Owner’s choice vs a police tow
Fargo Police do not automatically tow every accident. They use their contracted company when a vehicle is abandoned, blocking or impeding traffic, evidence, or the driver is under arrest. For many private crashes, if the car is not drivable, an officer can call the city tower or a tower you name.
If you can choose, call us and tell the officer you have a private tow on the way. If the vehicle was already impounded under police authority, it goes to the city-owned lot at 715 17th Street North. Retrieval of those vehicles is handled by Fargo Moorhead Towing at 701-850-7347. We do not operate that lot and we do not claim that contract.
What happens at the scene
Stay out of live lanes. If anyone is hurt, 911 comes first. When you call dispatch, share the cross-street, the number of vehicles, whether fluids are leaking, and whether the car still rolls. Low-clearance or AWD vehicles should go on a flatbed. Insurance often reimburses private tows — keep the receipt and ask your carrier what they cover.
City published impound rates (minimum tow, release fee, daily storage) apply only to police-authorized impounds, not to a private tow you requested to a shop or home. Private pricing is quoted on the call.
FAQ
Who is the City of Fargo contracted towing company?+
Fargo Moorhead Towing holds the police contract. Impounded vehicles are stored at 715 17th St. N. Call 701-850-7347 to locate a police-towed vehicle. That is a public city process, separate from this website’s dispatch line.
Can I choose my own tow truck after an accident in Fargo?+
Often yes, when the police do not need the car for the reasons listed in the city’s towing FAQ. Ask the officer on scene. If they are already towing under city authority, you cannot reroute that impound through a private company.