Crime & Traffic

If your vehicle was towed or relocated due to unpaid parking/red-light tickets, please locate your vehicle and go to the auto-pound where your vehicle is located. You can also call (312) 744-7275.

To get a car out of impound, you must pay a bond fee either at an impound location or at a Department of Finance office. Fees for booted, towed vehicles and parking/red-light tickets may also be paid 24 hours a day 7 days a week at the auto-pounds located at O'Hare and Midway airports.

Review the costs related to towing and storing an impounded vehicle. 

The Department of Finance accepts payment in cash or by credit or debit card. Checks and money orders are not accepted. The pound will keep a vehicle on the premises for 21 days before the vehicle is eligible for auction or destruction. 

But, if you believe your vehicle was impounded by mistake or error, you can instead fight the impound and request a hearing within 30 days after the vehicle is seized. You must make the hearing request in person and in writing at the Department of Administrative Hearings.

When you pay the bond fee to get the car out does not prevent you from challenging the impoundment at a hearing. If the hearing is won, the bond fee will be returned.

Learn more about Going to a hearing for an impounded car in Chicago.

At some point, you’ll need to go to the impound lot where your car is to get it back. When you arrive at the impound lot you must show proof you own the car. You can use a valid title, a current registration card, a sale agreement not older than 30 days, or a lease agreement.

Once you've paid all fees and shown proof of ownership, you should get your car back.