Release a Vehicle from Impound

Release Fees

In order to get your vehicle released the vehicle must be currently registered or the fees paid to the Department of Motor Vehicles to get a temporary operating permit. Registered owner and a valid licensed driver must be present at time of release. There is a $50 release fee for towed vehicles and a $150 release fee for vehicles towed and impounded for 30 days. These fees must be paid at the front counter of the Murrieta Police Department to obtain your release paperwork. Cash only is accepted for release fees. Fees are subject to change.

After you receive your release paperwork from the Police Department, you must then go to the tow yard that has possession of your vehicle. There you will need to pay the associated fees to the tow yard for the tow and storage of your vehicle. These fees are completely separate from the fees paid to the Police Department.

When Registered Owner is Unable to Respond

If the registered owner is unable to respond to the police station to obtain a vehicle release, the registered owner may supply an original notarized authorization letter to their designee to pick up the vehicle. The designee must have a valid driver's license and will be responsible for paying all fees related to the release of the vehicle.

If the registered owner is incarcerated, they and a custody officer at the detention facility must sign a letter authorizing the vehicle to be released to a designee. The designee must be identified in the letter and have a valid driver's license. Contact information for the custody officer who signed the letter, to include name, badge number and facility assigned must also be included. The designee will be responsible for paying all fees related to the release of the vehicle.