Car towed in Phoenix?
Here’s how to get it back.
Call directly
Phoenix PD Public Records & Services
Vehicle impound inquiries. For DUI impounds, contact this number FIRST.
How to get there
Phoenix PD Contract Tow Companies
Multiple contracted tow company lots across Phoenix
Before you go
Documents: Title or registration (proof of ownership), valid US photo ID (driver's license, state ID, military ID, or passport). If not the owner, need written signed statement from owner plus copy of owner's ID.
Payment: Only Cash, Visa, and MasterCard accepted. No Discover, AMEX, or checks.
TimeLimit: If vehicle not claimed within 10 days of available release date, tow company may file for abandoned title. DUI impounds have mandatory 30-day hold.
Fees: After-hours release fee: $75. DUI impounds (ARS 28-3511): mandatory 30-day hold. Post-storage hearing available within 10 business days.
Why cars get towed in Phoenix
3+ unpaid parking tickets (boot & tow)
Three or more unpaid, defaulted parking tickets and your vehicle gets booted. If not paid by 5 PM same day, it's towed.
Overnight street parking violations
Some Phoenix neighborhoods restrict parking after 10 PM. Cars can be towed even from spots used routinely during the day.
Expired registration
Vehicles with expired tags parked on public streets can be reported and towed by Phoenix PD contract tow companies.
Private lot predatory towing
Arizona allows property owners to tow without consent, but tow companies must report to police. Know your rights — get the police report number.
Parked in a private lot?
Per PCC 36-144 E, non-police tows must release your vehicle if you provide proper ID for billing. Working on your vehicle at the tow lot is strictly prohibited.
Know your rights
Phoenix City Code 36-144: If the tow was NOT police-ordered, the company must release your vehicle if you provide reliable means of ID for billing. If they refuse, call Crime Stop at 602-262-6151.
Your towing rights in Phoenix
Arizona state law protects vehicle owners
🪧Signage Requirements
Signs must be at least 24x30 inches, posted at each entrance. Must state 'Tow-Away Zone' and include the tow company phone number and address.
🚗Right to Retrieve
Owner can retrieve the vehicle before it leaves the property if they arrive in time. No fee may be charged if the vehicle has not yet been hooked up.
🏢Private Property Rules
Property owner or authorized agent must request the tow. Tow company must notify local law enforcement within 30 minutes of towing a vehicle from private property.
📝How to File a Complaint
File complaints with the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) at (602) 712-7355 or the Arizona Attorney General's Office at (602) 542-5763.
Source: ARS §28-3511, ARS §28-872
Avoid getting towed in Phoenix
💰 Meter Rates
$1.50/hr at most meters
🆓 Free Parking
Meters enforced 8 AM to 10 PM daily, including weekends and holidays. Free outside those hours.
💡 Pro Tip
Time limits range from 15 minutes to 8 hours depending on location. Most areas max at 2 hours. Some areas allow longer evenings and weekends.
Pay for parking → avoid towing. It's that simple.
Parked somewhere else?