If your car was towed in San Francisco, you need to act fast. Storage fees add up daily, and certain holds can complicate release. Here's exactly what to do right now to get your vehicle back as quickly and affordably as possible.
What to Do Right Now (5 Steps)
Call SF Impound
Call 415-865-8200 with your license plate number ready. They'll confirm if your car was towed and where it is.
Check for Police Holds
Ask if there's an SFPD hold. If yes, you must clear it with SFPD before release is possible.
Gather Your Documents
Get your valid ID, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance ready.
Arrange Payment
Prepare payment (credit card, debit, or cash). Calculate total fees before arriving.
Go to 450 7th Street
The AutoReturn SF Impound lot is open 24/7. Arrive as soon as possible to minimize storage fees.
Was It Towed or Stolen? How to Confirm Fast
Before assuming your car was towed, rule out theft. Here's how to quickly confirm what happened to your vehicle:
- Call SF Impound at 415-865-8200 - they have records of all city tows
- Check for parking signs you may have missed - street sweeping, permit zones, construction
- Look for tire marks or debris where your car was parked
- If impound has no record and you suspect theft, call SFPD non-emergency at 415-553-0123
Towed from San Francisco International Airport property—not a city street? Airport releases go through SFPD Airport Bureau at (650) 821-7111. See our SFO vehicle towed guide for garage, cell lot, and yard steps.
Where to Pick Up Your Vehicle: SF Impound
All vehicles towed by SFMTA and most SFPD tows go to the AutoReturn facility. Here's what you need to know:
SF Impound Lot Details
- Location: 450 7th Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
- Hours: Open 24 hours, 7 days a week
- Phone: 415-865-8200
- Payment: Credit, debit, cash accepted
Documents to Bring
- Valid government-issued photo ID
- Current vehicle registration
- Proof of insurance
- Payment method for all fees
- Authorization letter (if picking up for someone else)
Fees Explained: Tow, Admin, Storage, Dolly
San Francisco impound fees include several components. Understanding these helps you prepare and potentially challenge incorrect charges:
- Base Tow Fee: The initial charge for towing your vehicle to impound
- Administrative Fee: Processing fee charged by the city
- Daily Storage Fee: Charged for each day (or partial day) your vehicle remains
- Dolly Fee: Extra charge if your vehicle required special equipment (AWD/4WD)
Holds, License Issues, and Special Situations
Sometimes vehicle release isn't straightforward. Here are common complications and how to resolve them:
- SFPD Hold: Vehicle involved in investigation. Contact SFPD to clear before impound release.
- Expired Registration: May need to pay registration fees or show proof of renewal.
- Suspended License: Owner may need to send an authorized representative.
- Lien Holder Issues: Bank or finance company may need to authorize release in some cases.
Transport from Impound to Home or Mechanic
If your vehicle isn't drivable, or you want to take it directly to a mechanic rather than driving it yourself, we can help:
What We Can Do Today
- Transport from SF impound to any Bay Area destination
- Same-day pickup coordination with AutoReturn
- Direct delivery to your preferred mechanic
- Flatbed transport for damaged or non-running vehicles
- AWD/4WD specialty transport
What We Cannot Do
- ✗Reduce or waive city impound fees
- ✗Clear SFPD holds on your behalf
- ✗Pick up vehicle without proper documentation
- ✗Negotiate with city agencies on your behalf
How to Avoid Another Tow in SF
San Francisco has some of the strictest parking enforcement in California. Here's how to protect yourself:
SF Parking Survival Checklist
- Check ALL signs at your parking spot - look up and down the block
- Set phone reminders for street sweeping days
- Use the SFMTA parking app to track meter time
- Never park in permit zones without the proper permit
- Avoid blocking driveways, fire hydrants, or bike lanes
- Move your car before posted construction or event restrictions