What to do if your car gets towed

What to do if your car gets towed

If your car is not where you left it, then there is a chance it has been towed.

Find my car

If your car has been towed, it will have been moved to a nearby parking space.

Vehicles can be towed if they are parked in a:

• clearway
• special event clearway
• special tow away area
• freeway
• transit lane
• t-way lane
• bus lane.
• bicycle lane
• bus zone

For more information, see Restricted parking.

Once your car has been moved to a safe parking space, the tow truck driver will contact the Transport Management Centre to let them know where your car has been parked. 

If your car has been moved, you can use Find My Car to locate it. When you find your car, you can drive away. If you can't find your car, contact the Transport Management Centre on 131 700.

Does getting your car towed cost money?

If your car is towed, you will receive a towing invoice in the mail. The tow-away charge is $243. This does not change with distance. Your invoice explains payment details.

Motorcycles may be moved to the footpath, but the tow-away charge still applies.

You may also receive a parking fine from the local council or the police. These fines are for a parking offence and are separate to the tow-away fee.

It is an offence not to pay the prescribed tow-away charge within the time specified.

Disputing an invoice

If you have received a towing invoice and wish to dispute it, you must have a valid reason.

Lodge a dispute

Alternatively, you can write a letter including your:

• name
• invoice number
• registration number
• date vehicle was parked
• driver name
• licence number
• reason for dispute.

Send the letter by post to:
PO Box 533
Burwood NSW 1805

What happens if you dispute an invoice?

Your towing invoice is assessed by a Debt Recovery Officer, who will investigate whether it should stand or be withdrawn.

Each dispute is investigated and determined based on individual facts and circumstances. Transport for NSW will assess your towing invoice and towing record with the Transport Management Centre. A photo of your vehicle may also be assessed.

While your dispute is under investigation, your towing invoice will be on hold. A written response will be sent to you outlining the decision. The standard review time is at least 12 weeks. If we need more information from other agencies, it may take longer.

When you don't agree with a decision

If you disagree with the result of your dispute, you can request a second review by providing written reasons why you disagree with the decision.

The second review will be carried out by a debt recovery consultant or manager. Further consultation with the towing contractor and Transport Management Centre may be required. The result of this review will be sent to you in writing, and is the final decision on the matter.

You were not the driver of the towed vehicle

If you were not the driver of the vehicle, you need to submit a statutory declaration 7 days before the due date on the invoice.

Include the name and address of the person who was in charge of the vehicle at the time of towing.

Please download, print and complete a statutory declaration form:

• Statutory declaration for individuals (PDF 56.18KB) (if the vehicle is registered to an individual)
• Statutory declaration for companies (PDF 233.8KB) (if the vehicle is registered to a company).

Send the form by post to:
PO Box 533
Burwood NSW 1805

Damage during towing

If your vehicle is damaged during towing, you may lodge a claim by email to Public.Liability@transport.nsw.gov.au

Or you can post your claim to:
PO Box 6464
Silverwater NSW 1811