Coming back to find your car missing is stressful — especially if you realise it’s been towed by the Gardaí. Whether you parked illegally or your vehicle was involved in an incident, it’s important to know what happens next and how to get your car back quickly.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to what happens when your car is towed by the Gardaí in Ireland, including what it costs, where it goes, and what you should do right away.
Why the Gardaí Tow Cars in Ireland
The Gardaí have the authority to remove and impound vehicles in several situations, including:
- Illegal parking causing obstruction
- Parking in disabled or loading bays without a permit
- Abandoned or unroadworthy vehicles
- Road traffic collisions
- Driving without insurance or valid tax/NCT
- Vehicle seizure under a Garda order
If your car is towed, it’s most likely for one of these reasons.
🔗 Learn more about Garda towing powers on Citizens Information.
How to Know If Your Car Has Been Towed
If your car is missing, don’t assume it’s stolen straight away — it might have been legally removed.
You can confirm by:
- Calling your local Garda station
- Providing your vehicle registration number and location
They’ll tell you if it’s been towed, where it’s stored, and how to retrieve it.
📍 Tip: In Dublin, cars are typically brought to the Garda pound in Ballymount Industrial Estate.
Where Your Car Goes After Being Towed
Once seized, your car is taken to an official Garda compound or impound yard. It will stay there until you pay the release fee and present valid documents.
Depending on your area, the car may be held in:
- Dublin: Garda Compound, Ballymount
- Cork: Garda Pound, Carr’s Hill
- Limerick: Henry Street Pound
What You Need to Bring to Collect Your Car
To retrieve your vehicle, you’ll usually need:
✅ Valid photo ID (driver’s licence or passport)
✅ Proof of ownership (logbook or insurance disc)
✅ Valid motor insurance certificate
✅ Up-to-date NCT and motor tax (if applicable)
✅ Payment for towing and storage fees
If your car was seized for no insurance, you’ll also need to provide new proof of insurance before it’s released.
Towing and Storage Fees
Garda towing and impound fees vary by location, but typically include:
- Towing fee: €125–€150
- Daily storage fee: €35 per day
You’ll need to pay these in full before collecting your car. If you don’t reclaim it within a set period (usually 30 days), the vehicle may be scrapped or auctioned.
🔗 For official fee information, visit the Garda.ie.
What If You Can’t Drive It Home?
If your vehicle is badly damaged or still unroadworthy after being released, it will need to be towed privately to a garage or your home.
That’s where QuickTow.ie can help.
We offer affordable vehicle collection and towing from Garda compounds, ensuring your car is transported safely and securely to wherever you need it.
📞 Call QuickTow now for compound collection or roadside assistance in Dublin, Kildare, or Wicklow.
How to Avoid Garda Towing in the Future
- Always ensure your insurance, tax, and NCT are up to date.
- Avoid double parking or blocking access points.
- Never leave your car in bus lanes, cycle lanes, or disabled spaces without a permit.
- If your car breaks down, move it off the road and call a towing company immediately.
QuickTow.ie — Helping You Get Back on the Road Fast
If your car has been towed, don’t panic. Once you’ve paid your Garda fees, we’ll take care of the rest.
At QuickTow.ie, we provide fast, affordable towing from Garda compounds, breakdown sites, and accident scenes — available 24/7.
📞 Call us now for immediate help across Dublin, Kildare, and Wicklow.
