Towing a car is one of the most unpleasant situations for a driver, which not only deprives him of his vehicle, but also entails financial losses. In 2026, towing rules and accompanying fines have undergone changes, which not all car owners are aware of. If your car is taken to an impound lot, it is important to understand not only amount of fine for evacuation, but also the procedure for returning a car, payment terms, as well as legal ways to challenge sanctions.

In this article, we will look at who exactly has to pay the fine for towing (the owner or the driver), how its amount is calculated depending on the region, what documents will be required to return the car, and what to do if the towing was illegal. You will also learn about hidden fees that may appear after evacuation (for example, for storage in an impound lot), and how to minimize them. The information is relevant for 2026, taking into account the latest amendments to the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation.

Who pays the fine for towing: the owner or the driver?

One of the most common questions after evacuation: who is responsible for the fine — the one who was driving at the time of the violation, or the owner of the car? The answer depends on the situation:

  • 🔹 If the driver and owner are the same person, then the fine is automatically issued to him.
  • 🔹 If the car was driven by another person (relative, friend, employee), then a fine for violating traffic rules (for example, for parking in the wrong place) is issued to the driver, and fine for evacuation - to the owner.
  • 🔹 In case of rent or leasing, responsibility is usually specified in the contract. Most often the tenant pays.

Important: if the evacuation occurred due to technical malfunction (for example, non-working brakes), and not traffic violations, a fine can be issued to the owner, even if another person was driving. This is due to the fact that responsibility for the technical condition of the car lies with the owner (Article 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation).

⚠️ Attention: If you handed over the car by proxy, but did not notify the traffic police about the change of driver, a fine for towing will be sent to your name. To avoid this, register temporarily or enter into a lease agreement.

In 2026, a new rule appeared: if the evacuation occurred due to unpaid fines (more than 10,000 rubles), then the owner will have to pay, even if another person was driving. This is due to the tightening of debt collection measures.

Amount of fine for evacuation in 2026: table by region

The amount of the fine for evacuation depends on reasons for car detention and region. In most cases it is from 1,000 to 5,000 rubles, but there are exceptions. Below is the current data for 2026:

Reason for evacuation Moscow and Moscow region St. Petersburg Regions of the Russian Federation
Parking available for disabled people 5 000 ₽ 5 000 ₽ 5 000 ₽
Parking on the sidewalk or lawn 3 000 ₽ 3 000 ₽ 1 000–2 000 ₽
Evacuation for unpaid fines (>10,000 RUB) 2,500 ₽ + debt 2,500 ₽ + debt 2,000 ₽ + debt
Drunk driving (towing + fine) 30,000 ₽ (fine) + 5,000 ₽ (evacuation) 30 000 ₽ + 5 000 ₽ 30 000 ₽ + 3 000 ₽
Missing numbers or fake numbers 5 000 ₽ 5 000 ₽ 2 500–5 000 ₽

Please note: in addition to the fine for the violation itself, you will have to pay:

  • 💰 Cost of evacuation (from 3,000 to 10,000 rubles depending on the region and the weight of the car).
  • 📅 Impound lot storage fee (from 500 to 2,000 rubles per day).
  • 📄 Administrative fee (in some regions - up to 1,500 rubles).
⚠️ Attention: If you do not remove your car from the impound lot within 30 days, it may be sold at auction to cover debts. It will be extremely difficult to return the car after this.
📊 Has your car ever been towed?
Yes, one time
Yes, several times
No, but I know those who were evacuated
No, and I don’t plan to break it

How to return a car from an impound lot: step-by-step instructions

If your car is towed, you need to act quickly to minimize costs. Here step-by-step algorithm return:

  1. Check the location of the car. Call your local traffic police department or towing service hotline (numbers are usually listed on the city administration website). In Moscow it is +7 (495) 539-54-54, in St. Petersburg - +7 (812) 573-91-02.
  2. Prepare documents:
    • 📄 Owner’s passport.
    • 📄 Vehicle registration certificate (or PTS).
    • 📄 Driver's license (if you were driving).
    • 📄 Receipts for payment of fines and evacuation (if you have time to pay in advance).
  • Pay the fine and tow truck services. This can be done via Public services, bank terminals or cash desk at the impound lot. The 50% discount applies only to traffic fines, but not to towing and storage!
  • Come to the impound lot. Make sure you have all original documents - copies are not accepted.

    • Check the address and opening hours of the parking lot|Check the availability of all documents|Pay the fine in advance (so as not to waste time)|Take cash with you in case of additional fees|Check the car for damage upon receipt-->

    Important: if you do not agree with evacuation, do not sign the acceptance certificate without the “disagree” mark. This will help later to challenge the actions of the tow truck in court. Also take photographs of the car from all sides in case it was damaged during the evacuation.

    Is it possible to challenge a fine for evacuation and how to do it?

    Yes, a fine for evacuation can be challenged if:

    • 🚗 The evacuation was carried out in violation of the procedure (for example, without drawing up a protocol or in your absence).
    • 📜 The reason for the evacuation does not comply with the law (for example, the car was taken away for parking on the side of the road, where it is allowed).
    • 💳 You were issued a fine for towing, although you were not the owner of the car at the time of the violation.

    Appeal procedure:

    1. Obtain a copy of the administrative violation report from the traffic police.
    2. Write a complaint addressed to the head of the traffic police or to the district court (a sample can be downloaded from the website Autocode or State services).
    3. Attach evidence: photographs, witness statements, video recordings.
    4. File a complaint within 10 days from the moment of receipt of the fine.

    An example of a successful challenge: if a car was towed for parking under a “No Stopping” sign, but the sign was covered with branches or an advertising banner, the court may declare the towing illegal and cancel the fine.

    💡

    If you file a complaint with the court, be sure to request video from surveillance cameras that may have recorded the moment of evacuation. In 60% of cases, this helps to prove a violation of the procedure on the part of the traffic police.

    Hidden payments after evacuation: what to look for

    Many drivers encounter additional costs that are not notified in advance. Here's what you can expect:

    • 🔧 Vehicle inspection fee (up to 1,000 rubles) - some parking lots charge money for checking the technical condition before issuing.
    • 📋 Penalty for late payment of storage — if you don’t pick up the car within 3 days, the tariff may increase by 1.5–2 times.
    • 🚛 Extra charge for evacuation at night (in Moscow and St. Petersburg - +20% to the tariff).
    • 🔒 Locking wheels or steering wheel — if the car was towed for unpaid fines, it may be blocked until the debt is fully repaid.

    To avoid unnecessary expenses:

    • Pick up your car within first 24 hours - this way you minimize storage fees.
    • Demand detailed check with a breakdown of all payments.
    • If additional services are forced on you (for example, cleaning or diagnostics), refuse - it is illegal.
    What to do if the impound lot requires you to pay for “voluntary insurance”?

    This is a scam! You do not need to pay for any additional insurance when returning the car. If they refuse to give you your car without payment, call the traffic police hotline or the police. All payments must be strictly based on receipts from official authorities.

    How to avoid evacuation: 7 working methods

    The best way to save on fines is to prevent evacuation. Here proven methods:

    1. Use parking apps. In Moscow it is Parking lots in Moscow, in St. Petersburg - Parking in St. Petersburg. They show areas where evacuation is most likely.
    2. Park in reverse. Tow trucks often pick up cars parked facing the curb, as they are easier to hook up to.
    3. Do not leave your car for long hours in one place. In city centers, cars parked in one place for more than 5 hours are at risk.
    4. Check fines once a week. If you have accumulated more than 10,000 rubles in debt, your car can be towed at any time.
    5. Install the "Disabled Person" sign if you are entitled to one. Even if you have forgotten your document confirming your disability, the sign often saves you from evacuation.
    6. Don't ignore tow truck signs. If such a sign is installed, the probability of evacuation is 80%.
    7. Use paid parking. On them, evacuation is practically impossible, even if you violate the parking time.

    Important: if you see a tow truck approaching your car, you have the right get behind the wheel and drive awayuntil the car was lifted onto the platform. But if the evacuation has already begun, it cannot be prevented - this is fraught with a new fine (up to 15,000 rubles).

    Frequent driver mistakes after evacuation

    Even experienced car owners often make mistakes that lead to additional expenses. That's what can't do:

    • 🚫 Ignore the fine. If you do not pay it within 70 days, the case will be transferred to bailiffs, and the amount will increase by 50–100%.
    • 🚫 Sign the protocol without verification. Read carefully what is stated in the documents. For example, if they write that the car was without license plates, although this is not the case, it will be difficult to challenge.
    • 🚫 Pick up a car without inspection. All scratches and damage must be recorded in the report. Otherwise, it will be impossible to prove that they were inflicted during the evacuation.
    • 🚫 Pay the fine in cash without a check. Always request documentary proof of payment.

    Another common mistake is an attempt to negotiate with the tow truck on site. In 99% of cases this does not work, and sometimes it can lead to an additional fine for giving a bribe (Article 291 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation).

    💡

    If your car was towed illegally, do not try to resolve the issue “amicably” with the inspector. Immediately record violations (video, photos) and file a complaint. In most cases, the court sides with the driver if the evacuation procedure was violated.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about towing fines

    Can a car be towed for loan debts?

    No, evacuation for debts on a loan or alimony is not provided for by law. The car can be seized by bailiffs, but this requires a court decision. Evacuation in such cases is illegal.

    How much time is given to pay the fine for evacuation?

    The standard period is 70 days (20 days for appeal + 50 days for payment). If you fail to meet the deadline, the fine will be handed over to the bailiffs, and the amount will increase by 50–100%.

    Is it possible to return a car from an impound lot without paying a fine?

    No, you first need to pay the fine for the violation and the services of a tow truck. An exception is if you are challenging the fine in court and have received an order to suspend collection.

    What to do if a car with a child inside is towed?

    This is a gross violation on the part of the traffic police. Call the police immediately and demand the child's release. Then file a complaint against the inspector - such actions can be qualified as leaving in danger (Article 125 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation).

    Can a car be towed in the yard?

    Yes, if it interferes with the passage of special vehicles (ambulance, fire) or is standing on the lawn. In yards, cars parked in playgrounds or near garbage containers are often towed.