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RPD: Auto Impound

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Auto Impound

The Auto Impound is responsible for the intake, control, safekeeping and final disposition of vehicles and related objects that are towed or removed from City of Rochester streets or public access areas by the Rochester Police Department (RPD). 

Auto Impound staff will provide prompt, professional and courteous service to assist in the release of all vehicles to their rightful owners in accordance with specified rules and regulations.

Location

The Auto Impound is located at 330 Colfax Street, Rochester, NY 14606; telephone number (585) 428-6717. Call 3-1-1 if within the City of Rochester or (585) 428-5990 if outside the City of Rochester.

Hours

Hours of Operation are 9 AM - 6 PM, Sunday through Saturday; closed major holidays including New Years Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

Redemption

To redeem a vehicle, the owner must have the valid registration or title, along with a valid driver license.

*Please note, some vehicles cannot be immediately released due to an ongoing investigation or a hold placed on the vehicle. Contact the Auto Impound prior to responding to redeem your vehicle. 

For payment, the Auto Impound accepts cash, Visa, MasterCard and Discover. *Personal checks, money orders and American Express are not accepted. 

Effective July 1, 2019, the minimum fee to redeem a vehicle is $140.00, but can be higher due to additional services, storage fees and certified mail fees.  
Prices for services (prices do not include New York State Sales Tax): 

  • Tow fee for the redemption of passenger vehicles, including pick-up trucks, passenger vans, minibikes, mopeds and motorcycles - $140.00.
  • Tow fee for the redemption of all trucks, single and tandem axles, with a gross vehicle weight up to 26,000 pounds - $250.00
  • Tow fee for the redemption of heavy trucks/truck tractor trailer units, with a gross vehicle weight in excess of 26,000 pounds - $450.00
  • DMV check - $2.00
  • Additional services, such as winches and lockouts - $84.00 per hour
  • Storage Fees - $40.00/per day for each 24-hour period or fraction thereof, beginning after the first 24-hour period*
  • Certified letter fee - $10.00 and is sent to the registered owner, titled owner and lien holders according to the information on file with the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles.

*Storage fees are not accrued on vehicles placed on Evidence Hold or if held by an Officer, District Attorney or US Attorney. Storage fees, however, will accrue once the hold has been released. Vehicles on hold due to Parking Violations will begin accruing storage fees 24 hours after the vehicle has been impounded. 

Motor Vehicle Accidents

Towed vehicles from accident scenes are not always taken to the Auto Impound. If your vehicle was involved in a motor vehicle accident, contact 311 to determine the location where your vehicle was towed or call -585-428-5990 if outside the City of Rochester. 

Your Vehicle may not be Located at the Auto Impound Facility

  • If your vehicle was parked in a private parking lot, it may have been towed by a private tow company. Signs posted in these lots display pertinent information, including the towing company's name and address. The RPD is not notified when private towing companies remove vehicles from private property.
  • If you owe money on your vehicle, it may have been repossessed. If this is the case, contact your financial institution. Call 3-1-1 or (585) 428-5990 if outside the City of Rochester for information regarding where you vehicle was towed in this situation.