In the United States, a person’s rights regarding laws for unauthorized vehicle towing by state varies significantly but generally includes the right to a fair and transparent towing process. When a vehicle is towed, the towing company must often notify the owner, and there are usually guidelines for how long a vehicle will be held before it can be sold or disposed of by the towing company.
Additionally, most states mandate that towing fees be reasonable and publicly disclosed. Laws for unauthorized vehicle towing by state includes regulating fees to protect consumers from exorbitant charges and ensure transparency in towing practices.
States with higher living costs or more stringent regulations may see higher rates. For example, in California, the initial towing fee might exceed $200, especially in urban areas, while in more rural states like Arkansas, the fees might be at the lower end of the spectrum. Additional charges, such as storage fees or services required for specific situations can further increase costs. It is important for vehicle owners to be aware of their local regulations and fee structures to avoid unexpected expenses.
States do regulate towing vehicles, establishing standards for towing operations, the conditions under which vehicles can be towed, and specific protocols that must be followed by towing companies. Regulation is crucial in protecting vehicle owners from predatory towing practices and ensuring a fair system is in place across the country.
The guide below gives you an overview of laws for unauthorized vehicle towing by state including rights, laws, fees along with a link for more detailed information.
| State | Laws for Unauthorized Vehicle Towing by State | Links to State Law |
| Alabama | The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency shall approve towing and recovery service rates as reasonable based on what is customary in practice of the industry. | Ala. Code r. 760-X-1-.25 |
| Alaska | Unless a vehicle has already been reclaimed by the owner, the person possessing the vehicle under this section shall notify the registered owner and primary lienholder, within seven working days after the initial towing, transporting, or storage of the vehicle. | Alaska leg.gov-House bill 251 |
| Arizona | A person who tows a vehicle into a public space without the owner’s permission must notify law enforcement within one hour. The law enforcement agency will then enter the information into the Arizona crime information center database. The owner is responsible for paying all towing and storage charges. Storage fees are limited to $15 per day, but additional fees may apply. | Az. leg.gov-House bill 2269 |
| Arkansas | In addition to certain equipment regulations, if a vehicle is towed without the owner’s authorization, the towing company must notify the local police within two hours. The towing company cannot charge storage fees until after notifying the police. | Ark. Code Ann. § 12-8-106(a)(2) |
| California | California’s vehicle code, Vehicle Code 22651 VC, authorizes the towing and impounding of vehicles in certain circumstances from drunk driving to illegal parking. If a vehicle is towed, the owner can dispute the validity of the tow by scheduling a hearing within 30 days of the tow date. | CA Legislature Chapter 10 |
| Colorado | Laws for unauthorized vehicle towing by state in Colorado passed several bills to regulate towing companies and protect consumers from predatory towing practices including regulation of fees and other documentation. | CO House Bill 24-1051 |
| Connecticut | When such motor vehicle is towed or otherwise removed by a wrecker licensed under section 14-66, the licensee or operator of the wrecker shall notify the local police department of the tow or removal within two hours. If the motor vehicle is not claimed by its owner within specific time periods, the licensee or operator of the wrecker or of the garage where such motor vehicle is stored may dispose of it in accordance with the provisions of subsection (e) of section 14-150. | CT Gen Stat § 14-145 (2012) |
| Delaware | Laws for unauthorized vehicle towing by state in Delaware passed a bill that aims to protect drivers from towing companies by establishing new regulations including photographic evidence of tow taking place, regulation of rates and storage fees that cannot exceed $500. | Delaware House Bill 351 |
| District of Columbia | The District of Columbia (DC) has several towing regulations, including certain licensing, a towing control number, compliance with vehicle manufactures instructions on towing, safe vehicle storage and vehicle owner being responsible for all associated fees. | Code of D.C. § 50–2201.21 |
| Florida | HB 179 will require towing and storage operators to maintain a rate sheet listing all fees related to vehicle or vessel recovery, removal, or storage. They must post this rate sheet at their place of business and provide it upon request to vehicle or vessel owners, lienholders, insurance companies, or their agents | Florida House Bill 179 |
| Georgia | Towing companies and wrecker services need a state-issued permit to remove a vehicle from private property without the owner’s consent. Towing and storage companies must have a secure storage area for towed vehicles. The lot must be fenced, lighted, and equipped with a lock or enclosed building. | Georgia AG Consumer Protection Towing |
| Hawaii | Vehicles can be towed if they are left unattended in a tow zone, or if they are involved in a motor vehicle accident and cannot be moved under their own power. Tow companies must have a combined single limit of liability of at least $1,000,000. Towing companies can charge up to $65 for a tow, plus $7.50 per mile, $25 per day for the first seven days of storage, and $20 per day after that. They can also charge a $30 surcharge for difficult hookups, and a $15 overtime fee for tows between 6PM–6AM, | Hawaii House Bill 1577 |
| Idaho | A tow company must notify the department for the names and addresses of all persons having an interest in the vehicle within 72 hours of towing it from posted property and the towing company must release a vehicle to the owner or their authorized agent upon request unless the owner or agent refuses to pay the towing fees. | Idaho Title 49, Chapter 18 |
| Illinois | Towing from public property requires law enforcement to order the tow, usually when a vehicle is left unattended for too long or is a hazard. Also, towing companies must provide a final invoice that includes the cost of towing, storage, and any other fees. The invoice must also include any damage to the vehicle identified when it was taken and when it was returned. | Illinois Ch. 95, Sec. 4-203 |
| Indiana | Towing companies must document and itemize certain fees and services related to a tow and towing companies must notify the local law enforcement agency after towing a vehicle. The maximum tow fee in Indianapolis is $150, plus a daily impound rate that cannot exceed $30 and towed vehicles must be available for pickup within a specified time and returned to the owner after the towing and storage fees are paid. | In.gov -Towing |
| Iowa | Iowa has some of the least towing laws in the country. In fact, Iowa has no state law cap on towing rates, and there is no guarantee that the owner will be able to access their personal items after the car is towed. | Iowa Code 321-309 |
| Kansas | Laws for unauthorized vehicle towing by state for Kansas covers a number of laws and regulations including a towing service must provide written notice to the driver of the vehicle being towed that a storage fee will be charged. The service can charge $3 per mile for any round-trip mileage over 20 miles. | Article 11-8-1103 |
| Kentucky | Towing companies must provide notice to the law enforcement agency within two hours of towing a vehicle from private property. They must also secure the vehicle and take steps to prevent damage or theft. | Ky.gov 281. 920-936 |
| Louisiana | Property owners and tow truck companies must have a written contract that defines parking rules and reasons for towing. Towing or storage facilities cannot withhold removable personal items and storage facility owners must send a final notice to the vehicle owner after 45 days of storage. The notice informs the owner that the vehicle may be sold or dismantled if they do not pay outstanding charges or claim the vehicle. | La.gov RS 32:1715 |
| Maine | Starting July 1, 2024, all motor vehicle liability policies issued or renewed in Maine must provide coverage for towing and storage charges up to $500 per accident. This coverage applies when a law enforcement officer requests the vehicle be towed. A person holding or storing a towed vehicle cannot charge more than three days of storage fees unless they: notify the vehicle’s owner and lienholder, submit a form to the Secretary of State or charge more than $900 for a 30-day period. | Title 29-1605 |
| Maryland | Laws for unauthorized vehicle towing by state in Maryland meant passing many bills related to towing including regulating excessive fees for nonconsensual tows. | Maryland §21–10A–04 |
| Massachusetts | Officers are authorized to remove (or cause to be removed) any vehicle found upon a road or state highway when: The vehicle was stolen or taken without the owner’s consent. The vehicle is disabled as to constitute an obstruction to traffic and/or is an obvious hazard. | Mass.gov-towing policy |
| Michigan | Laws for unauthorized vehicle towing by state in Michigan says no one can tow a vehicle without the owner’s consent and the property owner must post a notice that includes the towing service’s contact information. The notice must be prominently displayed and remain in place for at least 24 hours before the vehicle is towed. Towing agencies must check if a vehicle has been reported stolen before removing it. They must also notify the police if the owner does not redeem the vehicle within 7 days. Towing services can charge towing and storage fees to the last titled or registered owner of a vessel. | MCL-Section 257.252 |
| Minnesota | A ticketed vehicle cannot be towed from public property for four hours after the citation is issued unless there is an exception. Exceptions include if the vehicle is blocking a driveway, fire hydrant, bus sign, stop sign, or taxi stand. If a law enforcement officer requests a vehicle to be towed and stored, the towing company has a lien on the vehicle for the cost of towing, storage, and accident site cleanup. | Mn. Rev. Code 168B.035 |
| Mississippi | The owner of a motor vehicle that has been towed at his request or at the direction of a law enforcement officer, or towed upon request of a real property owner upon whose property a vehicle has been left without permission of the real property owner, shall be liable for the reasonable price of towing and storage. | Senate Bill 2635 |
| Missouri | Missouri has a number of laws and regulations regarding towing, including that towing companies must have a verifiable business address that is visible from the street, and they must be open to customers for a minimum of ten hours per day. They must also have a secure storage lot or building for vehicles. | Chapter 304.153 |
| Montana | After towing a vehicle, the tow truck operator must send a certified letter to the vehicle owner or lienholder within 15 days. The owner or lienholder cannot reclaim the vehicle until they pay the towing and storage costs. | Title 61.Chapter 8-913 |
| Nebraska | The owner or other person lawfully entitled to the possession of any vehicle towed or stored shall be charged with the reasonable cost of towing and storage fees. Any person towing or storing a vehicle may retain possession of such vehicle until such charges are paid or, after ninety days, may dispose of such vehicle to satisfy the lien. Upon payment of such charges, the person towing or storing the vehicle shall return possession of the vehicle to the (a) owner, (b) lienholder, or (c) any other person lawfully entitled to the possession of such vehicle making payment of such charges. | Chapter 60-2410 |
| Nevada | If the car is located in a residential or public parking lot, or if the vehicle is inoperable or disabled, the vehicle cannot be towed without the vehicle owner’s consent. vehicle owners must be issued a warning before towing their vehicle. | Assembly Bill No. 303 |
| New Hampshire | If a vehicle is towed without the owner’s consent, the towing company cannot charge more than $175 for towing, or more than $50 per day for storage. The company can charge a service fee of up to $50 to release the vehicle at an off-hour time but must have the owner sign an acknowledgment. | N.H. Rev. Stat. § 106-B:31 |
| New Jersey | Laws for unauthorized vehicle towing by state for New Jersey says a towing company must notify the vehicle’s owner, operator, lessor, and lienholder within 30 days of towing the vehicle. If the towing company fails to do so, they may be charged a maximum storage fee of $750. | House Bill A5038 |
| New Mexico | A vehicle can only be towed if there is a valid public safety reason. Towing services can charge a reasonable extra fee if a request is made outside of 7 AM–7 PM local time and cannot charge storage for less than 24 hours. | N.M. Admin. Code § 18.3.12.14 |
| New York | Laws for unauthorized vehicle towing by state for New York says that as long as you have proper towing signage for unauthorized vehicles owner of the parking lot or facility can have vehicles towed from the lot at the owner’s expense. There is no regulation of fees in New York for towing. | CHAPTER 20, ARTICLE 26, Section 399-V |
| North Carolina | Towing companies must obtain written authorization from the property owner or lessee before towing a vehicle from private property or parking lot. Nonconsensual towing businesses must obtain a permit from the Division and renew it annually. Occupied vehicles cannot be towed or attached to a towing vehicle. | N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20‑219.2 |
| North Dakota | If a commercial towing service violates the law, they must return the vehicle to the registered owner for free and cannot charge a storage fee. The owner can reclaim the vehicle within 30 days of receiving notice by paying all towing and storage charges. | N.D. House Bill 1218 |
| Ohio | The owner of a private property may establish a private tow-away zone but may do so only if all of the following conditions are satisfied. | O.R.C. Section 4513.601 |
| Oklahoma | Nonconsensual tow means the transportation of a vehicle without the consent or knowledge of the vehicle’s owner, possessor, agent, insurer, lienholder, or any other person in possession of or in charge of any vehicle and includes the transportation or towing of the vehicle under lawful circumstances or necessity for the public interest including removing from the roadway for public safety or public convenience, or accidents, by any law enforcement officer or property agent or removal from public or private property as a result of abandonment or unauthorized parking by the property owner, agent, possessor, or other legal entity for the property owner. | Nonconsensual Towing Act of 2011- T |
| Oregon | If a vehicle has been left or parked in violation of ORS 98.810 (Unauthorized parking of vehicle on proscribed property prohibited), the owner of the parking facility or the owner of the proscribed property may have a tower tow the vehicle from the parking facility or the proscribed property and place the vehicle in storage at a secure location under the control of the tower. If the towed vehicle is registered in Oregon, three business days after the vehicle is placed in storage unless, within that time, the tower delivers notice by mail or gives actual notice to the owner of the towed vehicle and to each person with an interest in the vehicle as indicated by the certificate of title. | ORS 98.912 |
| Pennsylvania | Laws for unauthorized vehicle towing by state says the owner or operator of the vehicle being towed shall summon to the scene the tow truck operator of the owner’s or operator’s choice in consultation with law enforcement or authorized municipal personnel and designate the location where the vehicle is to be towed. | 2024 Act 43 |
| Rhode Island | The owner of the vehicle is responsible for towing, storage, and other incidental costs. The owner can contest the towing within 10 days of receiving notice by filing a complaint with the public utilities commission. The owner must also post security with the complaint. If the owner does not file a complaint or retake the vehicle, it will be sold at auction. | R.I.G.L. § 39-12.1-12 |
| South Carolina | Before towing a vehicle from private property without the owner’s permission, the tow truck operator must get written authorization from the property owner. Within 30 minutes of towing a vehicle without the owner’s permission, the tow truck operator must call the police to report the tow. The towing company can only charge for storage costs for up to seven business days before sending notice to the owner and lienholder. | SC Code § 56-5-5635 (2023) |
| South Dakota | If a removal agency removes an unattended vehicle from a public road without the owner’s permission, they must report the removal to the owner within 24 hours. If a removal agency does not report the removal as required, they cannot collect towing or storage fees. The connection between the towing and towed vehicles must be strong enough to hold the weight of the towed vehicle on any grade. | S.D. Codified Laws § 31-8-15.1 |
| Tennessee | Laws for unauthorized vehicle towing by state for Tennessee says property owners or landlords may have an unauthorized vehicle towed or otherwise removed from real property leased or rented by such landlord for residential purposes, upon giving ten (10) days written notice by posting the same upon the subject vehicle. | Tenn. Code § 66-28-519 |
| Texas | A towing company can only tow a vehicle without the owner’s consent if the vehicle is parked illegally or abandoned. Before towing a vehicle from private property, tow operators must post state-regulated warning signs at the property’s entrance and exit. Homeowners can have an unauthorized vehicle towed from their property without notifying law enforcement if they post signs that meet the requirements of Section 2308.252.A parking facility owner can authorize a towing company to tow a vehicle if they have a written agreement with the company or request that the towing company tow the vehicle. | Tex. Occ. Code § 2308.255 |
| Utah | An owner or a person in lawful possession or control of real property may, to the extent authorized by this Section, tow away or boot any unauthorized vehicle located on the property. An unauthorized vehicle is any vehicle parked or stopped in violation of private property parking regulations which govern parking for authorized tenants and visitors, or which restrict parking in a loading zone, handicapped zone, fire lane, or a no parking zone. | 9.31.110-Towing and Parking Enforcement Operations |
| Vermont | A private property owner or their agent must complete a written authorization form for every nonconsensual tow. Towing companies can charge up to $125 to tow an abandoned vehicle from public property. The towing company must submit a certification form within 90 days and wait 21 days after the form is processed before placing a lien on the vehicle. The owner or lienholder of an abandoned vehicle may be charged a storage fee in addition to the towing fee. | Report on Towing Practices in Vermont: Act 41 |
| Virginia | Laws for unauthorized vehicle towing by state for Virginia dictates written authorization. No tow truck service or operator shall remove any trespassing vehicle from private property without first obtaining, at the time the vehicle is towed, specific written authorization of the owner of the property from which the vehicle is towed, or the owner’s agent. | Code of Virginia § 46.2-1246 |
| Washington | Signs must be posted on private property and in public parking facilities to indicate when a vehicle can be impounded and how to redeem it. A tow truck operator can receive compensation from a private property owner for impounding an unauthorized vehicle. The compensation must be deducted from the lien on the vehicle. A towing company considers a vehicle abandoned after 120 hours, and the owner may receive a ticket. However, there are exceptions, such as if the car were stolen or sold. | Chapter 46.55 RCW
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| West Virginia | A non-consent tow of a motor vehicle from private property may not be performed unless the authorized wrecker company that is to tow the vehicle shall have received a prior written request from the owner of the private property, or his or her lessee or agent, to perform a non-consent tow. | SB 556 Text – West Virginia Legislature |
| Wisconsin | Towing services cannot charge for the removal or storage of an illegally parked vehicle if they do not notify law enforcement before removing the vehicle. No vehicle can be removed without the owner’s permission, except for repossession judgments or formal complaints. A towing service can remove a vehicle from private property if the property owner or their agent requests it, a traffic officer or parking enforcer requests it, the towing service notifies a local law enforcement agency, or the vehicle owner pays reasonable charges for removal and storage. | Wisconsin Chapter 319 |
| Wyoming | There are no specific towing laws in Wyoming but any person without specific authority of the owner or his authorized and accredited agent takes possession of a vehicle that is the property of another, whether temporary or permanent is guilty of a misdemeanor and punishable by imprisonment for not more than one (1) year, a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000.00), or both. | W.S. Section 31-11-102 |
When your car is towed from a tow-away zone, the range of charges to recover your vehicle can vary significantly depending on the state and local regulations. Typically, the base fee for a tow from such zones can start at approximately $100, but this can go up to $300 or more in certain high-cost areas or states with stricter regulations.
Laws for unauthorized vehicle towing by state dictate that beyond the initial towing charge, additional costs often include daily storage fees, which can range from $20 to $50 per day, depending on the location and storage facility. There might also be administrative, or release fees added by the municipality or towing company. Understanding these potential charges is crucial, as they can accumulate quickly, especially if there is a delay in retrieving your vehicle from the impound lot.
States do regulate how much you can be charged to get your car back after it has been towed, although the specifics can vary widely. These regulations are typically designed to ensure that towing fees are fair and transparent, preventing towing companies from imposing excessive charges on vehicle owners. Each state sets its own guidelines on the maximum allowable fees for towing and storage, and some states even have standardized rates that towing companies must adhere to.
When it comes to nonconsenting towing, regulations can vary significantly by state, and they encompass a range of considerations beyond just the towing fees. For instance, many states have specific requirements on signage, mandating that property owners post clear, visible signs indicating towing rules and contact information for the towing company.
Additionally, regulations may include guidelines on how soon a vehicle owner must be notified after their vehicle has been towed, often within 24 hours. There are also provisions around the distance a towed vehicle can be transported, with some states capping this within a certain number of miles from the tow origin to prevent excessive charges.
Laws for unauthorized vehicle towing by state says that states can legislate the maximum storage fees that can be charged per day, to protect vehicle owners from unreasonable expenses. Understanding these regulations is crucial for both towing companies and vehicle owners to ensure compliance and avoid disputes.
In addition to state regulations, some municipalities may also impose local ordinances that further control how towing and storage fees are assessed. It is crucial for vehicle owners to familiarize themselves with both state and local towing regulations to understand their rights and responsibilities if their vehicle is towed. This knowledge can help prevent unexpected financial burdens and ensure compliance with retrieval procedures.
Laws for unauthorized vehicle towing by state says the laws regarding whether you can prevent your vehicle from being towed if you return while it is being towed vary significantly by state. In some states, if you arrive before the towing process is complete, you may be allowed to reclaim your vehicle by paying a drop fee, which is generally less than the towing fee.
However, other states may offer no legal provision for vehicle owners to stop the towing process once it has begun. It is essential to check the specific laws in your state or municipality to understand your rights in such situations.
Engaging with the towing operator calmly and promptly can sometimes lead to the resolution of the situation without the need for towing in districts that allow this practice. Always make sure to gather any necessary documentation or evidence of the event in case you need to dispute the charges or actions later.
It’s also essential to know your rights as a consumer, and if you feel that the towing company has acted in bad faith or violated any laws, you can file a complaint with your local government’s regulatory agency. Being aware of your rights and responsibilities as both a vehicle owner and a towing operator is crucial for ensuring a fair and safe experience for all parties involved in nonconsenting towing situations.
Understanding these regulations not only protects you from excessive fees and unfair treatment but also helps maintain order in parking lots and private properties. So make sure to always familiarize yourself with the relevant laws and guidelines before parking your vehicle on someone else’s property.
In addition, it’s important to note that nonconsenting towing can also occur on public roads, though the regulations and procedures may differ from private property towing. In such cases, it’s important to know your rights as a driver and what steps you can take if your vehicle is towed without your consent.
This may include contacting local law enforcement or filing a complaint with the appropriate government agency. By understanding the laws and regulations surrounding nonconsenting towing, you can better protect yourself from potential disputes and expenses.
It’s also beneficial for towing companies to stay up to date on these regulations to avoid any legal issues or complaints from customers. Knowing this and all laws for unauthorized vehicle towing by state can put you in the driver’s seat of your rights.
To locate your vehicle after it has been towed, follow these steps laid out in laws for unauthorized vehicle towing by state:
By following these steps provided by laws for unauthorized vehicle towing by state, you can efficiently locate and recover your towed vehicle. For a more detailed article regarding the laws for unauthorized vehicle towing in Texas.
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