Towing and Impounding

When the City tows and impounds a vehicle, it can only be released to the registered owner/renter when all charges are paid.

• Towing Fee: $200 + $50 administration fee
• Impounding Fee: $25 per day

If valid registration and insurance are not provided, you cannot drive your vehicle out of the impound lot. You must have the vehicle towed at your own expense.

Payment and release process

You can use the following methods to pay fees on all days except statutory holidays:

• In person at City Hall, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday by cash, credit, or debit
• Call Access St. John's at 311 or 754-CITY (2489) between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. to pay by credit card only

After the fees are paid, registered owners can pick up impounded vehicles from 8 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week at the City Depot, 25 Blackler Avenue. 

In order to pick up your vehicle, you are required to provide proof of ownership. This may include a driver's license or other government identification with the same name and civic address as the vehicle registration. For rental vehicles, the name and address on government identifications must match the name and address of the rental agreement.

Public vs. Private Parking: What’s the Difference?

The following information clarifies how parking enforcement differs between public and private lots — particularly when it comes to immobilization (booting).

City of St. John’s Parking Enforcement

The City does not use booting as a form of parking enforcement. Instead, we enforce parking regulations through:

• Issuing parking fines.
• Towing vehicles in certain violation cases.

All City-managed parking spaces are regulated by on-street parking signage and City pay stations.

Private Parking Lot Enforcement

Some privately owned parking lots in the City may enforce their own parking rules by using vehicle immobilization (booting):

• Private operators have the legal right to manage parking on their property under the Highway Traffic Act.
• The City does not have the legal authority to regulate enforcement practices in private parking lots, including booting.

Because private lots often have different rules than City-managed spaces, it’s important to:

• Look for posted signage at the entrance and within the lot.
• Review all restrictions before parking.
• Be aware that evening and weekend restrictions may apply — many private lots require payment or permits during these times.

To avoid fines, towing, or immobilization, always check the signage before parking in any off-street lot.