FAQs

Auctions are held at Parking Authority Impoundment Lots around the city. For dates, locations and directions to upcoming auctions, please visit the Auction Dates and Cars on the PPA Auctions website.

All auctions begin promptly at noon. Bidders can register beginning at 11:00 a.m., and view the available vehicles between 11 a.m. and noon.

For lists of vehicles that will be available at upcoming auctions, please visit the Auction Dates and Cars on the PPA Auctions website. Please note, the Philadelphia Parking Authority allows owners to reclaim their vehicles by paying all necessary tickets and fines in advance of the auction. Therefore, the vehicles available at time of auction may vary from those listed on the PPA Auctions website.

In order to reclaim an impounded vehicle you must pay for all outstanding tickets in person and pay tow and storage fees. Tickets can be paid at:

Parking Violations Branch
913 Filbert Street
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM weekdays
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Saturday

Parking Authority Impoundment Lot
2501 Weccacoe Avenue (near Columbus Boulevard and Oregon Avenue)
8:00 AM - 9:00 PM Monday - Thursday
8:00 AM - 3:00 AM Friday
9:00 AM - 3:00 AM Saturday
4:00 PM - 11:00 PM Sunday

If your vehicle was impounded through the Live Stop program, you must satisfy all outstanding tickets at the Traffic Court, present certification of proper registration, insurance and drivers license, and pay tow and storage fees.

Vehicles that are unclaimed after 21 days are sold at auction.

The tow fee is $125.00 for a straight tow, and $135.00 for a Live Stop Tow. Storage fees are $13.80 for each of the first five days. After the first five days it will be $20.70 each day. This includes tax.

Vehicles are impounded for many reasons and quality can vary widely. Vehicles are sold "AS IS", with no warranties expressed or implied, and no warranties of merchantability.

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Vehicles are sold "AS IS", with no warranties expressed or implied, and no warranties of merchantability. Payment in full (full vehicle purchase price, sales tax and title fee) must be completed at the time of the sale in cash, Visa, MasterCard or MAC only. Unless a valid dealer identification certificate is presented, payment of applicable sales tax is required. Successful bidders must pay $22.50 title fee at the time of sale for each vehicle purchased and must complete an application for title which will be batch processed to Harrisburg by the Parking Authority.

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All vehicles must be removed from the auction lot, without the removal of parts, before 8:00 PM on the date of the auction. Since these vehicles are not registered or insured, they cannot be started or driven from the auction lot. VEHICLES MUST BE TOWED FROM THE AUCTION SITE TO A RESIDENCE OR PLACE OF BUSINESS.

Please note, auctioned vehicles will be released to tow operators only upon presentation of completed tow agreements. Tow operators not preregistered will be permitted to register on the date of the auction if accompanied by a successful bidder. Tow Operators must register between 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM.

Successful bidders must pay $22.50 title fee at the time of sale for each vehicle purchased and must complete an application for title which will be batch processed to Harrisburg by the Parking Authority. You will receive the title to your vehicle directly from PennDot by mail, approximately six to eight weeks after the date of the auction.

Please note, until you receive the title, you cannot register or insure your vehicle, and IT IS ILLEGAL TO OPERATE OR STORE AN UNREGISTERED OR UNINSURED VEHICLE ON A PUBLIC ROADWAY IN PENNSYLVANIA. Please make arrangements in advance for your vehicle to be stored in an off-street garage or lot while your title is processed. If your vehicle is observed on a public roadway before it is registered and insured, it can be impounded.

For complete auction rules, please visit the PPA Auctions website.