Discovering your car has been impounded is stressful, especially if it happens in Ontario, California. Whether due to unpaid tickets, a suspended license, or a police stop, your vehicle will not be released until specific requirements are met. Understanding the process ahead of time can save you money, reduce frustration, and help you avoid losing your vehicle at auction.
At Foglesong Towing, we’ve helped countless Inland Empire drivers through the impound process. This guide combines practical steps with key details from California law so you know exactly what to expect when retrieving your impounded car in Ontario.
Common Reasons Vehicles Are Impounded
Under California Vehicle Code §22651 CVC, police can impound a vehicle for several reasons:
- Unpaid Parking Tickets – Five or more unpaid citations.
- 72-Hour Rule – Vehicles parked for more than 72 consecutive hours.
- Driver Arrest – Your car may be taken if you are arrested while driving.
- Blocking Traffic Flow – Cars that obstruct traffic or block driveways.
- Unlicensed or Suspended Drivers – Driving without a valid license or registration. (This may also fall under CVC §14602.6, which allows Ontario PD to impound a vehicle for up to 30 days.)
- Stolen Vehicle – If a vehicle has been reported as stolen, it can be towed.
- Disabled Parking Violations – Parking in a handicapped spot without proper tags.
- Accidents or Driver Incapacitation – Cars may be towed if you are too injured to drive.
- Expired Registration – Vehicles with registration that has been expired for more than six months.
Knowing why your car was impounded is key, because the reason determines what you’ll need to fix before your vehicle can be released.
Step 1: Confirm Where Your Car Is
After your car is towed, you need to locate it quickly to avoid rising storage fees. You can:
- Call the Ontario Police Department front desk at (909) 395-2001 to confirm the impound lot location.
- Check the impound notice provided by the officer, which lists details.
- Contact local impound yards if you suspect the tow was due to a Vehicle Code violation.
Ontario PD typically releases impound information during business hours: 7:00 a.m.– 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and limited weekend hours.
Step 2: Confirm Requirements
Before heading out, call the Ontario Police Department to confirm:
- Which documents are required for your release.
- What fees need to be paid at the police department.
- Whether the vehicle is subject to a 30-day hold (CVC §14602.6).
This step makes sure that you don’t waste time or make unnecessary trips.
Step 3: Provide Documentation & Pay Administrative Fees
Typically, authorization is needed from the police department in order for the impound lot to release your vehicle. You’ll need to pay any administrative fees owed and bring the following documentation to the police department to obtain a vehicle release form:
- A valid driver’s license.
- Proof of ownership (registration or title).
- Proof of insurance (current insurance card).
Step 4: Retrieve Your Vehicle
Take your Vehicle Release Form and supporting documents to the tow yard to claim your vehicle. Without these, the impound lot cannot legally release your car.
Once documents and payments are in order:
- Visit the impound lot during operating hours.
- Provide ID, proof of ownership, receipts showing fines/fees paid, and the original Vehicle Release form.
- Pay the towing and storage charges.
Impound Fee Breakdown in Ontario
- Towing Fee – Typically $250–$400, depending on distance.
- Daily Storage Fee – Varies depending on impound lot.
- Lien Fees – Can begin 72 hours after impound; usually $70-$100 per day.
To keep costs down, act quickly. Fees increase daily, and delays can add hundreds of dollars to your bill. If you need help transporting your vehicle safely after release, our emergency towing services are available 24/7.
Your vehicle will be inspected and released. If you cannot appear in person, an authorized representative may pick up the car with a signed letter and valid ID.
What If You Don’t Pick Up Your Car?
Unclaimed vehicles are usually held for 30 days. After that, the impound lot may auction your car to recover costs. Even if the vehicle is sold, you may still be responsible for unpaid balances. Learn more about handling other roadside emergencies.
You also have rights under California law: if you believe your car was wrongly impounded, you may request a Post-Storage Validity Hearing with the Ontario Police Department to contest the tow.
How Foglesong Towing Helps Ontario Drivers
Dealing with an impounded vehicle can be confusing and stressful, and that’s where Foglesong Towing steps in. Our team offers 24/7 impound-release assistance in Ontario and nearby cities, clear guidance on the paperwork and fees so you know what to expect, and secure vehicle storage with flatbed transport to keep your car safe from further damage. If your vehicle was impounded in Ontario, don’t wait—contact Foglesong Towing today for fast, professional support.