Understanding Towing Regulations: A Simple Guide for Drivers and Towing Companies

What Are Towing Rules and Why Do They Matter?

Let’s talk about towing laws. When a tow truck operator takes your car or truck, you want to know why. Maybe it was a parking violation. Maybe you needed roadside assistance. Sometimes, it is because of an accident or if your car sat too long and became an abandoned vehicle. These things happen on private property or public property. For drivers, knowing these rules helps you keep your car safe. For towing companies, towing regulations mean you must follow the law, treat people fairly, and avoid illegal towing.

At CLW GROUP, we know the rules because we build trucks that help you keep safe, stay legal, and work well for everyone.

Key Ideas in Towing

Different Types of Towing

Consensual towing happens when you ask for help, like with a vehicle malfunction.
Non-consensual towing happens when you did not ask—maybe you parked in a handicapped spot or fire lane.
Impoundment means your car goes to an impound lot. You must pay to get it back.

Who Has the Power?

If a police department or sheriff’s office says tow, you must listen.
On private property, like a parking lot, sometimes the property owner or towing company can tow if you break the posted rules.

Your Rights as a Driver

Are you a vehicle owner? Here's what you need to know:

Why Cars Get Towed

Parking in the wrong place: No parking zone, expired meter, handicapped zone, or fire lane
Abandoned vehicle
Accident
Expired registration or revoked license (some places)
Blocking a driveway
Unpaid tickets

What To Do If Your Car Gets Towed

Look for signs. Did you park somewhere with required signage?

Call the local police department or check at the impound lot.

Get the right documents: your driver’s license and vehicle registration.

Ask about towing fees breakdown. There is a hook-up fee, possibly mileage, and always a storage fee.

Table: What You Can Expect to Pay for Towing

Fee Type	Low End	High End
Hook-up Fee	$75	$150
Mileage Fee	$2/mile	$7/mile
Daily Storage	$25/day	$100+/day

Source: Simulated AAA Data, 2023

Your Rights

Right to notice: Look for signs. Signage requirements are clear.
Right to your things: You can get your personal items. You do not have to pay first (in many places).
Right to dispute: You can file a complaint or go to small claims court.
Right to see your vehicle: Check for any vehicle damage from towing.

How To Dispute a Tow or Fees

First, call the towing company.
If you are not happy, talk to the city council, consumer protection agency, or Attorney General.
You can file a case in small claims court.

For Towing Companies: How to Follow the Rules

At CLW GROUP, we help you do things right with smart, strong vehicles. We also make sure you know the rules.

Stay Legal

Check state towing regulations and city towing ordinances
Get the right permits and licenses
Have the right insurance

How to Do Non-Consensual Towing

Only tow with proper signage and authorization.
For police-directed tows, follow their process and timing.
Tell the police department and the vehicle owner right away.

Billing and Paperwork

Only charge up to the maximum towing fees allowed.
Give drivers a bill that lists everything—itemized towing charges.
File all the right release forms and vehicle condition reports.

Chart: Most Common Towing Complaints in Cities (2022)

Predatory Towing     ######### 45%Fee Disputes         ######    30%No Notice            ####      15%Damage During Tow    ###        10%

Source: Simulated City Consumer Affairs Department

Handling Cars

Use care! Don’t cause vehicle damage.
Keep your impound lot safe.
Let people get their things at fair times.
For abandoned vehicles, follow local rules for an auction or lien.

Stop Bad Towing

Don’t cruise parking lots looking for cars to tow right away.
Avoid predatory towing by having clear signs and fair fees.

Towing Rules Are Not the Same Everywhere

Remember, every place is different. State legislature and city council can set their own laws. Before you park or tow, check the rules where you are.

How CLW GROUP Helps

At CLW GROUP, we build strong, safe tow trucks and more. We help towing companies and property owners follow the law and do the right thing. When you pick CLW, you get:

Customized production: Vehicles made for your needs, like semi tow truck for safe towing or auto transport vehicles.
Vehicle delivery: On time, to your door.
After-sales service: We help even after your truck arrives.
Technical consulting: We explain the rules and teach best practices.

Looking for more than tow trucks? Check out our special trucks factory options for water tank trucks, cement mix trucks, and more.

Real Data: Why Knowledge Matters

Let’s see some real-world data:

Fact or Study	What It Means
15,000 complaints/year in cities	Towing upsets drivers. Follow the rules.
$200-$500 avg. fee, plus storage	Towing costs are high. Know your rights.
40% of disputes: bad signage	Signs are very important.
5-10% vehicle damage claims	Towing can hurt cars. Use safe equipment.
60% comply with notice laws	Many companies skip steps—don’t be one.

Let’s Make Towing Better!

Remember:

Drivers: Know your rights and the fees. Look for signs. If something is wrong, you can fight it.
Towing Companies: Follow all towing laws. Give clear bills. Watch for changes in your area.

If you need a truck, safe tools, or support, let CLW GROUP be your answer. We make it easy to do things the right way.

Want to see your options? Visit our aluminum truck flatbed solutions and tipper trucks for safe material handling.

References

AAA Research, 2023
City Consumer Affairs Department Report, 2022
Consumer Federation of America Analysis, 2023
State Towing Association Survey, 2021

With CLW GROUP, you get more than a truck. You get a partner that cares about driver rights and towing company compliance. Let’s make the road safer and fair for everyone!