How do I get my car out of impound or a tow yard in Riverside?
First find out who has the car, then bring a valid ID, proof that you own it (registration or title), and payment to that company's storage yard. If a police agency ordered the tow, you also need a vehicle release from that agency before the yard can let it go. Storage is usually charged by the day, so the sooner you go, the less you pay.
Step by step
- Find who towed it. If it was taken from a parking lot, apartment, or other private property, California law requires a sign at the entrance that names the tow company and gives a phone number to get the car back (Vehicle Code 22658). Call that number.
- If there is no sign, or you think police had it towed, call the police department's non-emergency line for the city it was towed from. They can tell you whether it was a police tow and which company has it.
- If it was a police tow, ask what the agency needs to issue a release. Some holds require a release form from the agency before the tow yard can hand the car over.
- Gather your documents: a valid driver license or ID, current registration or the title, and if someone else is picking up for you, ask the yard what written authorization they need.
- Pay and pick up. California requires the storage yard to accept a valid credit card or cash for towing and storage charges (Vehicle Code 22651.1 for police tows, 22658 for private property tows).
- Walk around the car before you leave and note any new damage with the yard staff on the spot.
If Towrunner towed your vehicle
Call dispatch at (951) 277-6778. We will tell you where the vehicle is and exactly what we need to release it. Our base is at 12155 Magnolia Avenue in Riverside.
The car will not start once it is released
Cars that sit in storage often come out with a dead battery or a flat. If yours will not drive out, we can come to the yard and tow it to your home or your shop anywhere in our service area. Tell dispatch the yard's address and what you drive.
Common questions
How do I find out which company towed my car?
If it was towed from private property, look for the tow-away sign at the entrance. California law requires it to name the tow company and a phone number. If there is no sign, call the police non-emergency line for that city and ask whether a tow was reported for your plate.
What do I need to bring to get my car out of impound?
Bring a valid ID, proof of ownership such as current registration or the title, and payment. If a police agency ordered the tow, bring the release from that agency too. Call the yard first and ask what they need, so you only make one trip.
Can I pay the tow yard with a credit card?
Yes. California requires the storage yard to accept a valid credit card or cash for towing and storage charges (Vehicle Code 22651.1 for police tows, 22658 for private property tows).
Can you tow my car home after I get it out of impound?
Yes. If it will not drive after sitting in storage, call (951) 277-6778 with the yard's address and where you want it to go, and we will send a truck.
Need your car moved from the yard?
A dispatcher answers and quotes it on the phone before a truck rolls.
Call (951) 277-6778More towing answers
- Locked out of your car: do you need a lockout service, a locksmith, or a tow?
- What to do about a tow after a car accident in the Inland Empire
- Broke down on the 91, 60, 15 or 215? What to do and how to get a tow
- Can a tow truck take my car to my house?
- Why is the tow yard charging me every day, and how do I stop the storage fees?
- My car was towed from my apartment complex or a parking lot. Was that legal, and how do I get it back?