Your car was impounded by Riverside police: finding it, the release form and the hearing
RPD tows go to the City's official police tow companies. You usually need an RPD Vehicle Release Form before the company will release the car.
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.
Find the car
Call RPD at (951) 826-5700, allowing 24 hours after the impound, with the plate, VIN or police report number. Vehicle information is available at the Orange Police Station, 4102 Orange Street, weekdays 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Sources: RPD Traffic FAQ
The release form and its fee
RPD issues a Vehicle Release Form for a fee, waived if the car was reported stolen. For 2026-27 the City lists $126 for most tows and $393 for 'Safe Streets Act' tows. Verbal releases are not allowed; the tow company needs the written form.
Sources: RPD Traffic FAQ; Schedule of Fees and Charges, July 1, 2026; Riverside Municipal Code Chapter 5.15
Unlicensed or suspended drivers: the 30-day impound
A car driven by an unlicensed or suspended driver is held 30 days, and RPD says the hold is usually not waived. The registered owner or lienholder can ask for an impound hearing within ten business days of the impound by calling (951) 351-6398.
Sources: RPD Traffic FAQ; Vehicle Code section 14602.6
Getting your things and checking for damage
To take property out of an impounded car, the registered owner must come with a government photo ID and arrange it with the tow company. Official tow companies must let owners, insurers and body shops see stored cars to estimate damage, and they are responsible for damage caused by their negligence.
Sources: RPD Traffic FAQ; Riverside Municipal Code section 5.15.110
Check what the law required for your tow
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