Springfield, Illinois Impound Lot: How to Find Your Towed Car

If your car vanished in Springfield, Illinois, call the Springfield Police Department towing line at 217-788-8376. Every tow in the city should be on record with SPD. A police tow is released through the SPD front desk at 800 East Monroe. A private lot tow is released by the tow company that took it. City code makes that company report the tow to SPD fast.

Was it towed, or was it stolen?

Start with one phone call. The SPD towing line is 217-788-8376. If nobody picks up, try the non-emergency line at 217-788-8311. Say where you parked and ask if a tow is on file.

Have this ready before you dial:

• Your license plate number
• The make, model and color
• The street and the nearest cross street
• When you last saw the car

Why does SPD know about private tows, too? Springfield city code says a company that tows from a private lot must tell SPD no more than 30 minutes after the tow. It has to give the make, model, color and plate. So even a tow from a store lot on Dirksen Parkway should show up on that call.

For a police tow, SPD's own record lists where the car was towed from, where it went and why. Ask for all three.

Why did SPD tow my car?

The city code spells out when an officer can order a tow. Knowing the reason tells you which release path you're on.

Parking tows

An officer can have a car towed right away if it's:

• Blocking a bus zone, an alley or a fire hydrant
• In a marked fire lane
• Double parked
• Illegally parked in a school zone
• Sticking into an intersection or a driveway
• In a posted no parking or restricted zone

Downtown is where this bites. Fifth, Sixth and Seventh Streets run one way, and so do Monroe, Adams, Washington and Cook. Walk back and photograph the signs near your spot. A parking tow means towing and storage fees plus an impoundment fee. Any ticket fine is extra.

Emergency tows

An officer can also order a tow when a stalled or wrecked car is a traffic hazard, after the driver's arrest, or when a stolen car is recovered. A car can be held as evidence in a crime. A car can be towed if it isn't registered, the driver isn't licensed, or it's unsafe to drive. And it can be towed if it's parked illegally during a declared snow emergency. Springfield averages about 22 inches of snow a year, so watch for those orders in winter.

How do I get my car released from an SPD hold?

SPD lists six steps for a car on an administrative hold:

1. Go to the SPD front desk at 800 East Monroe.
2. Get an Administrative Hold Verification form.
3. Pay the administrative fee at the Treasurer's Office.
4. Bring the form and your receipt back to SPD.
5. Get your vehicle release instructions.
6. Pay the towing and storage fees to get the car.

The release instructions tell you where the car is. Bring proof that you own the car, or that you have the right to it. City code says the car won't be released until all towing, storage and administrative fees are paid. Questions before you go? The SPD front desk is 217-788-8325.

How much will it cost?

We won't guess. SPD posts its standard tow and storage fees in the FAQ on its police department page. Storage is charged when the car comes in and again every 24 hours. So each day you wait adds to the bill.

What if it was towed after an arrest?

Some arrests and offenses carry a city penalty on top of tow fees. That covers things like driving on a suspended license or fleeing police. To get the car back, you go to SPD in person. You pay the penalty, get a release, then pay the tow company.

You can also ask for a preliminary hearing. You must ask in writing within one day of getting notice of the seizure. Hand the request to the SPD front desk, or to the city clerk during working hours. Don't sit on this one.

How long before Springfield gets rid of an unclaimed car?

Less time than you'd think. SPD sends a certified letter to the owner saying where the car is held. Then the clock depends on the car's age:

• Seven years old or newer: if it sits unclaimed for 30 days after notice, it can be sold at public sale. You get a certified letter at least 10 days before the sale.
• Older than seven years: it's held at least 10 days. After that, SPD can have it disposed of as junk or salvage.

SPD says that once the holding period ends, ownership passes to the tow company. If the plate address is old, the letter may never reach you. So call the towing line right away, not after the mail comes.

My car was towed from a private lot. What are my rights?

This part surprises people. The Illinois Commerce Commission only regulates private lot tows in five counties: Cook, Will, Kane, DuPage and Winnebago. Springfield is in Sangamon County. So Springfield's own city code sets the rules here, in Chapter 76.

What does the tow sign have to say?

Before a lot owner can tow you, a sign must be posted at each driveway. It must sit within 5 feet of the public right-of-way. The bottom must be at least 4 feet off the ground. It needs light-reflective letters at least 2 inches high. It must say unauthorized cars will be towed at the owner's expense. And it must give the tow company's name and phone number. The sign must be up at least 24 hours before any tow.

That rule has limits. It doesn't cover a single family home's property. It also doesn't apply if someone told you in person that you couldn't park there.

Can I stop the tow if I catch it?

Yes. If you get there before the truck leaves, the driver must unhook your car and let you drive away. They can charge a service fee of no more than half their posted rate. They must give you a receipt.

What happens when I go to get it?

• It's at their yard. The car must be stored at the tow company's place of business.
• They have to move fast. During business hours, they must release it within a half hour of your request. After hours, they need a phone number and must release it within two hours.
• Cards are fine. They must take any major credit card, as well as cash.
• Check it first. You can inspect the car before you take it back. They can't make you sign away a damage claim.
• Get a receipt. You must get a detailed, signed receipt with the tow company's legal name.

The tow company must also post its rate schedule at the storage site. It must file the same rates with SPD. And it can only tow on the lot owner's written instructions. If a tow looks wrong, call SPD at 217-788-8311 and ask about it.

Does Sentinel do impounds in Springfield?

No. Sentinel doesn't do impounds or private property tows. We can't release your car or pay your fees. Only SPD and the tow company that holds it can do that. Our part starts once the car is yours again.

A car that sat in a lot for days may not start. A jump start may get it going. If it can't be driven, a car tow can take it from the yard to your home or a shop in Chatham or on Dirksen Parkway.

Sentinel Towing is a towing and roadside network. A vetted local partner tow company does the job. We text you a locked price before anyone is sent. Then we check on you by text until your driver arrives. That's our Stay-With-You Promise. For Springfield roads and weather, see our Springfield, IL towing page.

Stuck right now? Call 1-888-TOW-1213, or request help online.

Springfield, IL Impound Questions

Rules change, so check the official source before you rely on it. Sources: Springfield Police Department, Springfield Code, Chapter 76: Vehicle Towing Procedures, ICC: Relocation Towing Consumer Guide.