Car Towed In Delhi? Find Your Four-Wheeler In Just 4 Easy Steps
Delhi Traffic News: If you return to your parking spot in Delhi only to find that your car has disappeared, there is a simple way to check whether it has been towed and where it has been taken. The Delhi Traffic Police has reminded vehicle owners that they can check the towed or impounded status of their vehicle online using its registration number. The facility allows motorists to find the Traffic Police pit where their vehicle has been taken and then complete the process to retrieve it.
The Delhi Traffic Police also maintains an online list of pit locations across different parts of Delhi, covering traffic circles in the eastern, northern, central, southern, western and New Delhi ranges. After locating the vehicle, the owner can go to the designated location and complete the required payment process to get the car back.
What Charges Do You Have To Pay? Delhi Traffic Police’s official guidance says vehicle owners are required to pay the applicable violation/compounding amount and towing charges, depending on the vehicle type. For a light passenger vehicle such as a car, jeep or van, the prescribed towing charge is currently Rs 400. The official schedule also specifies custody charges of Rs 500 per day or part thereof after 48 hours from the time the vehicle was towed or impounded.
The towing charge is different for other categories of vehicles. Delhi Traffic Police lists Rs 200 for two-wheelers/e-rickshaws, Rs 1,000 for light goods vehicles, Rs 1,500 for medium and heavy passenger or goods vehicles, and Rs 2,000 for multi-axle trailers. It is important to note that paying the towing or custody charge does not remove any separate traffic violation penalty. Delhi Traffic Police’s official rules state that towing and custody charges are expenses related to removing and keeping the vehicle and do not absolve the owner or driver from other applicable fines or penalties.
What If You Cannot Find Your Car Online? If the vehicle status is unclear or you need assistance locating the vehicle, Delhi Traffic Police advises motorists to contact their nearest Traffic Circle or the Traffic Police helpline. The official helpline numbers are 011-25844444 and 1095. Delhi Traffic Police also operates cranes to remove vehicles that are obstructively or unauthorisedly parked, as well as vehicles that have broken down and are obstructing traffic.
Check Online Before Heading To The Traffic Pit: For motorists who discover their car missing from where it was parked, the first step is to check the vehicle’s towing status online rather than immediately assuming it has been stolen. The official Delhi Traffic Police website has a dedicated Vehicle Impound/Towed Status service where motorists can enter their registration number and check the complete status. Once the location is identified, the vehicle owner can proceed to the designated Traffic Police pit, pay the prescribed charges and follow the required procedure to retrieve the vehicle. The Delhi Traffic Police has also listed its towing-pit locations online, making it easier for vehicle owners to identify where their vehicle may have been taken.
