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Your rights after a tow in Kentucky

Kentucky law sets rules for towing from private property, such as apartment complexes and store lots. Counties and cities set the maximum rates. Here is what the law says, in plain English.

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Tow-away signs

A private lot owner who sets up a tow-away zone must post a clearly visible sign. It must say the area is a tow-away zone, give contact information, and describe who may or may not park there. KRS 281.924(3) (opens in a new tab)
For a privately owned parking lot, the operator must post signs saying the lot is privately owned and unauthorized vehicles will be towed at the owner's expense. KRS 189.725(2) (opens in a new tab)
Kentucky law does not say how many signs are needed, how big they must be, or where exactly they go. It only requires that the sign be clearly visible to the public. KRS 281.924(3) (opens in a new tab)

If you get back before the tow leaves

If you arrive while your car is being towed, the company must tell you that you can pay no more than half of its normal release fee to get the car back. It must then release the car and give you a receipt showing the full fee and what you paid. KRS 281.924(5) (opens in a new tab)

Where your car can be taken

The car must go to a storage facility within 25 miles of the tow-away zone. If none is that close, it must go to the nearest one. KRS 281.924(4) (opens in a new tab)
The tow company must notify the local law enforcement agency within 2 hours after finishing a tow from private property. Calling the police non-emergency line is the fastest way to find your car. KRS 281.924(6) (opens in a new tab)
Before taking the car off the truck, the company must photograph or video it to document damage and other problems. Ask to see this documentation if your car was damaged. KRS 281.924(2) (opens in a new tab)

Getting your car back

After you pay all charges, the company must release the car to a properly identified owner or lienholder, or to the owner's insurer's representative with proof of coverage or the owner's approval. KRS 281.930(2) (opens in a new tab)
Before you pay, you can inspect the car during posted business hours. The company may not refuse, and it cannot charge storage for any day it did not allow release or inspection during posted hours. KRS 281.930(3); 281.934(2) (opens in a new tab)
The company must be open or reachable by phone during posted hours and have a 24-hour phone number. It must return calls within 24 hours, with an exception for weather and emergencies. KRS 281.930(6) (opens in a new tab)
The company must accept cash, credit card, debit card, money order, a bank-issued check, or an insurer's check. KRS 281.930(4) (opens in a new tab)
When you pay, you must get an itemized receipt showing the tow cost, daily storage rate and other fees, each extra service as its own line. KRS 281.930(5); 281.926(5)-(6) (opens in a new tab)
Some belongings cannot be held under the lien and must be returned on request within 45 days of the tow. These include medicine, medical items, school items, electronic devices, firearms, child car seats, and checks and cards. KRS 376.275(2) (opens in a new tab)

What they can charge

Every towing company or storage facility must post one rate sheet at its business, give it to you on request, and file it with state police and local law enforcement. Any charge above the rate sheet is excessive and must be refunded within 30 days of the state notifying the company. KRS 281.926(3) (opens in a new tab)
Kentucky sets no dollar cap for private-property towing. Companies cannot charge more than their own filed rate sheet, and lien charges must be reasonable, meaning usual and customary for similar companies in the area. KRS 281.932(1); 376.268(3) (opens in a new tab)
An itemized invoice for a completed tow must be available within 1 business day. Companies must keep invoices and rate sheets for 2 years. KRS 281.926(4)-(7) (opens in a new tab)

Notices, liens and sale

Within 10 days of the tow, the company must mail notice by certified mail to the registered owner and any lienholder. A storage facility that misses this deadline loses storage fees after day 10. KRS 281.928(1), (3) (opens in a new tab)
If charges remain unpaid after 45 days, the car and contents may be sold after certified-mail notice at least 10 days before the sale. A company that followed the notice rules can also seek a new title. KRS 376.275(1) (opens in a new tab)
Kentucky's private-tow statutes do not set a hearing or bond process. A court hearing route exists only for tows ordered by a city or county, so a private-lot tow dispute generally goes to court as a civil claim. KRS 82.625; 376.275(5) (opens in a new tab)

Complaints and remedies

A company that violates these towing rules can have its state certificate suspended for 30 days per violation, and for 12 months after repeated violations. It cannot charge fees while suspended. KRS 281.990(5) (opens in a new tab)
If you paid by credit card, you can dispute the charge with your card issuer. For billing errors, your written dispute generally must reach the issuer within 60 days of the first bill showing the charge. Whether a tow charge qualifies is up to the issuer. Fair Credit Billing Act (FTC guidance) (opens in a new tab)

Where to complain

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Division of Motor Carriers. Licenses and regulates towing and storage companies and investigates complaints about compliance. Email qp.dmc@ky.gov. Its site also lists each company's filed rate sheet. File a complaint (opens in a new tab)
Kentucky Attorney General, Consumer Protection. Offers a consumer complaint and mediation request form for disputes with businesses. File a complaint (opens in a new tab)

Kentucky small claims court handles money claims up to $2,500, not counting interest and costs. It does not allow prejudgment attachment or replevin filings.

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Sources

Last checked 2026-10-17. These are the laws and official pages this page is based on.