To get your car back from the Calgary Municipal Impound Lot (400 39 Ave SE), do these five things:
- Confirm your car is there using the City of Calgary’s online vehicle finder.
- Bring government photo ID, a valid driver’s licence, vehicle registration and proof of insurance.
- Pay all towing and storage fees in full by card, certified cheque or money order. The lot is cashless.
- Make sure the car is not on a police hold.
- Arrive during opening hours: weekdays 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., weekends 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is closed on statutory holidays.
Storage fees are charged for every day the car stays there, so go as soon as you can. Need help moving the car after pickup? Our impound lot recovery service handles it.
Step 1: Confirm Your Car Was Towed (Not Stolen)
Before you panic, check whether your car was towed. Use the City of Calgary’s online vehicle finder and enter your licence plate. Most vehicles show up within about 24 hours, though some take longer.
If your car is not listed, it may be because:
- It was seized by Calgary Police. These vehicles do not appear in the City’s system and need the officer’s approval before release.
- It was towed from private property. In that case, call the tow company named on the parking sign or notice.
- It was stolen. If you cannot find any record of a tow, call the police non-emergency line.
You can also call the Municipal Impound Lot directly at 403-537-7111 to confirm.
Step 2: Gather Your Documents
If you are the registered owner
Bring all of the following:
- Government-issued photo ID
- A valid driver’s licence (if you have an interim licence, bring a second piece of government ID)
- Valid vehicle registration, paper or digital, or a valid in-transit permit
- Proof of valid insurance
- Payment for all fees
If your documents are inside the car, staff may be able to escort you to get them. This depends on the situation, so call ahead.
If someone else is picking it up for you
Your designate needs more paperwork. They must bring:
- Their own government photo ID
- A signed and dated letter of authorization from you, with both of your full names, what they are allowed to collect, and the car’s make, model, plate number and VIN
- A copy or photo of your government ID
- The car’s registration and proof of insurance
- A valid driver’s licence if they are driving it away
The lot will not release the car if the letter is incomplete or unclear.
Rental cars and dealership plates
Rental cars often follow a different process, and many rental companies handle impound pickups themselves. Contact the rental agency first. For cars with dealership plates, the lot asks for extra proof of ownership and a link to the dealership, so call ahead.
Time-saving tip: You can email your documents to ilotdataentry@calgary.ca before you arrive so they are already on file.
Step 3: Know the Fees Before You Go
Your total depends on why the car was towed and how long it has been stored. Here are the City’s published rates (as of October 2026). For a wider look at typical charges, see our guide on how much a tow truck costs in Calgary.
Towing fees
| Reason for tow | Fee |
|---|---|
| Parking-related | $160 |
| Abandoned vehicle | $138 |
| Accident or police seizure | $171 |
| Flat deck | $193 |
| Motorcycle | $240 |
| Parkade tow | $243 |
| Heavy tow (¾ ton or diesel) | $243 |
| Heavy tow (3 ton or greater) | $373 |
Extra kilometre charges may apply if the tow went beyond city limits.
Storage and other fees
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Storage, main lot | $43 per day |
| Storage, medium lot (larger vehicles) | $55 per day |
| Storage, private lot | $65 per day |
| Administration fee | $36 per vehicle |
| Registered letters | $22 each |
Example: A car towed for a parking violation and picked up after 3 days in the main lot would cost about $325 ($160 tow + $36 admin + $129 storage). Parking tickets are listed separately, and paying them before release is optional.
The amount you are quoted before arriving is an estimate. The final total is confirmed when you pick up the car. Payment plans are not available, so the full balance is due at pickup.
Can’t afford the fees? Low-income residents may qualify for storage fee reductions through the City’s Fair Entry program. Apply through Fair Entry (not at the lot), and note that storage fees keep adding up while your application is reviewed.
Step 4: Go to the Impound Lot
Municipal Impound Lot
400 39 Avenue SE, Calgary
Phone: 403-537-7111
Weekdays: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. | Weekends: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Closed on statutory holidays
A few rules to know:
- The lot cannot release a car to anyone under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- You must be legally able to drive the car away, or arrange a tow.
- Inspect the car before you leave and photograph any damage.
Step 5: Drive It Out or Tow It Out
If the car is not drivable (a dead battery, flat tires, or accident damage), you will need a tow truck. Key rules at the lot:
- A licensed towing operator must attend.
- The tow company must be approved to enter the property and must remove the car within 2 hours of payment.
- If you self-tow, the towing vehicle needs a valid licence, registration and insurance, and any trailer must be under 25 feet.
- No repairs or mechanical work are allowed on site.
For fast towing Calgary drivers can rely on, arrange the truck before you pay, so you do not lose time at the counter. Not sure how quickly help can reach you? Read how long a tow truck takes to arrive in Calgary.
Why Do Cars Get Towed in Calgary?
Common reasons include:
- Parking on private property without permission
- Stopping in rush-hour tow-away zones
- Parking in late-night taxi zones during posted times
- Blocking alleys
- Expired or missing licence plates
- Accidents, police investigations or stolen-vehicle recoveries
How to Save Money
- Act quickly. Each extra day adds $43 to $65 in storage.
- Call ahead. A missing document means a second trip and another day of fees.
- Catch the tow truck in time. If you return before your car has been moved, it can be released on the spot at no charge. If it has already been hooked up and moved, you must pay the full towing fee to the driver before release.
- Don’t leave it unclaimed. Unclaimed vehicles can be auctioned or scrapped after the required notice periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to pick up my impounded car in Calgary?
There is no free grace period. Storage fees apply daily from the day of the tow. Unclaimed vehicles can eventually be auctioned or scrapped, so pick it up as soon as possible.
How much does it cost to get a car out of impound in Calgary?
Expect roughly $200 to $400 or more for a typical one- to three-day parking tow, depending on towing type, storage days and any parking tickets. Heavy and parkade tows cost more.
Can I get my car back without my registration or insurance?
Generally no. Valid registration and proof of insurance are required unless staff can escort you to retrieve them from the car.
Can a friend or family member pick up my car?
Yes, with their own photo ID, a signed authorization letter from you, a copy of your ID, and the car’s registration and insurance.
What if my car isn’t in the impound lot system?
It may be on a police hold, towed to a private lot, or still waiting to appear (up to about 24 hours). Call the impound lot at 403-537-7111 and check with the property owner or tow company.
Does the impound lot accept cash?
No. It accepts major debit and credit cards, certified cheques and money orders made out to The City of Calgary.
What if my car is not drivable?
Hire a licensed tow operator to remove it within 2 hours of payment. Arranging towing in advance saves time.
Need a Tow Out of the Impound Lot?
If your car cannot be driven out, KTC Towing offers 24/7 towing Calgary drivers can call at (587) 435-0770, with an upfront quote before dispatch.