No parking during the festive rush? What happens if your car gets towed

If your car gets towed for a parking offence in Malaysia, contact the responsible authority to locate it, confirm the documents and payments required for release, and arrange collection promptly, because towing fees, storage charges and any compound depend on the authority and the circumstances of your case.

Returning with shopping bags to find your car missing can quickly spoil a festive outing. This article explains what to check, how to prepare for collection and which parking habits to avoid.

Key takeaways

• Confirm which authority moved your car and where it is being held.
• A compound, towing fee and storage charge can be separate costs.
• Check collection documents, the full bill and depot opening hours before travelling.
• Photograph your car’s condition and keep official receipts.
• Motorist App’s AutoConcierge provides motoring guidance; the responsible authority handles vehicle release.

Why can your car be towed during the festive rush?

Obstructing traffic can lead to enforcement action. Section 48 of the Road Transport Act 1987 addresses vehicles left on roads in circumstances likely to cause danger, obstruction or undue inconvenience. It allows the relevant authorities to clamp or remove such vehicles. 

A full car park is a reason to find another legal option. Look for another designated parking area, use a permitted drop-off point or consider alternative transport. Avoid treating a short shopping stop as a reason to block other road users.

What should you do if your parked car is missing?

1. Confirm whether your car was towed

Start with the parking location. Check that you have returned to the correct street, entrance or parking level. Ask the premises’ security team whether they witnessed a tow, then contact the relevant council or enforcement agency through its official channels.

Have the key details ready. Provide your registration number, vehicle description, parking location and approximate time you left the car. If you cannot confirm a tow and suspect theft, contact the police.

2. Find the correct depot

Confirm the location before travelling. MBSJ’s enforcement FAQ lists these towing-depot contacts:

• Subang: 03-8024 9064  
• Puchong: 03-8065 1687  
• Serdang: 03-8948 1269

These numbers apply to MBSJ cases. Ask which depot holds your car and confirm its collection hours, especially during public holidays. 

3. Check documents and payment requirements

Ask for a collection checklist. Confirm the identity documents, ownership evidence and any authorisation required. Tell the officer if someone other than the registered owner will collect the vehicle.

Follow the authority’s specific requirements. For example, MBJB’s published guidance lists an identity card or vehicle grant for an owner. A non-owner claimant needs a statutory declaration and a copy of the owner’s identity card. 

4. Inspect your car before leaving

Document its condition. Photograph the bodywork, wheels and any damage you notice before driving away. Retain the official receipt and case reference, and ask how to submit a complaint if you have concerns.

How much does it cost to reclaim a towed car?

Check the charges for your case. A parking compound is not necessarily the only amount payable. MBJB’s published car charges provide this local example:

• Towing: RM120  
• Compound: RM250–RM500, depending on the offence  
• Storage: RM15 for the first day, with RM5 added for each following day

The first-day example totals RM385–RM635. This calculation combines the three published components; it is an MBJB example rather than a nationwide tariff. 

Confirm the amount before arranging collection. These figures were checked on 21 October 2026. Ask the responsible authority for an itemized bill and accepted payment methods.

Dos and Don’ts during the festive parking rush

Choose a legal space, even when it means a longer walk. Use this checklist before parking and if you need to recover a towed car.

Expert tip

Before booking transport to the depot, confirm your registration number, collection address, required documents and itemised balance in the same call. Save the answers alongside your case reference.

Common mistake

Paying the parking compound and assuming your car is ready for collection. Check whether towing or storage charges remain payable and confirm the release arrangements. 

How can the Motorist App help?

Keep everyday motoring matters organised. Motorist Malaysia lists vehicle reminders, fine alerts and payment, traffic information, and personalised AutoConcierge support through in-app chat among its app features. 

Use AutoConcierge for motoring questions. For a towed vehicle, confirm its location, bill and collection requirements directly with the responsible authority. Check support for your particular notice before assuming it can be handled through the app.

Keep your festive journey on track

Park legally, and act promptly if your car is towed. Confirm the holding authority, prepare the required documents and check the complete bill before travelling to collect it.

FAQ

1. Can my car be towed for illegal parking in Malaysia?
Yes. MBSJ’s enforcement guidance states that vehicles committing traffic offences may receive a compound notice or be towed, depending on the circumstances. 

2. Must my car be clamped before it can be towed?
No. Section 48(2) permits the relevant authorities to clamp or remove a vehicle likely to cause danger, obstruction or undue inconvenience; clamping is not a compulsory first step. 

3. How do I find out where my car was towed?
Contact the authority responsible for the parking location and provide your registration number and parking details. Confirm the holding depot before travelling.

4. Do hazard lights or a phone number make double-parking acceptable?
They do not give permission to obstruct traffic. The legal issue under Section 48 is whether the vehicle’s position or circumstances are likely to cause danger, obstruction or undue inconvenience. 

5. What documents do I need to collect a towed car?
Ask the holding authority for its checklist before leaving. Confirm whether originals, copies, ownership evidence or authorisation documents are required.

6. Can someone else collect my towed car?
Check the authority’s requirements before sending a representative. Tell the officer that the claimant is not the registered owner and ask what supporting documents are needed.

7. Does paying the compound cover all collection charges?
Not necessarily. Towing and storage may be separate charges, so request the complete balance and confirm the release arrangements.

8. What should I do If my car is damaged after towing?
Photograph the damage before driving away and report it promptly to the responsible authority. Retain your photographs, receipts and case reference to support the complaint.

9. Can the Motorist app arrange my car’s release?
Motorist offers personalised motoring help through its in-app AutoConcierge. Confirm vehicle release directly with the towing authority; Motorist’s published features do not establish a council vehicle-release service. 

10. What if I cannot confirm that my car was towed?
Recheck the parking location and speak to the premises’ security team and relevant enforcement authority. If the car remains missing and you suspect theft, contact the police.

Download the Motorist App for vehicle reminders, traffic information and personalised AutoConcierge support.

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