Towed Vehicle Guide - Calgary Bylaw Process

Transportation Alberta 3 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026 Flag of Alberta

If your vehicle is towed in Calgary, Alberta, this guide explains immediate actions, where to find official rules and how to recover or appeal. Calgary’s towing and impound procedures are governed by municipal bylaws and enforced by bylaw officers, the Calgary Parking Authority and contracted tow operators. Read the steps below for locating a towed vehicle, required documents, payment and contesting a tow.

Take photos of the vehicle and surrounding signs before leaving the scene.

Penalties & Enforcement

The City of Calgary regulates parking, towing and impound through its Traffic Bylaw and related enforcement policies. The bylaw sets the authority for removal and impound; specific towing and storage charges are often set by contracted tow operators and may be published separately.Traffic Bylaw 26M96[1]

  • Enforcer: By-law Enforcement officers, Calgary Parking Authority staff and contracted tow operators may order a vehicle removed.
  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page for towing fines; parking offence fines generally appear in the Traffic Bylaw or ticket schedules.
  • Storage and towing fees: not specified on the cited page; fees are typically charged by tow companies and posted at impound lots.
  • Appeal/review: procedures and time limits for appealing a tow or fine are set out by the City and the Calgary Parking Authority; specific deadlines are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary actions: vehicle seizure, impound, and orders to remove or rectify contraventions may be authorized under the bylaw.
  • Inspection and complaints: contact Bylaw Enforcement or the Calgary Parking Authority to report disputes or request reviews.
Towing and storage fees are set by contracted tow operators and may not be listed in the bylaw.

Applications & Forms

The City does not publish a universal "release" form on the cited bylaw page; impound release is completed at the impound location with required ID and payment. For appeals or ticket dispute forms, the Calgary Parking Authority and City “bylaw dispute” pages provide submission steps; specific form names and fees are not specified on the cited Traffic Bylaw page.

How to locate and recover a towed vehicle

  • Confirm location: call Bylaw Enforcement or the Calgary Parking Authority to learn if the vehicle was towed and which impound lot holds it.
  • Contact impound: get address, hours and required documents before going to the lot.
  • Bring documentation: government photo ID, vehicle registration and proof of ownership or authorization to release.
  • Pay fees: pay towing and storage charges as required by the impound lot or tow company; ask for a receipt.
  • Appeal if needed: follow the City or CPA dispute process within the deadline provided on the ticket or notice (deadline not specified on the cited page).

FAQ

How do I find out where my vehicle was taken?
Call Calgary Bylaw Enforcement or the Calgary Parking Authority with your licence plate and location; they can confirm impound location and contact details.
What documents do I need to recover my vehicle?
Bring government photo ID, vehicle registration and proof of ownership or written authorization if you are not the registered owner.
Can I contest a tow or ticket?
Yes. The City and Calgary Parking Authority provide dispute and appeal processes; follow the instructions on the ticket or impound notice for submission and any deadlines.

How-To

  1. Call Bylaw Enforcement or the Calgary Parking Authority to confirm the vehicle was towed and get the impound location.
  2. Gather required documents: photo ID, registration and proof of ownership or authorization.
  3. Visit the impound lot during business hours, pay towing and storage fees, and obtain a receipt.
  4. If you dispute the tow, submit a formal appeal or dispute using the City or CPA process as directed on the notice.

Key Takeaways

  • Act quickly: contact enforcement agencies promptly to limit storage fees.
  • Bring proof: ID and vehicle ownership speed release.
  • Appeal steps: follow official dispute channels if you believe the tow was improper.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Calgary Traffic Bylaw 26M96

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