Car towed in Denver?
Here’s how to get it back.
Call directly
How to get there
Denver Sheriff Vehicle Impound Facility (VIF)
5160 York Street, Denver, CO 80216
Estimate your fees
Payment: Cash, money order, cashier's check, traveler's check, credit card (MasterCard, Visa, Discover). No personal checks.
Estimates based on published rates. Actual fees may vary.
Before you go
Documents: Proof of ownership (registration or unsigned title), valid US photo ID (driver's license, state ID, military ID, or passport). Name on ID must match owner documents. If not owner, need notarized letter of release.
Payment: No personal checks. Credit cards: only MC, Visa, Discover (no AMEX). Cash always accepted.
TimeLimit: 30 days after all holds are dropped, vehicle sold at auction or sent to recycling. Storage fees accrue daily.
Fees: $120 tow (under 6,000 lbs) or $170 (over 6,000 lbs). Storage: $20/day (under 6,000 lbs) or $30/day (over 6,000 lbs). Stolen vehicles: no fees.
Why cars get towed in Denver
Street sweeping season towing
From April through November, Denver tows cars on posted sweeping days. They'll move your car nearby and return it — but only during seasonal sweeping.
Parking without a permit
Many Denver neighborhoods require residential parking permits. Parking without one leads to ticketing and eventual towing.
Fire lane and hydrant violations
Blocking fire lanes, hydrants, or handicap spots without proper plates results in immediate tow.
3+ unpaid tickets (boot & tow)
Accumulate three or more unpaid parking tickets and Denver boots your vehicle. If not resolved quickly, it gets towed.
Parked in a private lot?
Cannot drive vehicle out without: valid registration + valid insurance + valid US driver's license. If vehicle is inoperable, must use a PUC-certified commercial tow truck only (no dollies, ropes, chains, or transport trucks). Taking photos inside the lot is strictly prohibited.
Know your rights
Colorado Revised Statutes Title 42 governs towing. Denver Revised Municipal Code sets specific provisions. Staff cannot waive or reduce fees.
Your towing rights in Denver
Colorado state law protects vehicle owners
🪧Signage Requirements
Signs must be posted at property entrances. Must include notice that unauthorized vehicles will be towed and contact information for the tow company.
Details may vary — verify with local authorities.
🚗Right to Retrieve
Owner may retrieve the vehicle before it is removed from the property.
Details may vary — verify with local authorities.
🏢Private Property Rules
Property owner must authorize the tow. Denver has specific municipal regulations for private property towing.
Details may vary — verify with local authorities.
📝How to File a Complaint
File complaints with the Colorado Attorney General's Office at (800) 222-4444 or the local police department. In Denver, call 311.
Source: VERIFY: CRS §42-4-2103
Avoid getting towed in Denver
Parking Apps
💰 Meter Rates
Rates and time limits vary by location — posted on each meter or kiosk
🆓 Free Parking
Free Sundays and city holidays: New Year's, MLK Day, Presidents Day, Cesar Chavez Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, July 4th, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas.
💡 Pro Tip
Denver has an extensive holiday-free parking list. Check the meter or kiosk for current hours of operation.
Pay for parking → avoid towing. It's that simple.
Parked somewhere else?