Discovering your car is missing from where you parked it can be stressful. One of the first thoughts that might cross your mind is whether it has been towed. In San Diego, vehicles can be towed for various reasons, ranging from parking violations to expired registration. If you suspect your vehicle was towed in San Diego, this guide will provide you with the essential steps and information to locate and recover your car quickly and efficiently.
Initial Steps to Locate Your Towed Car
When you realize your car is not where you left it, the first action should be to determine if it was indeed towed by the City of San Diego. Here are the primary methods to find out:
Utilize AutoReturn to Check for Your Vehicle
AutoReturn is a valuable online tool that can help you quickly check if your vehicle has been towed and impounded in San Diego. This system is often updated rapidly and can provide immediate information regarding your vehicle’s status and location.
Contact the San Diego Police Department (SDPD) Non-Emergency Line
If you are unable to find your vehicle through AutoReturn, your next step should be to contact the San Diego Police Department’s non-emergency line. You can reach them at 619-531-2000. When you call, be prepared to provide them with specific details about your vehicle to aid in their search.
Understanding the Impound Process and What to Expect
Navigating the process of finding and retrieving your towed vehicle can be smoother if you understand what to expect. Here are key aspects of the vehicle impound process in San Diego:
Timeframe for the Impound Process
It’s important to note that the impound process takes time. It typically requires a minimum of three hours for all details to become fully available. Therefore, if your car was recently towed, complete information about its location and the reason for towing might not be immediately accessible. Patience is crucial in the initial stages of your search.
Information You Need to Provide
When you contact either AutoReturn or the SDPD, you will need to provide specific information to help them locate your vehicle. Make sure you have the following details ready:
- Your full name as the registered owner.
- The vehicle license plate number.
- The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
- The make and model of your vehicle.
Providing this information accurately will expedite the process of locating your car.
What Happens After Your Vehicle is Located
Once your vehicle is located, you will receive crucial information that you need to proceed with the retrieval process. This information typically includes:
- The name of the towing company that has your vehicle.
- The exact location where your vehicle is being stored.
- The total amount of fees due to retrieve your vehicle.
To recover your vehicle, you will need to present valid identification. This includes your registered owner identification and a valid driver’s license. Make sure to have these documents ready when you go to pick up your car.
Vehicles Towed From Private Property
It’s important to distinguish between vehicles towed from public streets and those towed from private property. If your vehicle was towed from a private parking lot, apartment complex, or business property, it might not have been towed by the City of San Diego. In such cases, the City would not have a record of the tow.
If you suspect your car was towed from private property, carefully check for signs posted on the property. These signs are usually required to indicate the towing company and provide contact information to retrieve your vehicle. Contact the property management or security if necessary to inquire about the towing company.
Common Reasons for Vehicle Impounds in San Diego
Understanding why vehicles are impounded can help you avoid future towing incidents. In San Diego, common reasons for vehicle impounds include:
- Unpaid Parking Citations: Having five or more unpaid parking tickets associated with your vehicle on City of San Diego property can lead to impoundment.
- Expired Vehicle Registration: Vehicles with registration expired for over six months found on City property are subject to towing.
- Prolonged Parking Without Movement: Parking a vehicle on City property for more than 72 hours without moving it at least 1/10th of a mile can result in impound.
- Violation of Parking Signs: Parking in violation of temporary or permanent signs on City property can lead to towing.
- No Valid Registration Displayed: Vehicles parked illegally on City property without displaying any form of valid registration are often towed.
- Hazardous Parking: Parking in a manner that is considered hazardous or impedes traffic flow on City property can result in immediate towing.
- Blocking Driveways: Parking and blocking a driveway on City property can lead to towing, especially if a complaint is registered.
- Carpool Lane Violations: Parking in a carpool lane is a violation that can result in your vehicle being towed.
- Violation of Temporary Restrictions: Parking on public streets in violation of temporary signs for special events or construction is a common reason for vehicles to be towed.
Recovering a Stolen Vehicle
In addition to towing for violations, the San Diego Police Department also recovers stolen vehicles. If your vehicle was stolen and has been recovered, an officer will typically attempt to contact the registered owner.
If the police cannot reach you immediately, or if it takes you more than 20 minutes to reach the vehicle’s location, the vehicle will be stored at a City-contracted towing company. It will remain there until you, as the registered owner, can recover it. If you suspect your vehicle was stolen and then towed, contacting the SDPD is crucial to understand the situation.
Towing Claims and Post Storage Hearings
If your vehicle has been towed by the City of San Diego, you have rights, including the right to a Post Storage Hearing under the California Vehicle Code. After your vehicle is impounded, the City will send a notification to the registered and legal owners.
If you wish to contest the validity of the tow, you must request a Post Storage Hearing. To do so, contact SDPD Tow Administration at 858-495-7830 or respond to the notification you receive by mail within 10 days of the notice date. The hearing is conducted over the phone and is based on evidence to determine if the tow was legally valid. Tow Administration will inform you of their decision within 48 hours after the hearing, excluding weekends and holidays.
Finding your towed vehicle in San Diego involves prompt action and clear communication. By following these steps and understanding the process, you can efficiently locate and recover your car, minimizing stress and inconvenience. Remember to act quickly and be prepared with the necessary information when you begin your search.
