City of Calgary Towing: Car Towed? Here’s How to Get It Back
If the City of Calgary towing enforcement removed your vehicle, you are probably feeling a mix of confusion and frustration right now. Whether it was a snow ban, a parking bylaw violation, or a street sweeping day you forgot about, the good news is that getting your car back is a straightforward process — as long as you act quickly. This guide walks Calgary drivers through every step: finding your vehicle, understanding the fees, picking it up from the Calgary impound lot, and avoiding this situation in the future.
⚡ Quick Answer — My Car Was Towed in Calgary
Step 1: Confirm it was towed — call 403-537-7000 (Calgary Parking Authority) or use their online vehicle finder.
Step 2: Go to the Municipal Impound Lot at 400 – 39 Avenue SE with your ID, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance.
Step 3: Pay the fees — towing runs $150–$200, plus daily storage of $43–$55/day. Cashless facility only.
Need your car towed from the impound lot to a mechanic or home? Call Calgary Towing at (587) 885-2326 — we will pick it up directly from the lot.
Why Does the City of Calgary Tow Vehicles?
City of Calgary towing is handled by CityWide Towing under contract with the Calgary Parking Authority (CPA). The City does not tow vehicles randomly — there is always a bylaw reason behind it. Understanding these reasons helps you avoid getting towed in the first place.
The most common reasons Calgary bylaw enforcement will tow your car include:
Snow ban violations. When Calgary declares a snow route parking ban, vehicles parked on designated snow routes must be moved within the posted timeframe. Vehicles left behind are ticketed and towed to the impound lot. Snow ban fines start at $120, plus towing and storage fees on top.
Street sweeping parking bans. From mid-April to July, the City’s Spring Clean-up program sweeps streets across Calgary. No-parking signs go up several days before. Vehicles left in the zone between 8 AM and 4 PM on sweep day are ticketed (up to $120) and may be towed.
Rush-hour clearway violations. Downtown Calgary has no-parking zones from 7:00–8:30 AM and 3:30–6:00 PM on many streets. Vehicles parked during these windows are towed immediately to keep traffic flowing.
Fire lane and accessible zone violations. Blocking fire lanes, fire hydrants, or parking in accessible zones without a valid placard results in an immediate ticket and tow.
Abandoned vehicles. A vehicle parked on a public street for more than 72 hours without moving — especially if it appears inoperable (flat tires, missing plates) — can be tagged as abandoned and towed under the Parking Bylaw 41M2002.
Unregistered or uninsured vehicles. If your vehicle is not registered or insured, it cannot legally be parked on any public road or alley in Calgary. It will be ticketed and towed.
Police seizure. The Calgary Police Service (CPS) can seize vehicles involved in accidents, criminal investigations, or impaired driving. These vehicles are also towed to the municipal impound lot but can only be released with officer approval.
For information on private property towing (malls, condos, commercial lots), the process is different. Private tows are handled by private towing companies, not the City. If you think you were towed from private property, look for posted signage with the towing company’s name and phone number. Our guide on avoiding predatory towing scams in Calgary covers what to watch for.
How to Find Your Towed Car in Calgary
You come back to where you parked and your car is gone. Before panicking, confirm whether it was towed (and not stolen). Here is how to track it down:
Check for a parking ticket on the ground or nearby
If the City towed your vehicle, there may be a ticket or notice left at the location. If the vehicle was short-towed (moved to a nearby legal spot), look around the immediate area — it might be just a block or two away.
Use the Calgary Parking Authority vehicle finder
Visit calgaryparking.com/impound and enter your licence plate number. If your vehicle is at the municipal impound lot, it will show up in the system along with an estimated amount owing.
Call 403-537-7000
If the online tool does not show results (there can be a processing delay), call the Calgary Parking Authority directly. They can confirm whether your vehicle was towed and where it is located.
Rule out theft
If the Calgary Parking Authority has no record of your vehicle, call the Calgary Police Service non-emergency line at 403-266-1234 to check if it was reported stolen or seized by police.
💡 Short Tow vs. Full Impound: During street sweeping bans, Calgary Parking sometimes “short tows” vehicles to a nearby legal spot instead of impounding them. If your car disappears during a sweep, walk the block first — it may be parked around the corner. You can also call 403-537-7000 to find out where it was moved.
Calgary Impound Lot: Location, Hours & What to Bring
The Municipal Impound Lot is managed by the Calgary Parking Authority and physically monitored by MacCon Public Safety. Here is everything you need to know before heading over:
Documents You Must Bring
You cannot pick up a vehicle without proper identification. The impound lot requires different documents depending on who is picking up the vehicle:
If You Are the Registered Owner
✅ Valid driver’s licence
✅ Vehicle registration
✅ Proof of insurance
If Someone Else Is Picking Up
✅ Driver’s valid licence
✅ Written authorization from the owner
✅ Copy or photo of the owner’s government ID
⚠️ Important: If your registration or insurance documents are locked inside the impounded vehicle, tell the front desk — staff will escort you to the vehicle to retrieve them before processing the release. The impound lot will not release a vehicle to anyone who appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
How Much Does City of Calgary Towing and Impound Cost?
Fees vary depending on vehicle size and how far the vehicle was towed. Here is what Calgary drivers typically pay in 2026:
Example scenario: Your car is towed on a Wednesday evening for a snow ban violation. You pick it up Friday morning. You would pay the towing fee (~$175), two days of storage (~$100), and the parking ticket (~$120). Total: roughly $395. That number climbs every day you wait.
💡 Low-Income Subsidy: The Calgary Parking Authority offers a storage fee subsidy through their Impound Lot Storage Support program for Calgarians living on low income. If you qualify through the City’s Fair Entry program, your daily storage charges could be reduced. Ask about this at the impound lot front desk.
For a broader look at towing costs in Calgary across different scenarios, see our 2026 Calgary towing pricing guide.
Need Your Car Towed FROM the Impound Lot?
If your vehicle is not driveable, we will pick it up from the Calgary impound lot and deliver it to your mechanic, home, or anywhere you need it.
Step-by-Step: How to Pick Up Your Towed Car in Calgary
Once you have confirmed your vehicle is at the impound lot, follow these steps to get it back as quickly as possible:
1 Get to the impound lot during business hours. The lot is at 400 – 39 Avenue SE. Take the CTrain to 39 Avenue station if you do not have a ride. Bring your ID, registration, and insurance.
2 Check in at the front desk. Staff will verify your identity and confirm your vehicle is available for release. If it is on police hold, they will tell you — you cannot pick it up until the investigating officer approves release.
3 Pay towing and storage fees in full. The impound lot is cashless — bring debit, Visa, or Mastercard. You must pay all fees before the vehicle is released. The parking ticket itself can be paid separately at a later date.
4 Retrieve your vehicle within 2 hours. Once you have paid, you have a two-hour window to drive or tow your vehicle off the lot. If your vehicle will not start or is not driveable, call (587) 885-2326 — we will dispatch a flatbed tow truck to pick it up directly from the lot.
5 Keep all receipts. Save your towing receipt, storage receipt, and any parking tickets. You may need them if you plan to dispute the tow or file an insurance claim.
Can You Stop a City of Calgary Tow in Progress?
Yes — there are two scenarios where you can intercept a city tow before your car reaches the impound lot:
Before the tow truck has moved your vehicle: If you return to your car before it has been physically moved, you can request the tow truck driver to release it on the spot. There is typically no charge in this situation. You will still need to prove you are the owner (or have authorization) and that the vehicle is registered.
After the tow truck has moved your vehicle (but before it reaches the lot): If the tow truck has already lifted and moved your car, you may still be able to have it released — but you will owe the full towing fee to the driver, payable on the spot. You must also move the vehicle immediately from the area.
⚠️ Stay calm. Tow truck drivers are following instructions from bylaw enforcement. Arguing with or obstructing them can result in additional fines. Be polite, confirm your ownership, and either accept the release or let the process complete and retrieve your car at the impound lot.
Can You Dispute a City of Calgary Tow?
If you believe your vehicle was towed unfairly, you have options — but the process depends on what kind of ticket was issued:
Parking infraction notice (white tag): You can request an administrative review through Calgary Parking within 10 days of the ticket being issued. Only unpaid tickets can be appealed. Visit calgaryparking.com/tickets for details.
Bylaw violation ticket (yellow tag, starts with “B”): These can be challenged through Alberta Provincial Traffic Court. You can appear on the court date listed on your ticket, request an extension, or email caltraffic.counter@just.gov.ab.ca.
Private property tow dispute: If you were towed from a private lot without proper signage, you may be able to dispute it through Alberta Consumer Protection or small claims court. Take photos of the area (especially missing or unclear signage), keep all receipts, and document everything.
It is important to understand that even if you are disputing the ticket, the towing and storage fees must still be paid upfront to retrieve your vehicle. If the dispute is successful, you can request a refund of the ticket amount — but the tow fee is generally non-refundable.
For a deep dive into your legal rights under the new 2026 towing regulations, read our guide on new Alberta towing laws and your rights as a driver.
How to Avoid Getting Towed by the City of Calgary
Most bylaw-related towing in Calgary is entirely preventable. Here are seven things every Calgary driver should do to keep their car off the impound lot:
1. Sign up for snow ban and street sweeping alerts. The City of Calgary offers free email and text notifications for snow route parking bans and spring clean-up schedules. Sign up at Calgary.ca/roads. This one step prevents the majority of tows.
2. Always read parking signs carefully. Calgary parking regulations differ from zone to zone and even change temporarily for construction or events. Check both sides of the street. Pay attention to time restrictions, especially downtown clearway hours (7:00–8:30 AM and 3:30–6:00 PM).
3. Do not park within 5 metres of intersections, hydrants, or crosswalks. This is a bylaw violation that results in both a ticket and a tow, especially if it creates a safety hazard for pedestrians or emergency vehicles.
4. Keep your registration and insurance current. An unregistered or uninsured vehicle parked on any public road is an automatic tow. Make sure your registration sticker is up to date and visible.
5. Move your vehicle every 72 hours. If you park on a city street, you must move your vehicle at least once every 72 hours to avoid being tagged as abandoned.
6. Detach trailers from towing vehicles. Under Calgary bylaws, any removable trailer (camping trailer, utility trailer, boat trailer) must be attached to a towing vehicle at all times while parked on a public street. A detached trailer is ticketable.
7. Respect private property signage. If a lot says “Unauthorized vehicles will be towed at owner’s expense,” believe it. Take a photo of the sign before parking so you know who to contact if something goes wrong.
What Happens If You Do Not Pick Up Your Impounded Vehicle?
If you leave your vehicle at the Calgary Municipal Impound Lot, daily storage fees continue to accumulate. After 30 to 60 days (depending on the circumstances), the Calgary Parking Authority may declare the vehicle unclaimed. At that point, your vehicle can be sold at auction or scrapped.
If you do not plan to retrieve your vehicle — perhaps the fees exceed its value — you have options. The impound lot accepts vehicle donations through programs like the Kidney Foundation of Canada’s Kidney Car program, which provides a tax receipt in exchange for your vehicle. For more options on dealing with a car you do not want, including moving a non-running car in Calgary, we can help with transport to a donation centre or scrapyard.
Does Insurance Cover City of Calgary Towing Fees?
Generally, no. Standard auto insurance in Alberta does not cover towing fees or impound costs that result from parking violations or municipal enforcement. The fees are considered the driver’s responsibility since the infraction was preventable.
However, there are two exceptions to be aware of:
Stolen vehicle recovery: If your vehicle was stolen and subsequently impounded, your comprehensive insurance may cover the impound and storage fees. Contact your insurer immediately.
Accident-related seizure: If your vehicle was seized following a collision, your collision insurance may cover towing to a repair shop, but you will still need to pay the impound lot fees to get the vehicle released first. For more detail on how insurance applies after a collision in Calgary, see our guide on whether insurance covers towing in Alberta.
City Towing vs. Private Towing: Know the Difference
In Calgary, your car can be towed by two completely different systems. Understanding which one applies to your situation determines where your car went and who you call to get it back:
Under the new Alberta towing laws effective April 2026, all tow operators must now obtain written consent before towing and provide a written estimate. Operators who tow without consent face fines up to $300,000 and potential jail time. These rules apply to both private and city-contracted towing operations.
Need a Tow After Getting Your Car Back?
Sometimes a vehicle that has been sitting in an impound lot will not start. Cold weather, dead batteries, or pre-existing mechanical issues can make it impossible to drive the car off the lot. In those cases, you need a tow truck to take it from the impound lot to your mechanic, your home, or a repair shop.
Calgary Towing provides this service regularly. We dispatch to the impound lot at 400 – 39 Avenue SE and transport your vehicle anywhere in Calgary or long distance across Alberta. Our battery boost service can also get your car started on the spot if the battery is the only issue — saving you the cost of a tow entirely.
Other situations where you may need help after an impound include a flat tire that developed while the car was sitting, or a vehicle that was already broken down before it was towed. Our roadside assistance technicians can diagnose basic issues on site.
Frequently Asked Questions: City of Calgary Towing
Did the City of Calgary tow my car?
To check if the City of Calgary towed your vehicle, use the Calgary Parking Authority’s online vehicle finder at calgaryparking.com/impound or call 403-537-7000. Enter your licence plate number and the system will confirm whether your car is at the municipal impound lot. If it does not show up, call the Calgary Police non-emergency line (403-266-1234) to check if it was stolen or seized.
How much does it cost to get your car out of impound in Calgary?
Total costs typically range from $200 to $400 or more. This includes a towing fee of $150–$200, daily storage charges of $43–$55 per day, and a separate parking ticket of $80–$120. The longer you wait, the more storage fees accumulate.
Where is the Calgary impound lot located?
The Municipal Impound Lot is at 400 – 39 Avenue SE, Calgary. It is a short walk from the 39 Avenue CTrain station. Weekday hours are 8 AM to 10 PM, weekends 10 AM to 4 PM, and it is closed on statutory holidays.
Can I pay cash at the Calgary impound lot?
No. The Calgary Municipal Impound Lot is a cashless facility. They accept debit, Visa, and Mastercard only. Make sure you have one of these payment methods before going to the lot.
How long can a car stay in impound in Calgary before it is sold?
Typically 30 to 60 days depending on the circumstances. After that period, the Calgary Parking Authority may classify the vehicle as unclaimed and sell it at auction or have it scrapped. Daily storage fees continue to accumulate the entire time.
What happens if my car was towed during a snow ban?
Your vehicle will be taken to the municipal impound lot at 400 – 39 Avenue SE. You will owe a parking fine (starting at $120), plus towing fees and daily storage charges. Sign up for the City’s free snow ban text alerts to avoid this in the future.
Can I dispute a City of Calgary tow?
You can dispute the parking ticket portion by requesting an administrative review through Calgary Parking within 10 days. Bylaw violation tickets can be challenged through Alberta Provincial Traffic Court. However, towing and storage fees must be paid upfront to get your vehicle back regardless of the dispute outcome.
Can I get my personal belongings from an impounded car?
Yes. Under Alberta regulations, you have the right to access personal belongings from your vehicle before paying the full release fee — unless the vehicle is under police hold or legal restriction. Staff at the impound lot will escort you to the vehicle to retrieve items.
My impounded car will not start. Can you tow it from the lot?
Yes. Calgary Towing regularly picks up vehicles from the impound lot at 400 – 39 Avenue SE. We can tow your vehicle to any mechanic, body shop, or your home. We also offer battery boost service if a dead battery is the only issue. Call (587) 885-2326 for dispatch.
Does insurance cover Calgary impound fees?
Standard auto insurance does not cover towing or impound fees from parking violations. However, if your vehicle was stolen and later recovered at the impound lot, your comprehensive insurance may cover those fees. If the vehicle was impounded after a collision, contact your insurer to check coverage.
Car Stuck at the Impound Lot?
We tow vehicles directly from the Calgary Municipal Impound Lot to your mechanic, home, or anywhere in Alberta.
Battery dead? We can boost it on the spot — often faster and cheaper than a tow.