Getting your car back in San Francisco: fees, waivers and refunds
Most cars towed by SFMTA or SFPD go to the City impound at 450 7th Street. The fees are set by SFMTA, and several groups pay less or nothing.
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.
The fees in 2026-27
From July 1, 2026, SFMTA lists an administrative fee of $385 ($335 if the car has never been towed by SFPD or SFMTA while registered to you), an operating tow fee of $317, and light-duty storage of $69 for the first 24 hours and $82 for each day after. A dolly costs $56 if needed. SFPD adds a separate $194 fee for some arrest-related tows.
- Pay in person: cash, ATM card or most major credit cards, with the cardholder present and ID that matches the card. Checks, phone and online payments are not accepted.
Sources: SFMTA Fees and Fines effective July 1, 2026; SFMTA Towed Vehicles page; SFPD Towed Vehicle Information
Low-income owners and renters
If you show proof of an eligible program or household income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, SFMTA waives the administrative fee, dolly and lien fees and storage for the first 24 hours plus up to 14 days, and charges the low-income tow fee instead ($111 from July 2026).
- SFMTA's page lists accepted proof such as Medi-Cal, EBT, an SFMTA Lifeline card, WIC or its Income Verification form.
- The owner or renter must be an individual; businesses do not qualify.
Sources: SF Transportation Code section 305(a)(1)(B); SFMTA reduced-fee page
People experiencing homelessness
With certification from the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing, a one-time waiver covers the administrative, dolly and lien fees and storage for the first 24 hours plus up to 29 days. SFMTA's page describes eligibility as a visit to a Coordinated Entry Point in the past six months, once per owner.
Sources: SF Transportation Code section 305(a)(1)(C); SFMTA reduced-fee page
Stolen cars and improper City tows
If the car was reported stolen before the tow, an individual owner can have the administrative, tow and lien fees and up to three days of storage waived or refunded. Fees can also be waived or refunded when an SFPD or SFMTA tow was not authorized by law or the City recorded it wrongly, unless the owner's own conduct caused the error.
Paid the full amount but qualified?
Section 305(d) lets an eligible person who paid full fees ask SFMTA for the difference within 30 days of paying, on SFMTA's form. SFMTA's page also mentions 30 days from the tow.
- Keep your receipt and proof of eligibility.
Sources: SF Transportation Code section 305(d); SFMTA reduced-fee page
Check what the law required for your tow
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