How much does it cost to get my car out of a Detroit tow yard?

As of July 2025, the typical towing fee for a standard passenger vehicle in Detroit is $225. Storage is $30 per calendar day. A $75 administrative fee is also required by the City of Detroit before release.

How is the daily storage fee calculated?

Each 24-hour period (not each 'overnight') counts as a full day, starting at the time your vehicle is impounded. Any portion of a new calendar day is an additional charge.

Are there extra fees besides towing and storage?

Yes, there may be release fees, after-hours fees, and paperwork/pull-out fees if the yard must move your car or if documentation is incomplete. Always call your yard for an exact quote.

Is it legal for yards to charge extra to pull out a vehicle?

Yes, Detroit tow yards may charge additional labor fees if they must move a vehicle to the front for release, especially if paperwork is incomplete or the car is blocked.

The City of Detroit admin fee can be paid online at detroitmi.gov. Towing and storage must be paid at the yard, usually by cash or card. Always call ahead for payment options.

Detroit Tow Yard Fees & Storage Costs (2025)

Updated July 1, 2025 — See all official towing, storage, and city administrative fees for Detroit and surrounding area impound lots. These fees apply to vehicles towed by order of Detroit Police or authorized agencies.

Standard Fee Schedule

Service	Fee (2025)
Light Duty Tow (Cars, SUVs, Pickups)	$225
Daily Storage (Each Calendar Day)	$30/day
Admin Fee (City of Detroit, pay online)	$75
Motorcycle Tow	$75
Extra Labor/Pull-Out Fee	Varies by yard (ask)
After-Hours Release	May apply (ask yard)

How Daily Storage is Calculated

Storage is charged for every 24-hour period or any part thereof. If your vehicle is towed at 3:00 PM on Monday, you will be charged for each additional day starting at 3:00 PM the following day, regardless of how many hours into the day your vehicle is picked up. There is no “grace period” — each new day or portion counts as an additional charge.

Note: Storage fees continue to accrue daily until the vehicle is picked up, including weekends and holidays.

Other Possible Fees

Extra labor or "pull-out" fees if yard must move other vehicles to access yours, or if paperwork is missing
Release or after-hours fees if you arrive outside posted business hours
Additional storage if vehicle is not retrieved the same day admin/towing is paid

How to Pay

City admin fee: Pay online at detroitmi.gov or in person at the yard (call ahead for yard payment methods).
Tow & storage: Paid directly to the yard (most accept cash, some take cards; ask before arrival).
Bring your payment receipt when picking up your car.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much will it cost in total to get my car back?

The total is typically the sum of the towing fee ($225), admin fee ($75), plus $30 per day storage. Additional fees may apply.

Can I negotiate or reduce the fees?

No, the rates are set by city contract and apply equally to all vehicles. The only way to avoid storage is prompt pickup.

Why are there "pull-out" or labor fees?

If a yard has to physically move other vehicles or provide extra labor (for blocked cars, documentation issues, etc), a labor fee may apply. This is legal and at the yard's discretion.

What if my paperwork isn't complete?

Yards may charge additional fees or refuse release until all required paperwork is presented. Always call before visiting.

Is there a grace period for storage?

No, any part of a new day is charged as a full day of storage.

👉 Pay City Admin Fee Online