Maximum impound lot fees have increased in France since October 1, 2026. Nice is no exception to the rule. For a private car, removal costs 135 euros and daily storage is 7.15 euros. The amount to be paid can therefore increase quickly depending on how long the vehicle is immobilized.
An unpleasant surprise may await motorists who cannot find their car where it had been parked. Since October 1, the maximum fees applicable to private vehicles placed at Nice’s impound lot have been increased.
Removal increases from 127.65 to 135 euros. Daily storage also increases, from 6.75 to 7.15 euros. Other fees remain unchanged. Material immobilization remains fixed at 7.60 euros and preliminary operations at 15.20 euros. A possible sale remains charged up to 100 euros.
The minimum bill to recover a car after one day in the impound lot thus reaches 142.15 euros, compared to 134.40 euros previously, which constitutes a difference of 7.75 euros. Each additional day then adds 7.15 euros to the amount to be paid.
This change is part of a new pricing mechanism. From 2027 onwards, impound lot fee caps will evolve each year. The decree published in the Official Journal of September 22, 2026 provides in particular for taking into account the evolution of fuel costs, labor, insurance and vehicle prices.
Nice’s impound lot welcomes motorists Monday to Saturday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., excluding public holidays.
Two-wheelers are not affected
Owners of motorcycles, scooters, three-wheelers and motorized quadricycles are not affected by this increase. For these vehicles, removal remains fixed at 45.70 euros. Storage still costs 3 euros per day started.
Recovering a two-wheeler from day one therefore costs 48.70 euros. Material immobilization remains capped at 7.60 euros and preliminary operations at 15.20 euros. In case of sale, the maximum amount remains fixed at 50 euros.
An impound lot seizure occurs in particular when parking is obstructive, abusive or dangerous. Approximately 30 minutes may be necessary to account for the journey and computer recording of the procedure. Before traveling there, it is best to contact the impound lot to verify the vehicle’s status. In the city of Nice, downtown parking has now moved to two hours free.
What steps to take to recover your car in Nice?
Before going to the impound lot, a release decision is necessary to obtain the return of the vehicle. This authorization can be obtained from the national police station, a municipal police post or the gendarmerie of the removal location. A proof of identity and the registration certificate must be presented. When the vehicle belongs to another person, a proof of identity of the owner as well as a written and signed power of attorney are also necessary.
Once the release is obtained, it is best to go to the impound lot quickly. Storage fees are calculated per day started. Payment is made on site.
To check the vehicle’s status, a verification can be made with the police or gendarmerie services. A search can also be carried out on the police prefecture website using the registration number.
The amount of fees then depends on the vehicle category and the various operations carried out. The fees include in particular material immobilization, preliminary operations, removal, daily storage and, in some cases, inspection.
When the vehicle remains in the impound lot beyond three days, an inspection of the main safety elements is ordered. Currently charged at 61 euros, this inspection is the owner’s responsibility and determines the conditions for the vehicle’s return.
Three situations may then arise. If the vehicle is in condition for return, it can be recovered after payment of the fees. In case of failure of a safety element or outdated technical inspection, repair by a professional may be necessary. The registration certificate will then be returned after presentation of the corresponding proof.
Finally, if the vehicle is considered unfit for road use, it may be declared as a wreck and intended for destruction. Recovery remains possible under certain conditions, in particular after completion of necessary repairs and presentation of proof.
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