Impounded Vehicle in Paris: How to Get It Back
This isn't a breakdown, it's an administrative process. Here's how to find out where your vehicle is, what to bring, and why it's best not to wait.
First, we don't run the impound
Impounding a vehicle and releasing it are handled through an administrative process run by the préfecture de police or the local town hall, not by a private breakdown company. We can't locate your vehicle in their system or speed up its release. What we can do is transport it once it's been returned to you, if you need that.
How to find out where your vehicle is
If your car has disappeared from where you parked it, first check it hasn't simply been moved for roadworks or an event. If not, contact your local police station or the relevant préfecture de police department: they can confirm whether it was towed and tell you which impound it was taken to.
Documents to bring
- The vehicle's registration certificate (carte grise).
- A valid driving licence.
- Proof of ID.
- A current proof of insurance.
If someone other than the registered keeper is collecting the vehicle, they'll usually need written authorisation and a copy of the owner's ID. Impound and storage fees are set by official order and paid on site; we don't quote figures on this site, as we don't set them.
Why it's best not to wait
Legal time limits apply to impounded vehicles. After a certain point without being claimed, a vehicle can be considered abandoned and be sold or destroyed. The exact time limit depends on your situation and the nature of the offence: check with the impound concerned as soon as possible rather than relying on a rough estimate.
Got your vehicle back? If it won't start or can't be driven away, we can transport it to a garage or an address of your choice. See our vehicle transport page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my car has been impounded in Paris?
If your vehicle has disappeared from where you parked it, contact your local police station or the relevant préfecture de police department, who can confirm whether it was towed and tell you which impound it was taken to.
What documents do I need to collect my vehicle?
Generally: the registration certificate, a valid driving licence, ID, and a current proof of insurance. If someone other than the registered keeper is collecting it, they usually need written authorisation and a copy of the owner's ID.
What happens if I don't collect my vehicle quickly?
Legal time limits apply to impounded vehicles: after a certain point without being claimed, a vehicle can be considered abandoned and be sold or destroyed. The exact time limit depends on your situation; check with the impound concerned as soon as possible.