Impounded vehicles | Calgary Parking
Impounded vehicles
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
Municipal Impound Lot
400 39 Avenue S.E.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. 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.
View contact information and hours of operation-
How to retrieve impounded vehicles.
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See unclaimed vehicles for auction.
Why was I impounded?
Private property without permission
- You may be ticketed and/or towed if you do not have permission from the property owner to park in that area
- Be sure to get consent before parking in any area labelled private parking
- Be sure to park in the correct stall
- Be sure to follow posted signage for registering vehicles
Late night taxi zone
- These zones are located in several communities and make taxis more accessible, encouraging a safer way to get around for those under the influence, those without vehicles or who don't want to drive. See more on late night taxi stands.
- You will ticketed and towed if parked here Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m.
Rush hour tow-away zone
- These zones are in place to ensure smooth and efficient travel during the busiest times of the day
- You will be ticketed and towed if parked here during the indicated morning and afternoon times, please check signs for timing
Alleyways
- Vehicles need at least 3 meters of clearance to be able to drive safely through alleys and emergency vehicles require access at all times
- You can be towed if parked in an alley that is blocking driveways or accessibility to the alley. See Traffic Bylaw 26M96.
Abandoned on a public roadway
- Abandoned vehicles left of the street decrease property value and impact community standards
- You will be ticketed and towed if it’s clear that your vehicle is inoperable and is parked on city streets or alleyways longer than 72 hours – e.g. a vehicle with missing tires, see Parking Bylaw 41M2002
Expired or missing license plate
- You will be ticketed and/or towed if parked on city streets or alleyways
- You must park on private property because all vehicles must be registered and insured to drive on public roadways
Accidents, crimes and stolen vehicles
If the Calgary Police Service has seized your vehicle because it was involved in an accident or illegal activity it will be towed to our impound lot. If you find yourself in this situation here are some things you should know:
- Your vehicle could be held for investigation
- If your vehicle was stolen you are responsible for the impound fees, be sure to check your insurance as you may have coverage for these fees
- If your vehicle was involved in an accident you must pay the impound fees and arrange to have it towed out of the lot
Releasing a vehicle at time of towing
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.
