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Your rights after a tow in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania law sets rules for towing from private property, such as apartment complexes and store lots. One set of maximum rates applies across the state. Here is what the law says, in plain English.

Maximum charges in Pennsylvania

Not published

Tow maximum not stated as a flat amount; see notes below

$25.00

Pennsylvania (state default only) ceiling per day of storage

These rates may have changed since this schedule was published. Schedules are often updated once a year, so check the official source before relying on them.

Pennsylvania has no statewide towing price. Each city, borough or township may set tow and storage rates; only where storage is not set locally is storage capped at $25 per day. The tow itself must be at reasonable expense. See the official Pennsylvania (state default only) rates (opens in a new tab).

Pick your city

Parking signs on private lots

A private lot open to the public, whether free or paid, is covered by the no-unauthorized-parking rule only if it is posted with the restrictions. The state transportation department sets what counts as adequate posting. 75 Pa.C.S. 3353(b)(2) (opens in a new tab)
Signs should stand at each entrance and face traffic entering the lot. If the lot has no set entrances, such as an open side along a road, signs should be readily visible to an ordinarily observant driver. 67 Pa. Code 212.115(b)(2) (opens in a new tab)
The sign must state the restriction, for example private parking, permit only, or apartment parking only. It may add hours, charges and a warning that unauthorized vehicles may be towed, and should list the owner's name and phone number. 67 Pa. Code 212.115(b)(1) (opens in a new tab)
The main restriction message needs letters at least 3 inches tall, with one extra inch for each 25 feet of distance beyond 75 feet from the entrance. Extra messages need letters at least 2 inches tall. 67 Pa. Code 212.115(b)(2) (opens in a new tab)
Signs meant to apply after dark must be reflective or lit so they are readable by headlights of entering cars. 67 Pa. Code 212.115(b)(3) (opens in a new tab)
The regulation says an owner of a car towed from a private lot cannot be prosecuted for the parking violation unless the restrictions were posted as the regulation requires. Check your photos of the signs. 67 Pa. Code 212.115(b)(4) (opens in a new tab)

When a private lot can tow

The owner or person in charge of the property may remove, or have removed, a car parked or left there in violation of the rules, at the reasonable expense of the car's owner. 75 Pa.C.S. 3353(c) (opens in a new tab)
Leaving a car on private property without consent is excused for an emergency or a breakdown, but the driver must arrange to move it as soon as possible. 75 Pa.C.S. 3353(b)(1) (opens in a new tab)

What they can charge

Any city, borough, incorporated town or township may set by ordinance the rates charged for removing vehicles and regulate authorized tow services. The state sets no statewide towing price, so check your municipality's ordinance. 75 Pa.C.S. 3353(c) (opens in a new tab)
If the municipality has not set storage charges, storage may not exceed $25 per day. 75 Pa.C.S. 3353(c) (opens in a new tab)
The person who has the car removed gets a lien against the car's owner for the reasonable value of the removal plus storage costs. 75 Pa.C.S. 3353(c) (opens in a new tab)

If the car is treated as abandoned

For a car abandoned on a highway that has identifiable plates, police must mail certified notice and allow 7 days to move it, with a right to explain and request a hearing. This notice rule does not apply to tows that violate the private-property parking rule. 75 Pa.C.S. 3352(d) (opens in a new tab)
If you reclaim an abandoned vehicle held by a salvor, you pay towing and storage from the date the salvor reported it, plus a $50 fee. 75 Pa.C.S. 7306 (opens in a new tab)
A car that is not reclaimed under the abandoned-vehicle chapter must be sold at public auction. Sale proceeds first repay the salvor's costs, and the rest goes to the state. 75 Pa.C.S. 7308 (opens in a new tab)

Penalties for improper parking

Violating the parking prohibitions in section 3353 is a summary offense with a fine of up to $50. This applies to the driver, not the tow company. 75 Pa.C.S. 3353(e) (opens in a new tab)

If you think the tow was wrong

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)
Pennsylvania's tow statutes read for this page do not describe a court hearing to get a car released. Magisterial district judges can hear money claims up to $12,000, which is the usual route to seek a refund for an overcharge or an unlawful tow. 42 Pa.C.S. 1515(a)(3) (opens in a new tab)

Where to complain

Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Bureau of Consumer Protection. File a complaint about an unfair business practice, such as an overcharge or deceptive towing, online or by mailed form. File a complaint (opens in a new tab)
Your municipality. Cities, boroughs and townships may set towing rates and regulate tow services, so ask your local government about overcharge complaints.

Magisterial district judges hear civil claims up to $12,000, not counting interest and costs.

Check your tow

Sources

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