Fresno towing, impound and auto rules
Source: California Auto Help (californiaautohelp.com), part of the Local Help Stations network (localhelpstations.com). Last updated November 2, 2026.
Towing and impound in Fresno
Fresno Police say vehicles are recovered at the tow yard, not at the PD. Stored-only vehicles have no police fee. Impounded police admin fees: collision or blocking $60; illegally parked or abandoned $116; unlicensed driver or expired registration $189; arrested or suspended driver $266; DUI $450. The vehicle must be currently registered. (source: City of Fresno Police Department)
Hearing: call (559) 621-2543 within 10 days. Fresno also notes a 72-hour street parking rule and findmytowedcar.org/fresno. (source: City of Fresno Police Department)
Statewide rules that apply here
- When a public agency stores a vehicle, the registered and legal owners get a poststorage hearing to test whether the storage was valid (CVC 22852).
- Notice must be mailed or delivered within 48 hours, excluding weekends and holidays.
- Request the hearing in person, in writing or by telephone within 10 days of the date on the notice.
- The hearing must be held within 48 hours of the request, excluding weekends and holidays.
- If the hearing finds no reasonable grounds for the storage, the agency pays the towing and storage costs.
- This section does not apply to private property tows under CVC 22658, certain abandoned-vehicle abatements, or some investigative impounds.
(source: California Legislature)
See towed vehicle rights, Smog Check and registration renewal.
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Sources
- City of Fresno Police Department: Frequently Asked Questions (checked November 2, 2026)
- California Legislature (California Legislative Information): Vehicle Code 22852 (poststorage hearing) (checked November 2, 2026)
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