Vehicle Release Procedures

NOW OPEN
SBPD VEHICLE RELEASE PROCEDURE

Effective immediately, the San Bernardino Police Traffic window is open for walk-up service. Monday through Thursday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. The traffic window will gladly accept Visa, MasterCard and debit cards bearing those logos. CASH or CHECKS are NOT accepted.

To obtain a vehicle release for:

  • Stored vehicles,

  • Impounded vehicles,

  • Recovered stolen vehicles, and

  • Repossessed vehicles,

come to the San Bernardino Police Department Traffic Unit Monday through Thursday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, excluding holidays.

Documents required to obtain a vehicle release:

  • Current vehicle registration (or "one day" moving permit issued by the DMV)

  • Current proof of insurance

  • Valid driver license for the registered owner of the vehicle

  • If the registered owner does not have a valid driver license, the owner must provide his/her valid identification and submit (2) valid driver licenses of the (2) people who will accompany them to pick up and drive the vehicle

  • If the registered owner is not available to pick up the vehicle, the owner may submit a signed and notarized letter authorizing someone else to pick up the vehicle on their behalf. The letter must contain the following statement:

"I [registered owner], authorize the release of my vehicle [year/make/model/license plate number] to [name & driver license number of the person picking up the vehicle]."

The vehicle release fee of $349.00 must be paid by VISA or MasterCard or debit card.

Once the SBPD Traffic Unit verifies receipt of all required documentation and payment of the mandatory City vehicle release fee, the registered owner will be directed to the tow yard where the vehicle is being stored.

In addition to the City vehicle release fee, separate towing and storage fees are charged by the tow company and must be paid before the vehicle is released. Please contact the appropriate tow company directly to verify the amount of these fees and how payment may be made.

Rotation Tow Companies

The San Bernardino Police Department utilizes the following tow companies on a rotating basis:

  • A & G Towing - 591 E. 9th, San Bernardino, CA - 909-384-0250

  • Armada Towing - 2285 E. 6th, San Bernardino, CA - 909-428-1115

  • Hayes Towing - 5486 Industrial Pkwy., San Bernardino, CA - 909-887-4953

  • Statewide Towing - 673 S. Waterman Ave, San Bernardino, CA - 909-927-6100

  • Tri-City Towing - 1661 W. Walnut St., San Bernardino, CA - 909-381-4418

  • Wilson Towing - 2310 E. 3rd, San Bernardino, CA - 909-888-5455

30-Day Impound

Vehicles impounded pursuant to California Vehicle Code Section 14602.6 will be held for 30-calendar days.

Post-Storage Validity Hearing

Vehicle owners may contest the validity of a vehicle impound or request consideration for early release of a vehicle being held for 30 days by contacting the Traffic Unit during regular business hours at 909-384-5742.

THE BELOW INFORMATION IS FOR FRIDAYS ONLY!!

STEP 1 - Contact the SBPD Traffic Unit by Telephone

To obtain a vehicle release for:

  • Stored vehicles,

  • Impounded vehicles,

  • Recovered stolen vehicles, and

  • Repossessed vehicles,

contact the San Bernardino Police Department Traffic Unit at: 909-384-5742 and select Option 2. The Traffic Unit is available by phone for vehicle releases on Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., excluding holidays.

STEP 2 - Electronically Submit Required Documentation

Vehicles will only be released to the registered owner with the required documentation. All documentation must be submitted to the Traffic Unit electronically and must be approved before a vehicle release will be issued. The Traffic Unit clerk will provide an e-mail address, fax number, or mobile phone number (for photos of documents) during the initial phone contact in Step 1 above.

Documents required to obtain a vehicle release:

  • Current vehicle registration (or "one day" moving permit issued by the DMV)

  • Current proof of insurance

  • Valid driver license for the registered owner of the vehicle

  • If the registered owner does not have a valid driver license, the owner must provide his/her valid identification and submit (2) valid driver licenses of the (2) people who will accompany them to pick up and drive the vehicle

  • If the registered owner is not available to pick up the vehicle, the owner may submit a signed and notarized letter authorizing someone else to pick up the vehicle on their behalf. The letter must contain the following statement:

"I [registered owner], authorize the release of my vehicle [year/make/model/license plate number] to [name & driver license number of the person picking up the vehicle]."

STEP 3 - Pay Mandatory City Vehicle Release Fee (Stored and Impounded Vehicles Only)

The vehicle release fee of $349.00 must be paid by VISA or MasterCard. Credit card information will be processed over the telephone with an SBPD Traffic Unit clerk: 909-384-5742 - Option 2.

There is no City vehicle release fee for recovered stolen vehicles, or when an arrestee is released pursuant to Penal Code Section 849(b).

For vehicle owners without a credit card, pre-paid VISA and MasterCard credit cards are available from major supermarkets, drugstores, and other retailers.

STEP 4 - Pick Up Vehicle at Tow Yard and Pay Tow and Storage Fees

Once the SBPD Traffic Unit verifies receipt of all required documentation and payment of the mandatory City vehicle release fee, the registered owner will be directed to the tow yard where the vehicle is being stored.

In addition to the City vehicle release fee, separate towing and storage fees are charged by the tow company and must be paid before the vehicle is released. Please contact the appropriate tow company directly to verify the amount of these fees and how payment may be made.