What to Do if Your Car Is Towed in Washington, D.C.
Vehicles in D.C. can be towed either by the Department of Public Works (DPW) or the Metropolitan Police Department, and it happens more than you think. Every year, there are about 40,000 cars towed in the District. Most of these, around 70% of them, are actually relocated to nearby streets, especially when they need to be cleared on short notice, such as when a motorcade comes through.
Locating Your Vehicle
The first thing you should do is figure out if your car was towed. You can call (202) 541-6083 or you can check online using the towed vehicle locator. You’ll need your VIN or license plate number, so make sure you have those.
In addition to being towed to a lot, many cars are simply relocated to nearby legal parking, usually within a couple blocks. So if your vehicle isn’t in the system yet, don’t panic. Start checking all of the nearby streets for your car.
How to Get Your Car Back
Before you can get your car back, you have to pay any and all fees. This can be done at the DMV Adjudication Service Center, or online. Impound lots #4 and #5 also have One Stop Customer Service Centers that allow you to pay all of the fees at the lot.
Once your fees are all paid, you need to present your payment receipt, vehicle registration, and driver’s license. Only registered owners can pick up cars, unless they have a notarized statement authorizing them to pick up the vehicle
Towing & Impound Fees
Standard vehicle tows have a $100 towing fee. If you don’t pick up your vehicle within 24 hours, you’ll be charged a storage fee of $20/day. If the vehicle was oversized, then you can expect a $275 towing fee.
As a note: if you do not pick up your vehicle the same day you pay your fees, you will have to pay additional storage fees. In order to avoid the hassle of paying again, make sure that you pick up your vehicle the same day you pay the storage fees.
Disputing Citations or Towing
You are always eligible to receive a hearing on outstanding parking tickets and the boot or tow fee, but only if you haven’t paid them. The DC government considers payment as an admission of liability or guilt. So if you plan to dispute the citation, make sure you go in for a Walk-In Hearing at Adjudication Services before you pay any fees.
The only exception is to release a vehicle after hearings are done for the day. In that case, you should request a voucher, and you will have to show up for a hearing on the next business day.