Towed Car Guide: Fees and Rights in San Francisco

SFMTA first-time tow fees include a $317 tow fee and $335 administrative fee.

• Storage at the city impound is free for the first four hours.
• You have 30 days to schedule a hearing to dispute a tow (sfmta.com).
• Private lots must post specific signage to legally tow vehicles (leginfo.legislature.ca.gov).

Locating Your Vehicle

If your car was towed by the city in San Francisco, it is taken to the City and County of San Francisco Impound located at 450 7th Street (sfmta.com). This facility is operated by TEGSCO, LLC. To find your vehicle, you can search online or call 415.865.8200. Knowing the exact location and contact information is the first step in recovering your car quickly and avoiding unnecessary storage costs.

Understanding SFMTA Tow Fees

The costs for a city tow vary based on your history and income. The SFMTA lists a standard tow fee of $317, though this is reduced to $111 for low-income owners (sfmta.com). In addition to the tow fee, you must pay an administrative fee; this is $335 for a first-time tow and increases to $385 for repeat tows. Be prepared for these combined costs when arranging for the release of your vehicle.

Impound Storage Costs

Storage fees begin accruing after a short grace period. At the San Francisco impound, the first four hours of storage are free (sfmta.com). After this window, the cost is $69 for the first day. If the vehicle remains longer, the rate becomes $82 for each subsequent day. Prompt recovery is essential to prevent these daily charges from accumulating.

Disputing a Tow

If you believe your vehicle was towed unfairly, you can challenge the action. You must schedule a hearing within 30 days of the tow by contacting the Tow Hearing Coordinator at 415.646.2020, or you may submit a protest in writing (sfmta.com). For those who cannot afford the release fees, an expedited hearing is available within two business days.

Private Lot Towing Rules

Private lots in San Francisco must follow California Vehicle Code 22658(a)(1) to tow legally (leginfo.legislature.ca.gov). They must post a sign at least 17 by 22 inches stating that unauthorized vehicles will be removed at the owner’s expense.

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This sign must include the local police phone number and the name and phone number of every towing company used. If the signs or notices do not meet these legal requirements, the property owner is liable for double the towing or storage charges.

Your Rights During the Tow

Timing is critical when dealing with tow trucks. Under Vehicle Code 22658(g)(1)(B), if you reach the tow truck before the car has left the property, the driver or company must release it immediately and unconditionally upon your request (leginfo.legislature.ca.gov).

Furthermore, storage facilities are required by Vehicle Code 22658(k)(1) to accept cash or a valid bank credit card for all charges. If an operator refuses a valid credit card, they are civilly liable to the owner for four times the towing and storage charges.

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Excessive Fees and After-Hours Release

California law protects drivers from predatory pricing. Per Vehicle Code 22658(i)(1)(A), a charge is considered excessive if it exceeds the rate approved by the California Highway Patrol or the rate of the local law-enforcement agency, whichever is higher (leginfo.legislature.ca.gov). Additionally, if you release your vehicle outside normal business hours (Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.), the hourly release charge cannot exceed one-half of the hourly tow rate.

Sources

• https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=VEH&sectionNum=22658
• https://www.sfmta.com/getting-around/drive-park/towed-vehicles
• https://www.sfmta.com/getting-around/drive-park/towed-vehicles/contest-tow

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