San Francisco 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 San Francisco
SFMTA administrative fee: $385 for a repeat tow, $335 first-time, $0 low-income. Tow fee: $317, or $111 low-income, or $0 for a one-time homeless waiver. Storage: first 4 hours free, then $69 the first day and $82 each later day. Dolly: $56. Fees shown on the SFMTA Fees and Fines schedule effective July 1, 2026. (source: San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency)
Pay in person at the SF Impound (TEGSCO), open 24 hours. Phone 415.865.8200. Reduced-fee rules and proof requirements are on SFMTA's reduced-fees page. (source: San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency)
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
- San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA): Towed Vehicles (checked November 2, 2026)
- San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA): Reduced Fees for First-Time Tow and Low-Income Individuals (checked November 2, 2026)
- California Legislature (California Legislative Information): Vehicle Code 22852 (poststorage hearing) (checked November 2, 2026)
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