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The short answer: A standard San Francisco tow fee from SFMTA is $317, plus a $385 administrative fee ($335 for a first tow). That’s $702, or $652 for a first-time tow, before storage. Storage is free for the first 4 hours, then $69 for the first day and $82 for each day after. Low-income owners pay much less.
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Getting towed in San Francisco is costly. Here’s what SFMTA charges, how to cut the bill, and how to contest a tow, all from the agency’s own pages.
SFMTA tow fees for 2026
| Place and rule | Amount |
|---|---|
| Administrative feeCharged on top of the tow fee. The first-tow rate applies if the car has never been towed by SFMTA or SFPD. People experiencing homelessness who qualify also pay $0. Source: SFMTA | $385; $335 first tow; $0 low-income |
| Tow feeOne-time $0 waiver for people experiencing homelessness who have visited a Coordinated Entry Point in the past 6 months. Source: SFMTA | $317; $111 low-income |
| Storage, first 4 hoursPick up within 4 hours to avoid storage. Source: SFMTA | Free |
| Storage, first dayFor the first day after the free 4 hours. Source: SFMTA | $69 |
| Storage, each later dayLow-income owners can get up to 15 days of storage waived. Source: SFMTA, SFMTA reductions | $82 |
| DollyOnly if a dolly is used. Waived for eligible low-income owners. Source: SFMTA | $56 |
Towing and storage fees may vary depending on the weight of your vehicle. Search for your vehicle or call 415.865.8200 for an estimate (SFMTA).
What a typical bill looks like
- First tow, picked up within 4 hours: $335 + $317 = $652.
- Repeat tow, picked up within 4 hours: $385 + $317 = $702.
- First tow, storage runs into a second day: $335 + $317 + $69 + $82 = $803.
- Low-income owner, within the waiver limits: $0 administrative fee + $111 tow fee = $111.
These examples use the SFMTA fee list for a standard vehicle and leave out any dolly fee or parking citations (SFMTA, reductions).
How to get your car back
- Confirm the tow. Call the City and County of San Francisco Impound at 415.865.8200 with your plate number, a description of the car, and when and where it was parked. If it wasn’t towed, it may have been stolen or towed in another city.
- Go in person. The impound at 450 7th Street is open 24 hours a day, including holidays. You must be the registered owner. A representative may need a Hold Harmless form.
- Pay. Cash, ATM cards and most major credit cards are accepted. No checks, phone or online payments. The cardholder must be present with matching ID.
- Ask for reductions. Bring proof such as Medi-Cal, EBT, an SFMTA Lifeline card or WIC benefits for the low-income rate. For a first-tow reduction, you’ll need DMV registration showing when you got the car (SFMTA).
If SFPD ordered the tow, contact SFPD for release instructions (SFMTA).
How to contest an SFMTA tow
Request a hearing within 30 calendar days of the tow. The hearing itself can be later (SFMTA: Contest a tow). If your car is worth $500 or less and you haven’t retrieved it, the deadline is 10 calendar days (SFMTA written hearing). If you can’t pay to get the car out, you’re entitled to a hearing within 2 business days of the tow.
Get the car out right away anyway, since storage keeps adding up. If the hearing officer finds the tow invalid, tow and storage fees are dismissed, and a refund is mailed 4 to 6 weeks after the hearing (SFMTA).
Compare and plan: see how other cities stack up in our most expensive places to get towed report, find a lot in our impound lot directory, or estimate a private tow with the tow cost calculator.
Stuck right now? Send a quick free quote request and we’ll connect you with an independent local tow provider. Ask for the full price before they dispatch.
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FAQ
How much is a tow in San Francisco?
For a standard car, SFMTA lists a $385 administrative fee ($335 for a first tow) plus a $317 tow fee. That’s $702, or $652 for a first tow, before storage. Storage is free for 4 hours, then $69 for the first day and $82 for each later day. Fees can vary by vehicle weight.
Where do I get my car back in San Francisco?
At the City and County of San Francisco Impound, 450 7th Street, run by the city’s contractor TEGSCO. It’s open 24 hours a day, including holidays. Call 415.865.8200 to confirm where your car is, since some oversized vehicles go to a secondary lot in Daly City.
Can I pay SFMTA tow fees online or by phone?
No. You must appear in person and pay all fees. SFMTA accepts cash, ATM cards and most major credit cards, but not checks. The cardholder must be present with ID matching the card.
Can I get a reduced tow fee in San Francisco?
Yes, if you qualify. Low-income owners pay no administrative fee, a $111 tow fee and get up to 15 days of storage and the dolly fee waived. First-time tows get a $335 administrative fee. If you paid full price, you can ask for reimbursement within 30 days.
How do I contest a tow in San Francisco?
For tows ordered by SFMTA, request a hearing within 30 calendar days of the tow. If your car is worth $500 or less and still in storage, the deadline is 10 days. If the tow is found invalid, tow and storage fees are dismissed. SFPD-ordered tows are handled by SFPD.
Rules change; verify with your local authority. SFMTA fees were checked against the official sources below in October 2026. This is general information, not legal advice.
Sources
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