Oakland 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 Oakland
Oakland lists vehicle release $166; regular tow $250 for the first half hour (includes a $54 referral fee); $180/hr after that; storage $125/day; dolly or flatbed $50; motorcycle storage $125/day. No payment plans. (source: City of Oakland)
Tow company Auto Plus Towing: (510) 261-8199. OPD Records: (510) 238-3021. Tow Hearing, Administrative Hearing Examiner: 510-238-4484. Reasons include registration expired over 6 months, over $2,500 in unpaid tickets, 5 or more unpaid tickets, and parked over 3 days. (source: City of Oakland)
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 Oakland: Towed Vehicles (checked November 2, 2026)
- California Legislature (California Legislative Information): Vehicle Code 22852 (poststorage hearing) (checked November 2, 2026)
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