Plain-language facts about towing in Sacramento. Every fact links to its official source, and we show the date we last checked it.
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SPD General Order 536.02, dated March 5, 2026, sets how officers handle stored, impounded, recovered stolen and evidence vehicles, including an inventory of every towed car's contents. It also restates that a private tow company must release a car right away if the owner returns before it leaves the property.
Order dated March 5, 2026.
Source: SPD General Order 536.02 (City PDF)
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Under the City's 2024 tow rotation agreements, a regular police tow costs at most $235 (one-hour minimum) and storage at most $60 a day, both paid to the tow company. The $180 vehicle release fee is paid to the Police Department. The agreement bars add-on fees such as postage, cleanup or dolly charges.
In effect since January 1, 2024.
Source: SPD Towed Vehicles page; SPD Tow Rotation Program page; 2024 Tow Rotation Services Agreement (sample)
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The Code Compliance tow rotation page says the City no longer pays the $50 junk-vehicle reimbursement starting January 1, 2024. Its current rotation contracts are valid through December 31, 2028.
Since January 1, 2024.
Source: Code Compliance Tow Rotation Program page
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We read public records, laws and official reports and explain them in plain words. We do not say that any company broke the law; we report what the records show, with a link so you can check. If you see a mistake, email corrections@towedhelp.org.