Pick Up Your Vehicle | Calgary Parking
Vehicles may be impounded and brought to the Municipal Impound Lot for a variety of reasons. The Impound Lot is a secure storage facility for vehicles that have violated parking regulations or may have been:
- Stolen
- Abandoned
- Parked illegally or obstructing traffic
- Damaged or derelict
- Involved in an accident or crime
Before heading to the Municipal Impound Lot to pick up a towed vehicle, follow these steps to make sure you have all the information you need:
Locating your vehicle
In the unfortunate circumstance that your vehicle was towed, use our vehicle finder to confirm it’s located at the Municipal Impound Lot:
When using this system, please note:
- Most vehicles appear in the system within about 24 hours
- Some cases may take longer depending on tow circumstances or investigations
- If your vehicle has been seized by Calgary Police Services and may be on hold, it will not appear in our system
Contact and Hours
Municapal Impound Lot
400 39 Ave S.E.
403-537-7111
Hours
Weekdays: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Weekends: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Closed on statutory holidays
Municipal Impound Lot
If your car has been towed, it may be held at the Municipal Impound Lot. Our team manages the impound lot to ensure that vehicles in the facility are safe, secure and released to authorized individuals. MacCon Public Safety actively monitors the Municipal Impound Lot to keep employees and Calgarians safe. Our staff do not tow the vehicles themselves. For more information on how we operate, view the Traffic Safety Act, Vehicle Seizure and Removal Regulation.
Picking up your vehicle
Before coming to the Municipal Impound Lot, please make sure:
- Your vehicle shows in the vehicle finder or has been confirmed by phone
- The vehicle is not on a police hold or has been released
- You (or your designate) have the required documents
- You can legally drive the vehicle away or have towing arranged
- You must pay all fees in full; payment plans are not available.
If any of these items are missing, your pickup could be delayed. To speed up the process, you can email the documents to us at ilotdataentry@calgary.ca ahead of time so it’s ready and attached to your file before you arrive.
Before you or someone else picks up your vehicle, please know that:
- Vehicles cannot be released to anyone under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Vehicles on police hold require approval from the seizing officer before release
- Arriving without required documents, payment, or legal driving ability will delay pickup
Calling ahead helps ensure a smooth and successful visit.
What to bring
If documents are inside the vehicle, staff may be able to escort you to retrieve them, depending on the situation.
If the vehicle belongs to you
- Government‑issued photo ID
- Valid vehicle registration (paper or digital) or valid in-transit permit
- Valid driver's licence. Interim driver’s licence requires a second piece of government issued ID.
- Proof of valid insurance
- Full payment of all required fees; payment plans are not available.
If someone else is picking up your vehicle
A designated pickup can help if you’re unavailable, but release rules still apply.
Your designate must bring:
- Their own government‑issued photo ID
- A letter of authorization signed and dated from you (the registered owner), indicating:
- First and last name of registered owner
- First and last name of designate
- What specifically is authorized to retrieve (i.e. personal items, pickup vehicle)
- Complete vehicle description including:
- Vehicle make
- Vehicle model
- Licence plate number
- Vehicle identification number (VIN)
- Valid vehicle registration
- Valid proof of insurance
- Valid driver's licence for the driver (Interim driver’s licence requires a second piece of government issued ID)
- A copy or picture of your (the registered owner's) government issued ID
- Proof of valid insurance for the vehicle
- Full payment of all required fees; payment plans are not available.
To speed up the process, you can email the documents to us at ilotdataentry@calgary.ca ahead of time so it’s ready and attached to your file before you arrive.
The vehicle will not be released if authorization details are incomplete or unclear.
If your vehicle has dealership plates
Vehicles with dealership plates require additional verification.
Bring with you:
- Valid driver's licence. Interim driver’s licence requires a second piece of government issued ID.
- Valid registration for the dealer plate
- Valid proof of insurance for the dealer plate
- Proof the vehicle is owned by the individual or company that owns the dealer plate such as a bill of sale or bill of lading
- Evidence of an association with the individual or company that owns the dealer plate such as a business card or pay stub
Dealership situations can vary; calling ahead is strongly recommended.
If your vehicle is a rental
Rental vehicles often follow a different process. Check with the rental agency before coming to the Impound Lot to avoid delays.:
- Many rental companies handle impound retrieval directly
- Some require the renter to initiate contact first
You may be asked to provide:
- Valid driver's licence. Interim driver’s licence requires a second piece of government issued ID
- Copy of your valid (not expired) rental agreement which must be in your name
- Rental company employees must show evidence of an association with the rental company such as a business card or pay stub
Check with the rental agency before coming to the impound lot to avoid delays.
If the vehicle is being towed from the Impound Lot
You'll need to bring:
- Valid driver's licence (may be replaced by any government issued identification)
- Valid registration (may be replaced by an expired registration or bill of sale)
- If a tow truck company is being used, they must be approved to be on the property and must remove the vehicle within 2 hours of payment
- If you intend to self-tow the vehicle, the following must be provided for the towing vehicle:
- Valid driver's licence
- Valid registration
- Valid proof of insurance
If using a trailer, the trailer must be smaller than 25 feet to allow for safe movement throughout the Impound Lot.
Before towing out:
- All fees must be paid in full; payment plans are not available.
- A licensed towing operator must attend
For safety and insurance reasons, mechanical or repair work is not permitted on‑site.
If you are not driving the vehicle away yourself, it can be released to a towing company.
Fees and payments
Your total cost may include:
- Towing
- Daily storage fees
- Administration and service charges.
- Prep fees for disposal
- Any outstanding parking tickets: We will inform you if there are any parking tickets associated with your vehicle, but it is optional to pay them before your vehicle is released to you.
Storage fees continue daily while a vehicle remains at the lot.
Please know that the Municipal Impound Lot is a cashless facility. Accepted payment types include major debit and credit cards, certified cheque and money order made out to The City of Calgary
Towing fees - additional KM charges may apply
| Seizure | Towing fees |
|---|---|
| Accident or CPS seizure | $171 |
| Parking related | $160 |
| Abandoned | $138 |
| Motorcycles | $240 |
| Parkade tow | $243 |
| Flat deck | $193 |
| Heavy towing – 3/4 ton or diesel | $243 |
| Heavy towing – 3 ton or greater | $373 |
Towing operated by City Wide Towing. Please note that RVs, oversized vehicles, or certain types of trucks that are over 32 feet may be subject to additional charges if additional CityWide resources are required. Additional charges may also be incurred for kilometres travelled beyond city limits.
Storage and additional fees
| Service | Additional fees |
|---|---|
| Storage – private lot | $65 per day |
| Storage – main lot | $43 per day |
| Storage – medium lot (larger vehicles) | $55 per day |
| Large vehicle storage (over 30 feet) | $65 per day |
| Administration fee (security, staffing, maintenance) | $36 per vehicle |
| Letters (registered, lien check, seizure) | $22 each |
| Disposal preparation | $65 |
| Parking ticket (if applicable) | Amount shown on ticket |
Storage fees are charged daily while a vehicle remains at the Impound Lot. Not all vehicles incur the same storage or service fees.
Impound Lot storage support
If you qualify under the City’s Fair Entry program, some Impound Lot storage fees may be subsidized through the Impound Lot Storage Support program.
- Eligibility is based on income and residency
- Applications are handled through Fair Entry—not at the impound counter
- Storage fees continue to apply while eligibility is being assessed
Once you have been referred by Fair Enty, a supervisor will review your file to decide if you are eligible for a storage reduction. Learn more and apply through Fair Entry on calgary.ca.
Donating your vehicle
Several charity programs allow registered owners to donate their vehicles and receive a tax receipt in the mail. Towing and storage fees need to be paid in full. Examples include:
- The Kidney Foundation of Calgary's Kidney Car program
- Donate a Car program
Why was I impounded?
Private property with permission
Vehicles parked on private property without the property owner’s consent may be ticketed and towed. This includes private lots, restricted stalls and areas marked for authorized users only.
Late night taxi zone
Late night taxi zones are in place to support safe, accessible transportation during busy evening hours. Vehicles parked in these zones during posted times may be ticketed and towed so taxis can operate safely.
Rush hour tow-away-zone
Tow‑away zones help keep traffic moving during peak travel times. Vehicles stopped or parked in these zones during posted hours may be impounded to prevent congestion and improve safety.
Alleyways
Alleys must remain accessible for residents, waste collection, and emergency services. Vehicles that block alley access or reduce required clearance may be ticketed and towed.
Expired or missing license plate
Vehicles without a valid, visible licence plate may be impounded if they cannot be properly identified or legally operated.
Accidents, crimes and stolen vehicles
Vehicles involved in collisions, investigations or reported stolen may be towed to clear the roadway or held as part of a police process. This also includes situations that involve impaired or authorized drivers. These vehicles follow separate legal requirements and may need officer approval before release.
Collection of information
The City of Calgary collects personal information under the authority of the Protection of Privacy Act (POPA) and other applicable legislation. POPA governs how public bodies in Alberta collect, use, and protect personal information. Information collected during the impound and vehicle‑release process may include:
- Name and contact information
- Government‑issued identification
- Vehicle registration and insurance details
- Payment information
- Impound, enforcement or seizure records
This information is used to:
- Confirm vehicle ownership or authorization
- Ensure vehicles are released safely and lawfully
- Administer fees and provide customer support
- Meet legal and record‑keeping requirements
Personal information is collected, used, and disclosed only as permitted under POPA.
If you have questions about how your personal information is handled, please contact 311.
Frequently asked questions
What is the role of the Municipal Impound Lot?
The Municipal Impound Lot is a secure storage facility. Vehicles are released only to authorized individuals in accordance with legislation.
Calgary Parking does not tow vehicles directly. Towing is conducted by the contracted company through The City’s supply process (City Wide Towing) and police‑related vehicles follow separate legal processes.
Why isn’t my vehicle showing in the vehicle finder yet?
Most vehicles appear in the system within about 24 hours, but in some situations it can take longer. This can depend on how and where the vehicle was towed or whether additional steps are required before the information is released. If your vehicle doesn’t appear and you believe it was towed, calling the impound lot before coming in can help avoid a wasted trip.
What’s the difference between a City impound and a police seizure?
Vehicles towed for parking or safety reasons are typically handled through Calgary Parking and can often be retrieved once requirements are met. Vehicles seized by Calgary Police Service may be held for investigation or legal reasons and need approval from the officer involved before they can be released. These situations follow different legal processes and timelines.
Can someone pick up my vehicle for me if I can’t attend?
Yes, in many cases. A designated pickup person must bring their own photo ID, written authorization from the vehicle owner and copies of the owner’s identification. If any required items are missing, release may be delayed, so it’s important to check requirements ahead of time.
Why do my storage fees keep increasing?
Storage fees are charged daily for each day the vehicle remains at the impound lot. This helps cover secure storage and monitoring of vehicles on site. Fees continue to apply until the vehicle is picked up, donated or otherwise resolved.
What if I don’t have all the documents right now?
If required documents aren’t available, the vehicle can’t be released yet. In some situations, staff may be able to escort you to the vehicle to retrieve documents stored inside, but this isn’t possible in all cases. Calling ahead can help you understand what options may be available.
What if I can't afford to retrieve my vehicle?
If you're facing financial challenges, consider looking into support programs or alternative solutions. For example, you might be eligible for City initiatives that lower fees, or you could decide to donate your vehicle instead. Keep in mind that storage fees must be paid before making a donation. These resources are available to help when picking up your vehicle right away isn't an option.
What happens if a vehicle is never picked up?
Vehicles that remain unclaimed after required notice periods may be handled under provincial regulations. In certain situations, vehicles are either auctioned publicly or scrapped. Acting early gives you the most choice and control over the outcome.
Can I have my vehicle released by the tow truck driver before it goes to the Impound Lot?
There are a few ways to have your vehicle released from a tow truck driver before it gets taken to the impound lot:
- If you return to your vehicle before it’s been towed you can have it released on the spot at no charge.
- If the tow truck has already moved your vehicle, you can have it released, but you owe the full towing fee to the tow truck driver that will need to be paid before release.
In both cases you will need to confirm the following with the tow truck driver for release:
- You are the owner of the vehicle or have authorization to use it.
- Your vehicle is registered.
- You will move the vehicle immediately from the area.
