Vaughan Parking Bylaw - Retrieve Towed Vehicle

Transportation Ontario 3 Minutes Read · published May 24, 2026 Flag of Ontario

In Vaughan, Ontario, having a vehicle towed can be stressful. This guide explains how to locate a towed vehicle, pay towing and storage fees, contact the enforcing offices, and begin an appeal or review. Start by identifying whether the tow was arranged by City of Vaughan By-law Enforcement or by York Regional Police, since release procedures and contacts differ. Use the official City of Vaughan parking and enforcement resources to confirm impound location and payment methods and call York Regional Police if the tow was for a police matter.[1][2]

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement responsibility for tows in Vaughan is split: municipal parking and bylaw-related tows are handled by the City of Vaughan By-law and Parking Enforcement, while tows resulting from police actions, collisions, or criminal investigations are handled by York Regional Police. Exact fine amounts, towing rates and storage fees are set by the tow operator or governing fee schedule and are not specified on the cited municipal pages below.[1][2]

  • Enforcers: City of Vaughan By-law Enforcement and York Regional Police for police tows.
  • Fine amounts and towing/storage fees: not specified on the cited page; fees often include a base tow fee plus per-day storage charged by the tow company.
  • Appeals: parking tickets can be disputed through the City’s adjudication or court processes, while police seizures follow police-release and court routes; specific time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited pages.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: vehicle seizure, orders for removal, or court actions may apply depending on the cause of tow.
  • Inspection/complaint pathways: contact City of Vaughan By-law Enforcement for municipal tows and York Regional Police for police-related impounds.
If you believe your vehicle was wrongly towed, act quickly to preserve appeal rights and evidence.

Applications & Forms

Vehicle-release forms, fee schedules, and official release requirements are issued by the impounding agency or tow operator; the City pages referenced do not publish a consolidated vehicle-release form or fee table for all impounds and instead direct you to contact the enforcing office or tow company directly.[1][2]

Action step: have your vehicle registration, government ID, and any ticket or incident number ready when you call.

How to locate and recover a towed vehicle

Follow these practical steps to recover your vehicle depending on the enforcing authority.

  • Identify who arranged the tow: check for a notice left at the vehicle location or any ticket you received; contact the City of Vaughan Parking/By-law office if it appears to be a municipal tow.[1]
  • Call York Regional Police if the vehicle was involved in a collision, obstruction, or police matter; YRP maintains impound procedures for police tows.[2]
  • Ask for the impound lot location, required documents for release, and the exact fees (tow fee, daily storage, administrative charges).
  • Pay the required fees as instructed by the impound operator or police; obtain a receipt and written record of payment.
  • Inspect the vehicle at release and document any new damage; photograph and report issues immediately.
Always request a written receipt and the tow company's contact details before leaving the impound lot.

FAQ

How do I know whether the City or the police towed my vehicle?
Check any notice left at the scene, your parking ticket, or call By-law Enforcement and York Regional Police to confirm which agency arranged the tow.[1][2]
What documents do I need to retrieve my vehicle?
Typically: government-issued photo ID, vehicle registration or proof of ownership, and payment for fees; the impound operator may list additional requirements.
Can I appeal a towing decision?
Yes—municipal ticket disputes follow the City’s adjudication or Provincial Offences process and police-related seizures have separate review or court processes; specific deadlines are not specified on the cited pages.

How-To

  1. Confirm the towing agency by checking scene notices or contacting By-law Enforcement or York Regional Police.[1][2]
  2. Call the impound operator or agency to get the lot address, required documents, and fee amounts.
  3. Gather identification and ownership documents and go to the impound with payment method accepted by the lot.
  4. Obtain a receipt, inspect the vehicle, and photograph any damage before leaving.
  5. If you dispute the tow or fees, follow the agency’s appeal procedures promptly—contact the City or police for next steps.

Key Takeaways

  • Act quickly: contact the impounding agency as soon as possible to limit storage charges.
  • Know who to call: City of Vaughan for municipal tows; York Regional Police for police tows.
  • Get documentation: receipts and photos protect your rights if you dispute charges or damage.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Vaughan - Parking and By-law Enforcement
  2. [2] York Regional Police - Impounded Vehicles

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