do not meet the legal requirements, the property owner may be held liable for double the towing or storage charges.

Contesting Fees and Excessive Charges

You have several options if you believe your vehicle was towed unfairly or the fees are too high. For city-towed vehicles, you can request a post-storage hearing under Vehicle Code 22852 by calling SDPD Tow Administration at 858-495-7830 (sandiego.gov).

Our pick: — Free, no-obligation quotes from for repairs and installs..

These hearings are conducted by phone and decided within 48 hours, excluding holidays and weekends. A charge is considered excessive if it exceeds the rate approved by the California Highway Patrol for that operator or the rate of the local law-enforcement agency (leginfo.legislature.ca.gov).

If you have been overcharged or your rights were violated, you can seek financial recovery. Owners may seek up to four times the towing and storage fees or file a claim in Small Claims Court for up to $12,500 (sandiego.gov).

Additionally, there are rules regarding after-hours releases; the hourly charge for releasing a vehicle outside of normal business hours (Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) cannot exceed one-half of the hourly tow rate (leginfo.legislature.ca.gov). Document all interactions and keep your itemized invoice as evidence for any potential legal action in San Diego.

Sources

P.S. A few readers have asked which roadside assistance we actually reach for — it's Urgently Roadside Assistance; if you want the current details.

Frequently asked questions

What should I do if a tow company refuses my credit card?

Storage facilities must accept valid bank credit cards or cash. An operator who refuses a valid credit card is civilly liable to the owner for four times the towing and storage charges.

How can I challenge a city tow in San Diego?

You can request a post-storage hearing by calling SDPD Tow Administration at 858-495-7830. The hearing is held by phone and a decision is typically reached within 48 hours, excluding weekends and holidays.

What are the sign requirements for a private lot to legally tow?

The lot must post a sign at least 17 by 22 inches stating unauthorized vehicles will be removed at the owner's expense. The sign must list the local police phone number and the name and phone number of each towing company.

Can I stop my car from being towed if I arrive while it is being hooked up?

Yes. If you reach the tow truck before the car has left the property, the tow company or driver must release it immediately and unconditionally when you ask.

Stranded? Request Help Now

24/7 nationwide roadside help for towing, jump-starts, and lockouts.