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Your rights after a tow in Utah

Utah 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 Utah

$211.00

Most they can charge to tow a standard car from private property

$42.00

Most they can charge per day of storage

Other Utah (statewide, UDOT) maximums
Charge	Maximum
Administrative fee	$44.00
After-hours or gate fee	$75.00
Drop fee (released before removal)	$105.50

UDOT sets a flat maximum for private-property tows, not an hourly rate, and updates the sheet every year. Inside storage for a standard car is $47 per day; fuel surcharges follow rule R909-19-16. See the official Utah (statewide, UDOT) rates (opens in a new tab).

Statewide, the administrative fee to release a car from the tow company's lien cannot exceed $44.00.

Pick your city

Tow-away signs

A lot can only have cars towed without the owner's consent if it has the state-format signs at every entrance, placed on the property and clearly visible to drivers coming in. Where a lot has no clear entrance, signs are needed at least every 40 feet along the edge where cars can enter. Utah Code 72-9-603(3), (4)(b)(iv), (7), (8) (opens in a new tab)
The sign must be 24 by 18 inches with reflective colors. It must say "Towing Enforced" (a patrolled lot says "Lot is Patrolled"), show who may or may not park there, give the phone number of the tow company or the property owner who can request a tow, and list the web address tow.utah.gov. Utah Code 72-9-603(7), (8) (opens in a new tab)
Signs are not required for a detached single-family home or duplex, a fire lane, a spot within 15 feet of a hydrant outside a marked stall, a disabled-parking space, a gated or attended lot, or a spot that blocks access to the property. Without proper signs, an owner can still tow after taping a written notice to the driver's window and waiting 24 hours. Utah Code 72-9-603(3)(b), (9) (opens in a new tab)

If you catch them before the tow leaves

If you reach your car before the tow truck is hooked up to it, they cannot charge you anything. If it is hooked up but has not left the property, they must release it when you pay a drop fee, which cannot be more than half the posted rate. For a standard car the 2026 state sheet lists $105.50. Utah Admin. Code R909-19-13(1)(c)-(d); UDOT 2026 fee schedule (opens in a new tab)

Reporting the tow

As soon as the car reaches the impound yard, the tow company must enter it in the state impound database and tell the local police where it is, when and where it was taken, why, and who requested it. The law says "immediately" and sets no number of minutes. Utah Code 72-9-603(1)(a) (opens in a new tab)
Until the tow company files that report, it cannot collect any fee or start charging storage. If it also fails to mail you a certified notice within two business days, it can lose the right to collect its fees, and you can demand release without paying. Utah Code 72-9-603(2), (22) (opens in a new tab)
If you have not picked the car up, the tow company must send a certified letter within two business days to the registered owner and any lienholder with the location, time, reason, who requested the tow, and the costs to get it back. You must also be handed the Utah Consumer Bill of Rights Regarding Towing when you first make contact. Utah Code 72-9-603(1)(b)-(c) (opens in a new tab)

Where the car goes

Storage fees may only be charged at a state-approved impound yard, and the tow company must store the car within the county where it was towed. The rules set no mileage limit. Utah Admin. Code R909-19-15(3)(d)-(e) (opens in a new tab)
The registered owner or lienholder can claim the car, or someone with written authority from them who shows their own ID. The yard cannot release a car unless a person with a valid driving credential is there to drive it. Utah Code 41-6a-1406(7) (opens in a new tab)

Getting your car and belongings back

A company that holds a car towed without the owner's consent must have someone reachable by phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and must release the car within one hour of the owner's call. Failing to do so can lead to a criminal charge. Utah Code 72-9-603(19), (20) (opens in a new tab)
The tow company and the impound yard must accept cash and debit or credit cards. They may add a card fee of up to 3% of the total. Utah Code 72-9-603(15)(b), (18)(a)(ii) (opens in a new tab)
You can collect essential items such as medication, medical equipment, shoes, coats, food and water, child seats, photo ID and human remains during business hours without paying. After you pay the tow fee, you can go into the car during business hours and take out other loose belongings. Utah Code 72-9-603(13) (opens in a new tab)
Rights to belongings and essential items apply during the yard's normal business hours, but the one-hour release rule runs around the clock for tows done without the owner's consent. Utah Code 72-9-603(13)(e)-(f), (19) (opens in a new tab)
Utah's tow law does not require a written inspection or damage-waiver form, and this research found no ban on being asked to sign one. Take your own photos before you pay or sign anything. Utah Code 72-9-603 (no waiver provision found) (opens in a new tab)
Utah's tow statute has no damage-claim procedure. Photograph the car, the signs and the lot before leaving, and ask for the receipt, which must list start and end times and the car details. Utah Admin. Code R909-19-12(1) (opens in a new tab)

Fees and rates

The tow company and yard must post all current fees, rates and accepted payment types in plain view. You are entitled to documentation showing the date and time storage began, and a receipt that itemizes the tow, administration, fuel, storage and after-hours charges. Utah Code 72-9-603(15)(a); Utah Admin. Code R909-19-7(4)(a), R909-19-12 (opens in a new tab)
Cities and counties cannot set a maximum towing rate that differs from the state's, so a city cannot raise or lower the UDOT caps. Utah Code 72-9-604(2)(a)(ii) (opens in a new tab)
For a car under 10,000 lb towed from private property in 2026, the state caps are $211 for the tow (a flat maximum, not hourly), $42 per day outside storage, $44 administrative fee, and $75 for after-hours release. Fuel surcharges follow a separate rule. UDOT 2026 Non-Consent Towing Fee Schedule; Utah Admin. Code R909-19-13, -15 (opens in a new tab)
You owe only the tow and storage fees set under the state schedule plus the administrative impound fee if one applies to your situation. Utah Code 72-9-603(12) (opens in a new tab)

Deadlines and sale

If a car is not claimed, the state Motor Vehicle Division issues a certificate of sale to the tow company after 30 days from the original notice for a car model year 8 or more years old. For a car 7 years old or newer, it is sold at public auction after 60 days, with at least 5 days of published notice. Utah Code 41-1a-1103(2)-(5); 41-6a-1406(8) (opens in a new tab)
A car counts as abandoned if no one pays and removes it within 30 days after the certified notice is sent, and nobody can request a title transfer before then. Utah Code 72-9-603(14) (opens in a new tab)

Disputes and complaints

You can complain to UDOT's Motor Carrier Division about overcharges, uncertified drivers or trucks, or violations of towing law. UDOT advises getting your car out first so storage fees stop growing. Utah Admin. Code R909-19-7(4)(b); UDOT towing FAQ (opens in a new tab)
If a tow company or yard breaks the notice rules and you sue to enforce your rights, the winning side must be awarded reasonable attorney fees and costs. Utah Code 72-9-603(22)(e) (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

UDOT Motor Carrier Division (tow truck complaints). Handles complaints about overcharges, uncertified drivers, trucks or companies, and violations of towing law. Phone (801) 965-4892 per the administrative rule; an online form is linked from UDOT's tow truck pages. File a complaint (opens in a new tab)
Utah Impound Vehicle System lookup. Check that your tow was reported to the state, which must happen before fees can be collected. File a complaint (opens in a new tab)

Utah small claims court handles money claims up to $20,000 (including attorney fees) from January 1, 2025 through 2029, rising to $25,000 in 2030. You can use it to seek a refund of unlawful tow charges.

Check your tow

Sources

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