Towed Vehicles

Vehicle Release

If the vehicle was towed by the San Leandro Police Department (SLPD), the Registered Owner must go to the Police Department (901 E14th Street San Leandro, CA) to obtain a release for the vehicle. Without a release, from the San Leandro Police Department, the tow company will not release the vehicle.

Towed Vehicles

For a vehicle towed in San Leandro, the vehicle will only be released to the Registered Owner and they must have the following

  • Valid California Driver's License or accompanied by a person with a Valid Driver's License
  • Current Registration for the vehicle
  • $200 vehicle release fee

For a vehicle reported stolen to SLPD and recovered in San Leandro, the vehicle will only be released to the Registered Owner and they must have the following

  • Valid California Driver's License or accompanied by a person with a Valid Driver's License
  • Current Registration for the vehicle

For a vehicle reported stolen to another agency and recovered in San Leandro: The vehicle will only be released to the Registered Owner and they must have the following

  • Valid California Driver's License or accompanied by a person with a Valid Driver's License
  • Current Registration for the vehicle
  • Vehicle release from the reporting agency

(Note: Not required, if the reporting agency does not grant releases)

30-Day Holds

If the vehicle was towed and placed on a 30 day hold the Registered Owner must wait 30 days from the date the vehicle was impounded to claim the vehicle. After the 30 days, the Registered Owner may obtain a vehicle release from the San Leandro Police Department. The Registered Owner must have a Valid Driver's License or accompanied by a person with a Valid Driver's License. Also, the Registered Owner must show proof of ownership and current registration for the vehicle. A $200 fee is due at the time of release.

The Registered Owner may request an early release, under special circumstances, by calling the San Leandro Police Department Traffic Division at 510-577-3208 or by requesting in person at the San Leandro Police Department. The request will be reviewed by the Traffic Sergeant. After the request is reviewed, the Registered Owner will be notified of the results of the review.

Towing & Storage Fees

The Registered Owner of the towed vehicle is responsible for all towing, storage, lien, and release fees.

Private Property Tows

Contact the company that towed the vehicle. If the Registered Owner feels that the tow was invalid and an agreement cannot be reached, they can take the tow company to small claims court. This is a Civil Matter and the Registered Owner must go through the tow company or property owner to resolve the matter.

Repossessed Vehicles

If the vehicle was repossessed in San Leandro the Registered Owner may contact the San Leandro Police Department to obtain a Repossessed Vehicle receipt. The receipt will only be issued to the Registered Owner and they must have the following

  • Valid California Driver's License or accompanied by a person with a Valid Driver's License
  • Current Registration for the vehicle
  • $15 fee

Appeals

If the Registered Owner doesn't agree with the reason for the tow, they may contact the San Leandro Police Department Traffic Division at 510-577-3208 and request to speak with the Traffic Sergeant.