Car towed in San Francisco?
Here’s how to get it back.
Call directly
How to get there
SF City Impound (AutoReturn)
450 7th Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
Estimate your fees
Payment: Cash, ATM cards, most major credit cards. Cardholder must be present with valid ID matching card name. No phone/online payments. No checks.
Estimates based on published rates. Actual fees may vary.
Before you go
Documents: If SFPD-ordered tow, must get SFPD release FIRST at Hall of Justice (850 Bryant St, Room 154, SF 94103) before going to AutoReturn. Bring registration, ID, insurance.
Payment: Cash, ATM, credit cards only. No checks, no phone payments. Cardholder must be physically present with matching ID.
TimeLimit: First 4 hours of storage are free. After that, fees accrue daily.
Fees: First-time tow: $524 total ($256 tow + $268 admin). Repeat tow: $574 ($256 tow + $318 admin). Storage: first 4 hours free, then $56.50 first day, $67.50/day after. Low-income program: $100 tow + $0 admin. Dolly fee: $46.
Parked in a private lot?
Private property tows not handled by SFMTA/AutoReturn. Check signs at property for tow company info. SFPD-ordered tows require a two-stop process: SFPD release at Hall of Justice FIRST, then AutoReturn impound.
Know your rights
CA CVC 22658: tow company must release vehicle if you arrive before it leaves. Post-storage hearing available within 10 days. Contest validity of tow via hearing request at sfmta.com.
Your towing rights in San Francisco
California state law protects vehicle owners
🪧Signage Requirements
Signs must be at least 17x22 inches with 1-inch lettering. Must be posted at every entrance to the property. Signs must state 'Tow-Away Zone' and include the towing company phone number.
🚗Right to Retrieve
Owner can retrieve the vehicle before it leaves the property. Maximum drop fee (vehicle on the hook but not yet removed) cannot exceed 50% of the tow charge.
🏢Private Property Rules
Property owner must have a written agreement with the tow company. Vehicles cannot be towed within 1 hour of the owner posting new no-parking signs. Tow company must accept credit/debit cards.
📝How to File a Complaint
File complaints with the local police department or the California Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) at (800) 952-5210.
Source: CA Vehicle Code §22658
Avoid getting towed in San Francisco
Parking Apps
💰 Meter Rates
Rates vary by location and time of day — meters enforced daily with strict rules against feeding the meter
🆓 Free Parking
Check posted pay station hours. Location numbers on single-space meters and zone numbers on overhead signs.
💡 Pro Tip
SF has strict no-meter-feeding rules. Location number is on the front and back of single-space meters. For pay-by-plate paystations, zone numbers appear on overhead signs.
Pay for parking → avoid towing. It's that simple.
Parked somewhere else?