Car towed in Washington, D.C.?
Here’s how to get it back.
Call directly
DC Towing Control Dispatch
Call 311 or (202) 737-4404 to find which lot has your vehicle.
How to get there
Blue Plains Impoundment Lot
5001 Shepherd Parkway SW, Washington, DC
Estimate your fees
Payment: Online payment only: Visa and MasterCard. 2.5% service fee on card transactions. ACH/electronic check has no fee.
Estimates based on published rates. Actual fees may vary.
Before you go
Documents: Fee payment receipt, vehicle registration, valid driver's license. If not the owner, need notarized statement from owner.
Payment: ALL payments must be made online before release. Visa and MasterCard only. 2.5% service fee. Cash and checks are NOT accepted anywhere.
TimeLimit: 28 days after notification, unclaimed vehicles sold at public auction at dcgovt.govdeals.com or scrapped. Storage at $20/day begins after 24 hours.
Fees: $100 standard tow; $275 oversized tow. Storage: $20/day (begins after 24 hours). Boot fee: $75. Boot-eligible with 2+ unsatisfied tickets that are 60+ days old.
Parked in a private lot?
All fines for ALL vehicles registered in your name must be paid, not just the towed vehicle. Both lots are weekday-only. If you pay storage fees, you MUST retrieve your vehicle the SAME DAY or additional $20/day charges apply.
Know your rights
DC regulations govern private property towing. Contact DCRA for complaints about private tow companies. Signs with red lettering = what you can't do. Signs with green lettering = what you may do.
Your towing rights in Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. state law protects vehicle owners
🏢Private Property Rules
A private property owner can order a tow if a vehicle is illegally parked on private property and has been ticketed. Private tows require written agreement with the tow company. The towing business must be licensed by the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA).
📝How to File a Complaint
File complaints with the DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP).
Source: DCMR Title 16, Chapter 4 (§16-408, §16-410)
Parked somewhere else?