My car has been towed — where is it, and how do I get it back?
A towed car is at the municipal pound: call Obecní / městský úřad — odbor životního prostředí, přestupková komise (portal.gov.cz) with your plate to confirm and to hear the fee and the opening hours; bring ID, the registration document and a means of payment, and expect a daily storage charge, so go today. If nobody knows where the car is, it may have been stolen — Policie ČR — oznámení (158). If you think the towing was unjustified (no sign, sign obscured, works started after you parked), pay under protest, photograph the spot, and object; Veřejný ochránce práv (ombudsman) (542 542 888) handles complaints about the municipality when the objection is ignored.
🗣️ What to say
"My car, plate [number], was parked at [place] and is gone since [time]. Was it towed, where is it, what does it cost to collect, and what are the opening hours? I would also like to know the reason and whether a fine was issued."
🪜 Step by step
- Confirm: Obecní / městský úřad — odbor životního prostředí, přestupková komisePlate, place, time. Many cities show towed cars online.
- Not towed: Policie ČR — oznámeníReport the theft immediately; the plate goes into the search system.
- Collect todayStorage fees run daily. ID, registration, payment; a friend can collect with a written authorisation.
- Photograph the spotSigns, distance from the corner, any works or temporary signs — before they change.
- ObjectTo the towing decision and the fine, in writing, within the deadline; escalate to Veřejný ochránce práv (ombudsman) if the answer is a form letter.
📇 All contacts
❓ Frequently asked
Can they tow for an ordinary parking offence?
Rules vary: some cities tow only when the car obstructs; others tow for any offence in certain zones. The sign at the spot is decisive.
They damaged the car while towing
Note it before you leave the pound, photograph, and claim from the municipality or the towing company in writing.
Temporary no-parking signs appeared after I parked
Most countries require signs to be up for a minimum period (often 24–72 hours) before towing. Ask the municipality for the date the sign was placed.
📎 Sources
- Obecní / městský úřad — odbor životního prostředí, přestupková komise →
- Policie ČR — oznámení →
- Veřejný ochránce práv (ombudsman) →
- Krajský soud — správní soudnictví →
🔎 Common searches
Recognise your own search? The answer above covers all of these.
- “car towed where is it Czechia”
- “towed car pound fees”
- “object to towing unjustified”
- “car gone towed or stolen”
- “towing complaint municipality”
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