Car towed in Philadelphia?
Here’s how to get it back.
Call directly
PPA Tow Line
Call for vehicle lookup and payment info.
PPA Impoundment Lot 10
6 E. Oregon Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19148
South Philadelphia area
Mon-Thu: 7AM-9:30PM, Fri: 7AM-3AM, Sat: 9AM-3AM, Sun: 10AM-8PM
How to get there
PPA Impoundment Lot 10
6 E. Oregon Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19148
Estimate your fees
Payment: Full payment at lot. Also pay online at onlineserviceshub.com/ParkingPortal/Philadelphia or call 888-591-3636.
Estimates based on published rates. Actual fees may vary.
Before you go
Documents: Valid driver's license, current vehicle registration, proof of current insurance, and cashier's receipt with BAA/PVB release authorization.
Payment: Pay online to save time, then go to the lot with your receipt. Payment plans available through expedited hearing at Bureau of Administrative Adjudication.
TimeLimit: Vehicles not claimed within 21 days are sold at online public auction.
Fees: $175 straight tow (under 11,000 lbs); $225 live stop. Storage: $25/day + 22.5% tax ($30.63 effective). Boot fee: $150. Booted vehicles towed after 72 hours (additional $175). All outstanding tickets must be paid.
Why cars get towed in Philadelphia
Snow emergency routes
Philadelphia has 110 miles of snow emergency routes marked with red signs. When a snow emergency is declared, vehicles are ticketed and towed immediately.
Unpaid ticket accumulation
The Philadelphia Parking Authority boots vehicles with multiple unpaid tickets, then tows if not resolved promptly.
Street cleaning violations
Posted street cleaning schedules are enforced with ticketing and towing, especially in Center City and dense neighborhoods.
Blocking driveways and crosswalks
Parking across driveways, in crosswalks, or in fire zones results in immediate towing by PPA enforcement.
Parked in a private lot?
ALL currently AND previously owned vehicles' outstanding tickets must be satisfied. The 22.5% tax on storage adds up fast. Live stop tows cost $50 more than straight tows.
Know your rights
PA Vehicle Code Title 75 governs towing. Expedited hearings available at Bureau of Administrative Adjudication (913 Filbert St). PPA tows from designated Tow Zones with posted signs.
Your towing rights in Philadelphia
Pennsylvania state law protects vehicle owners
🪧Signage Requirements
Signs must be posted at entrances to the property. Must include tow company name, phone number, and address. Signs must state vehicles will be towed at owner's expense.
Details may vary — verify with local authorities.
🚗Right to Retrieve
Owner can recover the vehicle if they arrive before the tow truck departs the property.
Details may vary — verify with local authorities.
🏢Private Property Rules
Property owner must authorize the tow. Tow companies must be licensed. Philadelphia has additional city-level regulations.
Details may vary — verify with local authorities.
📝How to File a Complaint
File complaints with the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Bureau of Consumer Protection at (800) 441-2555. In Philadelphia, contact the Parking Authority at (215) 683-9775.
Source: 75 Pa.C.S. §6309.2
Avoid getting towed in Philadelphia
Parking Apps
💰 Meter Rates
Pay-by-plate kiosks with touchscreen in 4 languages (English, Spanish, French, Mandarin)
🆓 Free Parking
meterUP blocks payment when parking is free in a zone. Rate doubles if you park past the posted maximum time.
💡 Pro Tip
After 3 consecutive max-time sessions in the same zone, you're blocked for 30 minutes. Always use the meterUP zone number from nearby signage.
Pay for parking → avoid towing. It's that simple.
Parked somewhere else?