Towing

Have you been towed?

If your car is not where you last parked it, it doesn't necessarily mean it has been stolen. Vehicles are impounded and relocated for various reasons, often because they are parked in rush hour routes or for other bylaw infractions.

Follow these steps to find out if you're vehicle has been moved by a tow operator:

1. Call the Toronto Police Service non-emergency line at 416-808-2222, press 4, then press 2, which will put you in contact with the communications dispatcher. 
2. Please have the correct vehicle licence plate number and your vehicle's last known location available. 
3. The dispatcher will advise you if your car has been impounded or relocated, as well as the vehicle's current location. 

Once you have determined that your vehicle has been impounded, call the appropriate towing company immediately, to make arrangements to retrieve it. Remember that storage fees continue to accrue, so attend the impound facility as quickly as possible.

The storage day is 24 hours from the time the vehicle arrives at the pound. The first storage day is divided into 24 equal parts, and each hour is 1/24^th of the daily rate. One hour is payable as soon as the vehicle arrives at the pound.

Each subsequent 24 hour period is charged at a full days rate at the start of the 24 hour period.

A map of towing company boundaries is available below.

The Toronto Police Service Towing & Storage Contract

All towed vehicles are divided into three towing categories as determined by the vehicles Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). The categories are in line with the categories listed within the provincial legislation known as :Towing and Storage Safety and Enforcement Act (TSSEA) and can change with the legislation. Additionally, the rates are charged for a Standard Tow (flat rate) and a Recovery Tow (by the hour) as required by TSSEA.

Toronto Police Service Contract Towing & Storage Fees

Standard tow fees apply to all police authorized impounds of vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of less than 7004 lbs. (3177 kgs), and medium tow fees apply to all vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of 7004 lbs (3177 kgs) to 13,227 lbs (6000 kgs), located within the road allowance or where the tow truck can be driven to the vehicle to be towed. The use of dollies is included in the standard & medium tow rates. Winching and off-road recovery costs are permitted to be charged in addition to the flat rate when applicable. 

The storage day is 24 hours from the time the vehicle arrives at the pound. The first storage day is divided into 24 equal parts and each hour is 1/24^th of the daily rate. One hour is payable as soon as the vehicle arrives at the pound. Each subsequent 24 hour period is charged at a full days rate at the start of the 24 hour period. Storage rates are divided into three categories, depending on vehicle or combination on vehicles length. Standard Length is less than 6.5m, Medium Length is 6.51m to 12.5m, Long Length is over 12.5m.

Comments, Questions and Complaints

Any concerns can be forwarded directly to the towing contractor, their contact information is listed above. For more information, contact the Traffic Services Contract Towing and Impound Team.