When a car is towed in Philadelphia, navigating the process to retrieve it can be confusing and stressful, especially for visitors unfamiliar with the city’s towing landscape. The Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) is the primary municipal agency responsible for towing vehicles for violations on city streets, but several private companies also operate in the region—serving private lots and contracted rotational towing needs.
Understanding the towing process, knowing the locations of tow lots, having proper documentation, and estimating costs are essential for successfully reclaiming your vehicle. Below is a comprehensive guide for both locals and visitors to Philadelphia.
Why Cars Are Towed in Philadelphia
Common reasons for towing include:
- Parking in a tow-away zone or in violation of posted signage.
- Blocking fire hydrants, bus zones, crosswalks, or driveways.
- Outstanding parking tickets that reach enforcement thresholds.
- Abandoned vehicle status or expired registration.
- Enforcement during special events and street cleaning.
In 2024, Philadelphia implemented laws requiring photographic evidence of each violation prior to towing. The PPA and its contractors must now provide pictures of the vehicle’s infractions—license plate, location, and posted signs effecting the restriction. Owners may request these photos to challenge fees or file appeals, ensuring accountability and transparency in the city’s towing process.
PPA: Philadelphia Parking Authority Towing Operations
The PPA is the most visible towing agency in the city, contracting with private towers and deploying its own trucks for non-consensual tows (illegal parking, expired meters, snow emergencies, etc.).
Where PPA Takes Towed Cars
Primary PPA Towing Lot Address:
- 2501 Weccacoe Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19148
Directions: Located off I-95, near the Oregon Avenue exit in South Philadelphia. The main entrance is on Weccacoe Avenue, look for posted “PPA Vehicle Recovery” signs.
Additional PPA Storage Lots:
- 3900 N. Delaware Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19137
Directions: Northeast Philadelphia, close to the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge, waterfront industrial district. - 4247 Whitaker Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19124
Directions: North Philadelphia, near Roosevelt Blvd. and Hunting Park Ave.
Check PPA’s official site for possible changes to locations:
PPA Towing Info
How To Get Your Car Back: Step-by-Step
1. Find Out Where Your Car Is
If you suspect your vehicle was towed, call the PPA Towed Vehicle Locator at 215-683-9550 or check online. You may also call the Philadelphia Police Department non-emergency line for assistance locating a towed vehicle.
2. Prepare Your Documentation
To retrieve your car, bring the following:
- Valid government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport, etc.).
- Vehicle registration (current, with your name or authorized user).
- Proof of insurance.
- If you’re not the owner, a notarized letter of authorization from the registered owner.
- Payment (cash, credit card, or debit).
Some lots require all documentation to be physical—no digital-only records.
3. Pay All Required Fees
PPA and private towing companies require payment of:
- Towing fee (see estimated costs below).
- Daily storage fee (starts accruing daily after the initial tow; city-mandated rates).
- Any outstanding parking tickets related to the incident.
Estimated Towing and Storage Costs (PPA, as of 2025)
- Standard vehicle under 11,000 lbs: $175–$215
- Storage fee: ~$25/day after the first 24 hours
- Additional admin fees may apply
- Heavy-duty vehicles: $290–$400 per tow
Private towing companies may charge similar or occasionally higher rates for events, illegally parked in lots, or special situations. Philadelphia law caps charges to prevent predatory pricing and requires towers to post fee schedules.
4. Arrive During Lot Business Hours
Most PPA tow lots operate Monday–Saturday, 8 am–6 pm. Call ahead to confirm hours. Vehicles towed during overnight hours may not be available for release until the next morning.
5. Retrieve Your Vehicle
At the lot, present all required documents and make payment. Inspect your vehicle carefully before driving away; report damage immediately with photos to dispute if necessary.
Major Private Towing Companies in Philadelphia
Private towers operate under city contract and handle non-street tows—such as private lots, apartment complexes, or event venues. Some examples include:
Rob’s Automotive & Collision Center
Address: 9191 Torresdale Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19136
Specializes in emergency and accident towing for Northeast Philadelphia, often contracted by the city.
Sapp’s Towing Service
Address: 1830 S 20th St, Philadelphia, PA 19145
Provides private towing for businesses, property managers, and residential complexes near South Philly.
George Smith Towing
Address: 1824 E Somerset St, Philadelphia, PA 19134
Services North Philadelphia under private contract and police rotational list.
Brian’s Towing Service
Address: 4615 Lancaster Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19131
Handles West Philly, private lots, and some commercial contracts.
Private towing companies are required to release vehicles to owners promptly if provided with proper documentation and payment. Always verify business hours and bring all necessary documents.
Special Considerations for Visitors
- Rental Cars: Notify your rental company immediately if towed. Only retrieve the vehicle with authorization (rental agreement, ID, insurance info).
- Out-of-State Plates: Bring registration details, insurance info, and a photo ID from your home jurisdiction.
- Disputes: Take advantage of Act 43—request photographic evidence if you believe your car was towed without cause.
- Quick Turnaround: Fees increase daily; it’s important to act quickly to locate and retrieve towed cars.
Directions to PPA’s Weccacoe Avenue Tow Lot
From Center City:
Take I-95 South toward the airport; exit at Oregon Avenue (Exit 19). Turn left onto Oregon, then left onto Weccacoe. Follow signs for “PPA Vehicle Recovery.”
From the Airport:
Head north on I-95, exit Oregon Avenue. 2501 Weccacoe is half a mile east toward South Philly.
What To Do If You Cannot Locate Your Vehicle
Check the city’s electronic towing locator or call:
- Philadelphia Police Non-Emergency: 311
- PPA Towed Vehicle Inquiry: 215-683-9550
Legal Protections and Towing Regulations
Philadelphia’s rotational towing system divides the city into geographic zones. Police dispatch companies according to rotation for accident scenes or non-consensual towing. Private property towing must have signed authorization and a certified fee schedule. Key points:
- No “subcontracting” of towing assignments—only the dispatched company may perform the tow.
- Photos must document every towed car (as of Act 43, 2024).
- Maximum legal fees:
- Under 11,000 lbs: $215 tow/$25 daily storage
- 11,000–17,000 lbs: $290 tow/$30 daily storage
- Over 17,000 lbs: $400 tow/$40 daily storage
- Only listed, city-approved towing companies may operate within rotational areas.
Full Regulations, City of Philadelphia
Additional Resources and Tips
- Always read posted parking signs before leaving a car in unfamiliar areas.
- Photograph your parked vehicle’s location (including signs) for reference.
- Store important documents electronically and keep a physical copy in your glove compartment.
- Contact the tow lot or PPA for clarifications and possible fee waivers after special circumstances (medical emergencies, disabilities).
- For rental car or insurance assistance, carry copies of agreements and claims contact info.
Summary
Philadelphia’s towing system is designed to balance traffic management, private property rights, and owner protections, but the process for car owners is still challenging—especially for first-timers and visitors. To avoid excessive fees, respond rapidly to all towing events. For additional help, consult the PPA Towing Resource for maps, updates, and contact details.
By arming yourself with information, documentation, and the addresses of towing lots, you’ll make the journey to reclaim your vehicle much less stressful—all while navigating one of America’s busiest urban centers with greater confidence.