First: who has your car?
Call the number on the tow-away sign where you parked, or the police non-emergency line if police ordered the tow. Every wrecker service in Oklahoma is licensed by the Department of Public Safety; find them by city.
Getting it back
| Someone available to release your car | within 1 hour |
| Police impound: bring | proof of insurance |
| Contest a police tow | ask within 10 days |
| Hearing held | within 72 hours |
| Tow found unjustified | no impound or storage fees |
| Police tow rates set by | Corporation Commission |
- Under DPS rules, a Class AA wrecker service must have a capable person available to release an impounded or stored car within 1 hour.
- If law enforcement impounded the car, it won't be released until you show proof of valid insurance or sign an affidavit that it won't be used on public roads (47 O.S. § 955). If your insurer has accepted liability and asks for the release, that isn't required.
- Police can place a hold on a car in some cases, such as unpaid registration fees, forfeiture proceedings or evidence. Ask the agency what it needs before you go.
Think a police tow was wrong?
Under 47 O.S. § 903A, after a car is removed or stored at a public agency's request, the owner can contest it:
- File a written request for a hearing with the agency that ordered the tow, before or after you get the car back.
- The agency doesn't have to hold a hearing if the request comes more than 10 days after you were notified.
- The hearing is scheduled within 72 hours of your request, not counting weekends and holidays, and can be held by phone if you agree.
- If the tow is found unjustified, you're not charged any impound or storage fees.
- You can also file a petition in the district court of the county where the car is stored, instead of the hearing or after it.
What it costs
Rates and fees for law-enforcement tows are set by the Oklahoma Corporation Commission. Ask the wrecker service for an itemized bill.
Common questions
How fast does an Oklahoma tow company have to release my car?
DPS rules require a Class AA wrecker service to have someone available to release an impounded or stored vehicle within 1 hour.
What do I need to get my car out of a police impound in Oklahoma?
Proof of valid insurance or an affidavit that the car won't be used on public roads, plus payment. Police can also place a hold on the car in some situations.
How do I contest a tow in Oklahoma?
For a tow ordered by a public agency, file a written hearing request with that agency within 10 days of notice. The hearing is held within 72 hours (excluding weekends and holidays). You can also petition the district court in the county where the car is stored.
Who sets tow rates in Oklahoma?
The Oklahoma Corporation Commission prescribes the rates and fees for law-enforcement tows.
Checked against official sources on October 29, 2026. Rules change, so confirm with the agency or business before you act.