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Getting a car out of a Chicago auto pound
The City has pounds downtown (Central), at O'Hare, on the South Side (Doty) and on the West Side (Sacramento). Two are run by the City and two by its contractor, which can change the process.
General information, not legal advice. The papers you got from the police, the tow company, the storage lot or a state agency control your dates. Agencies change phone numbers and steps, so check the agency's own page too.
1. What it costs
Since December 2025 the City charges $250 to tow and $50 a day for storage ($350 and $100 for 8,000 lbs. or more). The code caps total storage at $1,500 per car. There are no fees for a car that was stolen when it was impounded, but the OIG found some stolen-car owners were charged when they did not bring the police report.
- Unpaid tickets and, for some offenses, a separate penalty must also be paid.
- The OIG found some pounds counted storage from the tow date instead of the day the car reached the pound.
Sources: Common Towing Questions (City of Chicago); Municipal Code sec. 9-92-080 (American Legal Publishing); OIG audit (PDF)
2. What to bring and how to pay
The owner or the owner's representative needs photo ID, proof of ownership (title, current registration, or a bill of sale under 30 days old), a valid driver's license to drive the car out, and a notarized letter if acting for the owner. The City's page lists cash and major credit cards and says checks and money orders are not accepted. The OIG found that people who are not the registered owner were required to pay in cash.
- Cars impounded for certain offenses (for example drugs, DUI, guns or fleeing police) must first be cleared at the Vehicle Impoundment Office, 400 W. Superior St.
Sources: Common Towing Questions (City of Chicago); OIG audit (PDF)
3. Hearings
Paying to get the car out does not give up the right to a hearing. The Municipal Code gives 30 days after the impound to ask in writing at the Department of Administrative Hearings; the City's page says you can ask at the pound when you pick up the car or within 15 days after release. Vehicle Impoundment Program cases have their own 15-day periods.
Sources: Towing Information; Towing Process (City of Chicago); Municipal Code (American Legal Publishing)
4. Time limits
A car not claimed 18 days after the City's notice can be disposed of (the City says it normally keeps cars at least 21 days). The owner can ask for one 15-day extension by calling 312-746-4954.
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