How Much Are Impound Fees in California?
Getting a car out of impound in California usually means an initial tow of $150-$350 plus daily storage of $20-$60/day. Retrieve it fast - fees add up every day.
No statewide dollar cap; charges may not exceed the operator's CHP-approved rate for that CHP Area (CVC 22658(i)), which is not published as a single statewide figure.
Reviewed by Daniel Richardson against California statutes and regulator schedules.
California Impound Cost by Days Held (2026)
| Time in impound | Estimated total |
|---|---|
| 1 day | ~$170-$410 |
| 3 days | ~$210-$530 |
| 7 days | ~$290-$770 |
| 14 days | ~$430-$1,190 |
Estimate = a typical tow + storage. California has no single statewide dollar cap, so actual fees vary by lot and vehicle.
Max tow fee: No statewide dollar cap. CHP does not publish a fixed maximum. For non-consensual tows the charge may not exceed the operator's CHP-approved rate (or the local law-enforcement-approved rate) for that jurisdiction - CVC 22658(i). Rates are set per operator, per CHP Area, not statewide. Typical market charge is roughly $250-$350 for a standard tow (estimate, not an official cap).
Storage: No statewide daily-dollar cap. Storage rates are per-operator, approved by the local CHP Area commander for reasonableness. Release within 24 hours of arrival = one day's storage only (CVC 22658(i)(2)). In accident and stolen-vehicle recovery contexts, AB 987 (eff. Jan 1, 2026; CVC 10652.5 / 22524.5) makes some holiday and rapid-recovery storage fees presumptively unreasonable. Typical market rate is roughly $50-$75/day (estimate, not a CHP-set cap).
Notification: Tow company must notify local law enforcement within 60 minutes of removal/in-transit or within 15 minutes of arriving at the storage facility, whichever is less; failure is a misdemeanor. Written notice to the registered owner must be given immediately. (CVC 22658(b), 22658(m))
Sources & Legal References
- California Vehicle Code section 22658 (leginfo.legislature.ca.gov, official CA Legislature)
leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
- AB 987 (Chapter 345, Statutes of 2025; effective Jan 1, 2026) bill text
leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
Regulated by California Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR).
Last reviewed by Daniel Richardson against California's official state statutes and regulator schedules.
How to Get Your Car Out Fast
- Call the local police non-emergency line to confirm which lot holds your car and get a case number.
- Bring a photo ID, proof of ownership (registration or title), and payment.
- Many lots require proof of current insurance to release the car - if yours lapsed, get a policy or SR-22 quote first.
- Ask for an itemized receipt and retrieve personal belongings (allowed during business hours in most states).
Think your California impound bill is too high?
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Get the documents to dispute my bill →California Impound FAQs
How much does it cost to get a car out of impound in California?
In California, expect an initial tow of roughly $150-$350 plus daily storage of about $20-$60 per day, plus any administrative/release fees. The longer the car sits, the more you pay - so retrieve it quickly. No statewide dollar cap. CHP does not publish a fixed maximum. For non-consensual tows the charge may not exceed the operator's CHP-approved rate (or the local law-enforcement-approved rate) for that jurisdiction - CVC 22658(i). Rates are set per operator, per CHP Area, not statewide. Typical market charge is roughly $250-$350 for a standard tow (estimate, not an official cap).
How much is the daily impound storage fee in California?
Daily storage in California runs about $20-$60 per day. State rule: No statewide daily-dollar cap. Storage rates are per-operator, approved by the local CHP Area commander for reasonableness. Release within 24 hours of arrival = one day's storage only (CVC 22658(i)(2)). In accident and stolen-vehicle recovery contexts, AB 987 (eff. Jan 1, 2026; CVC 10652.5 / 22524.5) makes some holiday and rapid-recovery storage fees presumptively unreasonable. Typical market rate is roughly $50-$75/day (estimate, not a CHP-set cap).. Fees accrue every calendar day (sometimes counting partial days), which is why retrieving the vehicle fast saves the most money.
What do I need to get my car out of impound in California?
Bring a government photo ID, proof of ownership (registration or title), and payment. Many lots also require proof of current insurance to release the vehicle - if your coverage has lapsed, get a policy or SR-22 quote first so you can release the car.
Can I dispute impound or towing fees in California?
Yes. If you were charged above the legal maximum or the tow broke California rules, request an itemized receipt, demand a refund of any illegal charges, and file a complaint with the California Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR). Keep every receipt and photograph the signage.
What are the maximum towing rates in California?
There is no single statewide CHP rate schedule. For non-consensual tows the charge may not exceed the tow operator's CHP-approved rate for that area (CVC 22658(i)). Typical market rates run about $250-$350 for the tow and $50-$75/day for storage. Consensual tow rates are not capped but should be agreed upon before service.
Can I dispute a tow in California?
Yes. You can request a tow hearing through your local law enforcement agency within 30 days of the tow. You can also file a complaint with the California Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR). If the tow is found to be illegal, you may be entitled to four times the tow and storage charges.