🚨 Quick Answer: If your car was impounded in Toronto, call the Toronto Police non-emergency line at 416-808-2222 (press 4, then 2) to confirm the location. Then visit the police division that ordered the impound, show ID and proof of ownership, get a release form, and take it to the tow yard. You will pay towing fees (~$150+) and storage fees ($50–$100/day). Act fast — storage fees add up every 24 hours.
Need a tow from an impound lot or to avoid impoundment?
Few things are as stressful as discovering your car has been impounded. Whether it was towed during rush hour for a parking violation, seized after a traffic stop, or impounded following an arrest, the clock starts ticking immediately. Storage fees pile up by the hour, and navigating the release process can feel overwhelming when you have no idea where to start.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know about getting your car impounded in Toronto back — from locating it, to understanding the fees, to picking it up as quickly as possible. We also cover how impoundment works across the GTA including Peel, York, and Durham regions.
Step 1: Find Out Where Your Car Is
If your car is not where you left it, do not assume it was stolen. Vehicles are towed and impounded in Toronto every day for rush hour violations, expired plates, unpaid tickets, and more. Your first move is to confirm what happened and where your vehicle is being held.
📞 CALL IMMEDIATELY
Toronto Police Non-Emergency Line: 416-808-2222
→ Press 4, then press 2 to reach the communications dispatcher
→ Have your licence plate number and the last known location of your vehicle ready
The dispatcher will tell you whether your car has been impounded or relocated, which tow yard is holding it, and the towing company’s contact information. Write everything down — you will need the tow yard name, address, and phone number for the next steps.
If your vehicle was impounded outside Toronto city limits — for example, on a Peel Regional or York Regional road — you will need to contact the police service that ordered the tow. See the GTA jurisdiction table below.
Why Cars Get Impounded in Toronto
Understanding why your vehicle was impounded matters because the reason directly determines how long it will be held and what you need to do before it can be released. Here are the most common reasons:
If your vehicle was involved in a collision and you need to file a report first, see our guide on collision reporting centres in Toronto. If your car was towed after an accident, our accident towing service can help transport it to the shop or impound of your choice.
Step-by-Step: How to Get Your Car Out of Impound
Once you know where your vehicle is being held, follow these steps to retrieve it as quickly as possible. The process varies slightly depending on whether it was a police-ordered impound or a bylaw tow, but the general flow is the same.
Confirm the Tow Yard Location
Call TPS non-emergency (416-808-2222, press 4 then 2) or the relevant regional police service. Get the tow yard name, address, and phone number.
Visit the Police Division (If Police-Ordered)
Go to the police division that ordered the impound. Bring your valid driver’s licence, vehicle ownership (registration), and proof of insurance. The officer will verify your identity and issue a vehicle release form.
Resolve Any Outstanding Issues
If the impound was caused by unpaid fines, expired registration, or lapsed insurance, you must resolve those issues before the vehicle can be released. Bring proof of resolution.
Go to the Tow Yard With Your Release Form
Present the police release form at the impound lot. The tow yard will not release your vehicle without it for police-ordered impounds. For bylaw tows (rush hour, parking), you may go directly to the tow yard.
Pay All Fees and Drive Away
Pay the towing fee, storage fees, and any admin charges. Get a detailed receipt. Most tow yards accept cash, debit, and credit cards. Then drive your vehicle home.
💡 Time-Saving Tip: Call the tow yard before you go. Confirm their hours, ask exactly which documents they need, and verify which payment methods they accept. Some yards close early on weekends, and showing up without the correct paperwork means an extra trip — and more storage fees.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Car Out of Impound?
The fees are set by the towing company, not the police, and they vary between companies. However, most Toronto-area impound lots charge within similar ranges. Here is what to expect:
⚠️ Costs Add Up Fast: A 7-day mandatory impound with a $75/day storage rate plus towing and admin fees can easily exceed $700–$900. A 14-day stunt driving impound can top $1,200+. Pick up your vehicle as soon as the mandatory hold expires to minimize costs.
Under the Towing and Storage Safety and Enforcement Act (TSSEA), towing companies in Ontario must publish their maximum rate schedules. You can look up a specific operator’s rates on the Ontario government website before paying. If you believe you have been overcharged, request a printed fee schedule at the tow yard and keep all receipts.
For more on how Toronto towing fees work in general, read our towing cost Toronto price guide and our tips on how to save money on tows.
What Documents Do You Need to Retrieve Your Car?
📋 Valid Driver’s Licence — current, not suspended
📋 Vehicle Ownership (Registration) — proving you are the registered owner
📋 Proof of Insurance — valid auto insurance for the vehicle
📋 Police Release Form — required for police-ordered impounds (obtained at the police division)
📋 Payment Method — cash, debit, or credit card for towing and storage fees
📋 Proof of Resolved Fines — if the impound was triggered by unpaid tickets or violations
What if you are not the registered owner? If you cannot pick up the car yourself, the person collecting it must bring your written authorization, their own valid ID, plus all the documents listed above. Some police divisions require notarized authorization for third-party pickup.
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Major Toronto-Area Tow Yards & Impound Lots
Toronto Police contracts with specific towing operators to handle police-authorized impounds. Your vehicle will be towed to the yard contracted for the area where the impound occurred. Here are some of the larger tow yards that handle police impounds in the GTA:
Always confirm your tow yard by calling the police first. Do not guess or go to a yard based on proximity — your vehicle will only be at the specific yard the police contracted.
Impound Contacts Across the GTA
If your vehicle was impounded outside Toronto proper, you need to contact the correct regional police service:
TORONTO
Toronto Police Service
416-808-2222 (press 4, then 2)
Covers: Downtown, Scarborough, North York, Etobicoke, East York
PEEL REGION
Peel Regional Police
905-453-3311
Covers: Mississauga, Brampton, Caledon
YORK REGION
York Regional Police
1-866-876-5423
Covers: Markham, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Newmarket
DURHAM REGION
Durham Regional Police
905-579-1520
Covers: Ajax, Pickering, Whitby, Oshawa
Can You Appeal a Vehicle Impoundment in Ontario?
Yes, but only under specific circumstances, and only for 45-day Criminal Code impoundments — 7-day and 14-day impoundments cannot be appealed. Appeals are heard by the Licence Appeal Tribunal (LAT).
You may have grounds for an appeal if:
✅ The vehicle was stolen at the time it was impounded
✅ The driver’s licence was not actually suspended at the time
✅ You (as the owner) took all reasonable steps to verify the driver had a valid licence
✅ The impoundment causes exceptional hardship (such as a health emergency for someone who depends on the vehicle)
A successful appeal may result in a refund of towing and storage costs but does not reverse the underlying criminal charge. If you believe your vehicle was wrongly impounded, consult a licensed paralegal or lawyer familiar with Highway Traffic Act matters. For general information about your Ontario towing rights, see our dedicated guide.
How Does Impoundment Affect Your Insurance?
A vehicle impoundment itself does not directly appear on your insurance record. However, the underlying reason for the impound almost certainly will. A DUI charge, suspended licence conviction, or stunt driving offence will show up when your insurer checks your driving record at renewal. This can lead to significantly higher premiums or even policy cancellation.
⚠️ High-Risk Driver Status: Serious offences like impaired driving or stunt driving can classify you as a high-risk driver, requiring specialized (and expensive) insurance. Your rates could increase by 100%–300% or more. In some cases, you may be declined coverage by standard insurers and need to go through the Facility Association.
If your car was impounded after a simple parking violation or rush hour tow, there is no impact on your insurance — it is treated as a regular towing event. For insurance-related questions after an accident, our direct insurance billing page explains how towing charges can be billed through your policy.
How to Avoid Getting Your Car Impounded
Prevention is always cheaper than retrieval. These common-sense steps will keep your car off the impound lot:
Keep your licence valid. Set calendar reminders for licence and plate renewal dates. Never let a friend or family member drive your car without confirming their licence is current.
Respect rush hour routes. Toronto actively tows vehicles during peak traffic hours. Watch for “No Stopping” signs with posted time restrictions on major routes like Bay Street, Bloor, and the Lakeshore.
Pay parking tickets promptly. Accumulating unpaid tickets can trigger a boot and tow. The City of Toronto can immobilize and impound vehicles with multiple outstanding tickets.
Never drive impaired. Call a cab, use a rideshare, or take advantage of seasonal services like Red Nose Towing during the holidays. The cost of a ride home is a fraction of an impound.
Keep insurance and registration current. Driving without valid insurance in Ontario is a serious offence that results in immediate vehicle seizure, a fine of at least $5,000, and a licence suspension.
How Towing Toronto Can Help
While Towing Toronto does not operate police impound lots, we can help you in many related situations. If you need your vehicle transported from one tow yard to your mechanic, or if your car was released from impound but is not drivable, our flatbed towing service can move it safely anywhere in the GTA.
We also offer vehicle storage at competitive rates if you need a safe place to keep your car while you sort out insurance or repairs. Our roadside assistance team is available around the clock — if you can avoid the impound by getting help before the tow truck arrives, we are just a phone call away.
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Impoundment in Toronto
How do I find out if my car was impounded in Toronto?
Call the Toronto Police non-emergency line at 416-808-2222, press 4, then 2. Have your licence plate number and the vehicle’s last known location ready. The dispatcher will confirm whether it was impounded or relocated and tell you which tow yard is holding it.
How much does it cost to get a car out of impound in Toronto?
Expect to pay a towing fee of $150 to $300, plus daily storage fees of $50 to $100 per day, and possible admin fees of $50 to $150. A 7-day mandatory impound can total $700 to $900 or more. A 14-day stunt driving impound often exceeds $1,200.
Can someone else pick up my impounded car for me?
Yes. The person collecting your vehicle must bring your written authorization (some divisions require notarized authorization), their own valid ID, your vehicle ownership, proof of insurance, and the police release form. They must also pay all outstanding fees at the tow yard.
How long can my car stay in impound before it is sold?
If you do not claim your vehicle within a specified period (typically 60 days or more, depending on the facility), the tow yard may apply to have it declared abandoned. It can then be sold at auction or scrapped to recover the unpaid storage fees. Do not let this happen — retrieve your car as soon as the mandatory hold period ends.
Can I get personal belongings from my car while it is impounded?
In most cases, yes. Contact the tow yard directly and ask about their policy for accessing personal items. You will likely need to show ID and may need to schedule an appointment. Some yards charge an access fee, and if the vehicle is being held as evidence, access may be restricted.
What happens if my car was impounded for stunt driving?
Stunt driving (50+ km/h over the limit) results in a mandatory 14-day vehicle impoundment under Ontario law. You cannot retrieve the car before those 14 days expire. You will also receive an immediate licence suspension, and the impound and towing fees will be your responsibility regardless of the outcome of the charge.
Can I appeal a 7-day or 14-day impound in Ontario?
No. Only 45-day impoundments related to Criminal Code convictions can be appealed through the Licence Appeal Tribunal. Seven-day and 14-day impoundments cannot be appealed under current Ontario law.
Will my car insurance go up after an impound?
It depends on why the vehicle was impounded. A parking violation tow has no insurance impact. However, a DUI, suspended licence, or stunt driving charge will almost certainly increase your premiums significantly — potentially by 100% to 300% or more — and may result in being classified as a high-risk driver.
What if I think I was charged too much at the impound lot?
Ask the tow yard for a printed copy of their fee schedule. Under the TSSEA, all Ontario tow operators must publish their maximum rates. If the fees differ from their posted rates, pay under protest (write “paid under protest” on the receipt), keep all documentation, and file a complaint with the Ontario Ministry of Transportation or pursue the matter in Small Claims Court.
Can Towing Toronto help me move my car from an impound lot?
Yes. If your car has been released from impound but is not drivable, Towing Toronto can tow it to your mechanic, home, or another location of your choice. We offer flatbed towing, 24-hour service, and competitive rates across the GTA. Call (647) 812-1477 for a towing quote.
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