Towing Complaints
Tow Truck Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long after the tow do I have to wait to file a complaint?
A. You may file a complaint with the Motor Carrier Division at any time.
It is highly encouraged that you to retrieve your car from the tow yard to stop the accumulation of storage fees prior to filing a complaint.
It is highly encouraged that you to retrieve your car from the tow yard to stop the accumulation of storage fees prior to filing a complaint.
Q. What are the types of towing in Utah:
A. As per regulations, Utah categorizes towing into the following types:
Consent Tow: R909-19-3(1) “Consent tow” means any tow truck service done at the vehicle, vessel, or outboard motor owner’s or its legal operator’s knowledge or approval.
Non-Consent Police Generated Tow: R909-9-3(9) “Non-consent police generated tow” means tow truck service that was ordered by a peace officer, or a person acting on behalf of a law enforcement agency, or highway authority, as defined in Section 72-9-102.
Non-Consent Non-Police Generated Tow: R909-9-3(10) “Non-consent non-police generated tow” means towing services performed without the prior consent or knowledge of the owner of the vehicle or the person authorized by the owner to operate the vehicle from private property. The tow truck service must be from private property, at the request of the property landowner or agent for the landowner.
Consent Tow: R909-19-3(1) “Consent tow” means any tow truck service done at the vehicle, vessel, or outboard motor owner’s or its legal operator’s knowledge or approval.
Non-Consent Police Generated Tow: R909-9-3(9) “Non-consent police generated tow” means tow truck service that was ordered by a peace officer, or a person acting on behalf of a law enforcement agency, or highway authority, as defined in Section 72-9-102.
Non-Consent Non-Police Generated Tow: R909-9-3(10) “Non-consent non-police generated tow” means towing services performed without the prior consent or knowledge of the owner of the vehicle or the person authorized by the owner to operate the vehicle from private property. The tow truck service must be from private property, at the request of the property landowner or agent for the landowner.
Q. What is the maximum amount the towing company can bill me for a Consent Tow?
A. Consent Towing Fees:
A consent tow involves a civil understanding between the tow truck service and either the vehicle owner or the authorized operator. UDOT does not oversee civil agreements between tow companies and vehicle owners or authorized operators as specified in Utah Administrative Code R909-19-20.
Public Consent Towing and Storage Rates. Towing rates for public consent tows are the responsibility of the consumer and the tow truck motor carrier as contracted for services provided and are not regulated by the Department.
A consent tow involves a civil understanding between the tow truck service and either the vehicle owner or the authorized operator. UDOT does not oversee civil agreements between tow companies and vehicle owners or authorized operators as specified in Utah Administrative Code R909-19-20.
Public Consent Towing and Storage Rates. Towing rates for public consent tows are the responsibility of the consumer and the tow truck motor carrier as contracted for services provided and are not regulated by the Department.
Q. What is the maximum amount the towing company can bill me for a Non-Consent Police Generated Tow ?
A. Non-Consent Police Generated Tow Rates:
Non-Consent Police Generated Towing Fee: The fees for Non-Consent Police Generated towing are governed by a fee schedule annually updated by UDOT. Non-Consent Police Generated Tows are billed on an hourly basis, rounded to the nearest 15-minute increment, as specified in Utah Administrative Rule R909-19-14.
R909-19-14. Police Generated Towing Fee Calculation.
(1) Tows dispatched during business hours: Tow time shall be calculated from dispatch time to completion of tow service.
(2) Tows dispatched after business hours: Tow time shall be calculated from dispatch time to completion of tow service and return to dispatch location. Time to return to the dispatch location may not exceed the allowed rotation response time.
(3) Time charged shall be to the nearest fifteen-minute increment.
(4) Charges may not extend to include the towing notice requirement period pursuant to Subsections 72-9-603(1)(a)(i) and 41-6a-1406(4)(a)(ii) R909-19-15.
Non-consent Towing Storage Fee.
(1) Daily storage fees for non-consent police generated tow service may not exceed:
(a) Outside storage: light duty $40, medium duty $60, heavy duty $60.
(b) Inside Storage: light duty $45, medium duty $85, heavy duty $85.
(c) Outside hazardous materials: medium duty $115, heavy duty $115.
(d) Inside hazardous materials: medium duty $165, heavy duty $165.
(2) Daily storage fees for non-consent non-police generated tow service may not exceed:
(a) Outside storage: light duty $40, medium duty $60, heavy duty $60.
(b) Inside Storage: light duty $45, medium duty $85, heavy duty $85.
(c) Outside hazardous materials: medium duty $115, heavy duty $115; and
(d) Inside hazardous materials: medium duty $165, heavy duty $165.
(3) A tow truck motor carrier may charge up to but not exceeding the amount for storage per day for the type of non-consent tow.
(a) A tow truck motor carrier may charge a higher fee for inside storage per day per unit only if requested by the owners, or a law enforcement agency or highway authority.
(b) Vehicles used in the transportation of materials found to be hazardous in accordance with the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act and which require the motor vehicle to be placarded under the Hazardous Materials Regulations, 49 CFR Part 172, subpart F may be charged a higher storage fee rate.
(c) To calculate storage rates, if the first six hours of storage for a vehicle includes more than one day, the authorized storage fee is only the charge for one day.
(d) Storage fees may only be charged if the place of storage is a state impound yard that meets the requirements of rules made by the commission under Subsection 41-1a-1101(5).
(e) A tow truck motor carrier vehicle must store towed vehicles within the county where the tow occurred.
Non-Consent Police Generated Tow Fuel Surcharge Fee: When the fuel price hits $3.25 per gallon or higher, as assessed by the Rocky Mountain daily average published weekly by the US Energy Information Administration, a tow carrier has the option to apply a 3% fee at $3.25 and an extra 3% fee for every $0.25 above $3.25 per gallon. This surcharge is calculated based on the Non-Consent Police Generated Towing Fee, not on the distance traveled. This fuel surcharge policy is detailed in Utah Administrative Rule R909-19-14.
R909-19-14 Non-consent Fuel Surcharge Fee.
(1) A tow truck motor carrier may charge a fuel surcharge if the daily Rocky Mountain Average, as determined by the Department of Energy, for the price of fuel reaches $3.25 per gallon, a tow truck motor carrier may charge a surcharge equal to 3% of the base tow rate. An additional 3% shall be allowed for each $0.25 per gallon increase. Conversely, as the price of fuel drops, the fuel surcharge shall decrease by the same rate.
(a) To determine the Rocky Mountain daily average per gallon diesel cost, refer to the US Energy Information Administration’s website at https://www.eia.gov/.
(b) The fuel surcharge may be charged on non-consent police-generated tow if the vehicle is being used in the function of a tow vehicle such as travel to and from the scene and during the operation of equipment for the recovery operation. Non-consent non-police tows may charge a one-time fee.
(c) Surcharge fee shall be listed as a separate fee on the tow bill.
Non-Consent Police Generated Tow Administrative Fee: Towing companies are authorized to impose an Administrative Fee as delineated in Utah Administrative Rule R909-19-17:
R909-19-17. Non-consent Administrative Fee.
A tow truck motor carrier may charge an administrative fee for reporting the removal of up to but not exceeding the amount indicated in the Towing Fee Schedule as published online at, https://www.udot.utah.gov/connect/business/motor-carriers/tow-trucks/ per vehicle notification for reporting non-consent tows to the Department of Motor Vehicles and for sending notifications to the owner and lienholder, if applicable.
Non-Consent Police Generated Tow After-Hours Fee:
Towing companies have the authority to apply an After-Hours fee for vehicles retrieved outside of standard office hours (as defined in R909-19-3(11)), as specified in R909-19-18:
R909-19-18. Non-consent After-Hours Fee.
(1) A tow truck motor carrier may charge for the after-hours release of a vehicle, vessel, or outboard motor stored in response to:
(a) a peace officer dispatch call;
(b) a motor vehicle division call; and
(c) any other call or request where the owner of the vehicle, vessel, or outboard motor has not consented to the removal.
(2) A tow truck motor carrier may charge up to but not exceed the approved tow rate, based upon the type of non-consent tow, as indicated in the Towing Fee Schedule published online at https://www.udot.utah.gov/connect/business/motor-carriers/tow-trucks/ and the Utah Consumer Bill of Rights Regarding Towing published at /connect/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2021/12/Tow-Truck-Bill-of-Rights-Combined-2022-1.pdf.
(3) The After-hours fee shall be listed as a separate fee on the tow bill.
Non-Consent Police Generated Tow Credit Card Fee:
Towing companies are empowered to impose a credit card processing fee equivalent to 3% of the transaction total, in accordance with Utah Code 72-9-603(18)(a)(ii), for payments made via credit card.
Non-Consent Police Generated Tow Dispatch Fee:
Towing companies are allowed to recover any dispatch fees charged by a tow dispatch service contracted by a special service district, a county, municipality, or state agency. The fee cannot exceed the actual cost of the service. Beginning May 3, 2023, and ending on June 30, 2025, the tow company who charges a dispatch fee may charge an additional 25% to that fee to absorb uncovered cost of abandoned vehicles. If the towing company does not use a dispatch service, they may not charge either of these fees. 72-9-604(7-8)
2024 Non-Consent Police-Generated Towing Rates:
Non-Consent Police Generated Towing Rates
Q. What is the maximum amount the towing company can bill me for a Non-Consent Non-Police Generated (Private Property Impound) Tow ?
A. Private Property Impound Tow Rates:
Non-Consent Non-Police Generated (Private Property Impound (PPI)) Towing Fee: The fees for Non-Consent Non-Police Generated (PPI) towing are governed by a fee schedule updated annually by UDOT. Non-Consent Non-Police Generated Tows can impose a per-tow fee, up to the maximum allowable fee, and are not based on time, as specified in Utah Administrative Rule R909-19-13.
Non-Consent Towing Fee. (1) A tow truck motor carrier may charge up to but not exceed the approved tow rate, based upon the type of non-consent tow, as indicated in the Towing Fee Schedule published online at https://www.udot.utah.gov/connect/business/motor-carriers/tow-trucks/.
(a) An additional 15% of the fee for tow truck service may be charged if the towed vehicle is used in the transportation of materials found to be hazardous in accordance with the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act and which require the motor vehicle to be placarded under the Hazardous Materials Regulations, 49 CFR Part 172, subpart F.
(b) If a tow truck apparatus is mechanically connected to a vehicle, the tow truck motor carrier shall be considered in possession of the vehicle.
(c) If the owner, authorized operator, or authorized agent of the owner of a motor vehicle is attempting to retrieve that vehicle before the tow truck motor carrier is in possession of the vehicle, no fee shall be charged to the vehicle owner.
(d)(i) If the owner, authorized operator, or authorized agent of the owner of the vehicle is attempting to retrieve the vehicle after the tow truck motor carrier is in possession of the vehicle but before the vehicle is removed from the property or scene, the tow truck motor carrier shall relinquish the vehicle to the owner, authorized operator, or authorized agent of the owner upon payment of a drop fee.
(ii) A tow truck motor carrier may not charge a drop fee that exceeds 50% of the posted rate schedule.
(2) Tows dispatched after business hours: Tow time shall be calculated from dispatch time to completion of tow service and return to dispatch location. Time to return to the dispatch location may not exceed the allowed rotation response time.
(3) Time charged shall be to the nearest fifteen-minute increment.
(4) Charges may not extend to include the towing notice requirement period pursuant to Subsections 72-9-603(1)(a)(i) and 41-6a-1406(4)(a)(ii)
R909-19-15.
Non-consent Non-Police (PPI) Towing Storage Fee.
(1) Daily storage fees for non-consent non-police generated (PPI) tow service may not exceed:
(a) Outside storage: light duty $40, medium duty $60, heavy duty $60.
(b) Inside Storage: light duty $45, medium duty $85, heavy duty $85.
(c) Outside hazardous materials: medium duty $115, heavy duty $115.
(d) Inside hazardous materials: medium duty $165, heavy duty $165.
(2) Daily storage fees for non-consent non-police generated tow service may not exceed:
(a) Outside storage: light duty $40, medium duty $60, heavy duty $60.
(b) Inside Storage: light duty $45, medium duty $85, heavy duty $85.
(c) Outside hazardous materials: medium duty $115, heavy duty $115; and
(d) Inside hazardous materials: medium duty $165, heavy duty $165.
(3) A tow truck motor carrier may charge up to but not exceeding the amount for storage per day for the type of non-consent tow.
(a) A tow truck motor carrier may charge a higher fee for inside storage per day per unit only if requested by the owners, or a law enforcement agency or highway authority.
(b) Vehicles used in the transportation of materials found to be hazardous in accordance with the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act and which require the motor vehicle to be placarded under the Hazardous Materials Regulations, 49 CFR Part 172, subpart F may be charged a higher storage fee rate.
(c) To calculate storage rates, if the first six hours of storage for a vehicle includes more than one day, the authorized storage fee is only the charge for one day.
(d) Storage fees may only be charged if the place of storage is a state impound yard that meets the requirements of rules made by the commission under Subsection 41-1a-1101(5).
(e) A tow truck motor carrier vehicle must store towed vehicles within the county where the tow occurred.
Non-Consent Police Generated Tow Fuel Surcharge Fee: When the fuel price hits $3.25 per gallon or higher, as assessed by the Rocky Mountain daily average published weekly by the US Energy Information Administration, a tow carrier has the option to apply a 3% fee at $3.25 and an extra 3% fee for every $0.25 above $3.25 per gallon. This surcharge is calculated based on the Non-Consent Police Generated Towing Fee, not on the distance traveled. This fuel surcharge policy is detailed in Utah Administrative Rule R909-19-14.
R909-19-14 Non-consent Fuel Surcharge Fee.
(1) A tow truck motor carrier may charge a fuel surcharge if the daily Rocky Mountain Average, as determined by the Department of Energy, for the price of fuel reaches $3.25 per gallon, a tow truck motor carrier may charge a surcharge equal to 3% of the base tow rate. An additional 3% shall be allowed for each $0.25 per gallon increase. Conversely, as the price of fuel drops, the fuel surcharge shall decrease by the same rate.
(a) To determine the Rocky Mountain daily average per gallon diesel cost, refer to the US Energy Information Administration’s website at https://www.eia.gov/.
(b) The fuel surcharge may be charged on non-consent police-generated tow if the vehicle is being used in the function of a tow vehicle such as travel to and from the scene and during the operation of equipment for the recovery operation. Non-consent non-police tows may charge a one-time fee.
(c) Surcharge fee shall be listed as a separate fee on the tow bill.
Non-Consent Police Generated Tow Administrative Fee: Towing companies are authorized to impose an Administrative Fee as delineated in Utah Administrative Rule R909-19-17:
R909-19-17. Non-consent Administrative Fee.
A tow truck motor carrier may charge an administrative fee for reporting the removal of up to but not exceeding the amount indicated in the Towing Fee Schedule as published online at, https://www.udot.utah.gov/connect/business/motor-carriers/tow-trucks/ per vehicle notification for reporting non-consent tows to the Department of Motor Vehicles and for sending notifications to the owner and lienholder, if applicable.
Non-Consent Non-Police Generated (PPI) Tow After-Hours Fee:
Towing companies have the authority to apply an After-Hours fee for vehicles retrieved outside of standard office hours (as defined in R909-19-3(11)), as specified in R909-19-18:
R909-19-18. Non-consent After-Hours Fee.
(1) A tow truck motor carrier may charge for the after-hours release of a vehicle, vessel, or outboard motor stored in response to:
(a) a peace officer dispatch call;
(b) a motor vehicle division call; and
(c) any other call or request where the owner of the vehicle, vessel, or outboard motor has not consented to the removal.
(2) A tow truck motor carrier may charge up to but not exceed the approved tow rate, based upon the type of non-consent tow, as indicated in the Towing Fee Schedule published online at https://www.udot.utah.gov/connect/business/motor-carriers/tow-trucks/ and the Utah Consumer Bill of Rights Regarding Towing published at /connect/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2021/12/Tow-Truck-Bill-of-Rights-Combined-2022-1.pdf.
(3) The After-hours fee shall be listed as a separate fee on the tow bill.
Non-Consent Non-Police Generated (PPI) Tow Credit Card Fee:
Towing companies are empowered to impose a credit card processing fee equivalent to 3% of the transaction total, in accordance with Utah Code 72-9-603(18)(a)(ii), for payments made via credit card.
2024 Non-Consent Non-Police-Generated (PPI) Towing Rates:
Non-Consent Non-Police Generated (PPI) Towing Rates
Q: Non-Consent Police Tows: If the police or law enforcement officer didn't allow me the time or chance to contact my own tow truck, what steps should I take?
A. UDOT lacks the jurisdiction to oversee the decisions made by Police/Law Enforcement Officers regarding vehicle towing. However, the towing company requested by Police/Law Enforcement is entitled to compensation for the service.
Q: Non-Consent Non-Police (Private Property Impound) Tows: If I am confident that I parked legally, what actions should I take?
A.Private property regulations empower property owners or their representatives, such as a homeowner’s association (HOA), to establish parking regulations on their premises as found in Utah Code 72-9-603(4 & 5) They reserve the authority to engage a towing company through a contractual agreement to ensure compliance with these regulations. The towing company, bound by the terms of the contract, is responsible for upholding the rules and is entitled to compensation for its enforcement services.
Q: If the towing company has caused damage to my vehicle, what recourse do I have?
A. UDOT does not have authority to address complaints regarding vehicle damage incurred during towing, as it falls under civil jurisdiction.
Q: What signage is required for a property to implement various towing enforcement measures?
A. Various towing services contracted by the property dictate the necessary signage:
Parking restrictions enforced by the property owner authorizing a tow truck motor carrier to patrol and monitor the property and enforce parking restrictions:
Signage is required as outlined in Utah Code 72-9-603 (7)
(7) For private property where parking is enforced under Subsection (4)(a)(i), the property owner shall ensure that each entrance to the property has the following signs located on the property and clearly visible to the driver of a vehicle entering the property:
(a) a top sign that is 24 inches tall by 18 inches wide and has:
(i) a blue, reflective background with a 1/2 inch white border;
(ii) two-inch, white letters at the top of the sign with the capitalized words “Lot is Patrolled”;
(iii) a white towing logo that is six inches tall and 16 inches wide that depicts an entire tow truck, a tow hook, and an entire vehicle being towed; and
(iv) two-inch, white letters at the bottom of the sign with the capitalized words “Towing Enforced”; and
(b) a bottom sign that is 24 inches tall by 18 inches wide with a 1/2 inch white, reflective border, and has:
(i) a top half that is red background with white, reflective letters indicating:
(A) who is authorized to park or restricted from parking at the property; and
(B) any type of vehicle prohibited from parking at the property; and
(ii) a bottom half that has a white, reflective background with red letters indicating:
(A) the name and telephone number of the tow truck motor carrier that the property owner has authorized to patrol the property; and
(B) the Internet web address “tow.utah.gov”.
Parking restrictions enforced as needed by requesting a tow from a tow truck motor carrier on a case-by-case basis:
Signage is required as outlined in Utah Code 72-9-603(8)
(8) For private property where parking is enforced under Subsection (4)(a)(ii):
(a) a tow truck motor carrier may not:
(i) patrol and monitor the property;
(ii) perform a tow truck service without the written or verbal request of the property owner or the property owner’s agent; or
(iii) act as the property owner’s agent to request a tow truck service; and
(b) the property owner shall ensure that each entrance to the property has a clearly visible sign located on the property that is 24 inches tall by 18 inches wide with a 1/2 inch white, reflective border, and has:
(i) at the top of the sign, a blue background with a white, reflective towing logo that is at least four inches tall and 16 inches wide that depicts an entire tow truck, a tow hook, and an entire vehicle being towed;
(ii) immediately below the towing logo described in Subsection (8)(b)(i), a blue background with white, reflective letters at least two inches tall with the capitalized words “Towing Enforced”;
(iii) in the middle of the sign, a red background with white, reflective letters at least one inch tall indicating:
(A) who is authorized to park or restricted from parking at the property; and
(B) any type of vehicle prohibited from parking at the property; and
(iv) at the bottom of the sign, a white, reflective background with red letters at least one inch tall indicating:
(A) either:
(I) the name and telephone number of the property owner or the property owner’s agent who is authorized to request a tow truck service; or
(II) the name and telephone number of the tow truck motor carrier that provides tow truck services for the property; and
(B) the Internet web address “tow.utah.gov”.
Parking restrictions enforced by requesting a tow from a tow truck motor carrier after providing 24-hour written notice:
Specific signage isn’t necessary due to the 24-hour notice mandate detailed in Utah Code 72-9-603(9)
(9)(a) For private property without signage meeting the requirements of Subsection (7) or (8), the property owner may request a tow truck motor carrier to remove a vehicle, vessel, or outboard motor from the private property 24 hours after the property owner or the property owner’s agent affixes a written notice to the vehicle, vessel, or outboard motor in accordance with this Subsection (9).
(b) The written notice described in Subsection (9)(a) shall:
(i) indicate the exact time when the written notice is affixed to the vehicle, vessel, or outboard motor;
(ii) warn the owner of the vehicle, vessel, or outboard motor that the vehicle, vessel, or outboard motor will be towed from the property if it is not removed within 24 hours after the time indicated in Subsection (9)(b)(i);
(iii) be at least four inches tall and four inches wide; and
(iv) be affixed to the vehicle, vessel, or outboard motor at a conspicuous location on the driver’s side window of the vehicle, vessel, or outboard motor.
(c) A property owner may authorize a tow truck motor carrier to act as the property owner’s agent for purposes of affixing the written notice described in Subsection (9)(a) to a vehicle, vessel, or outboard motor.
Parking restrictions enforced by the property owner authorizing a tow truck motor carrier to patrol and monitor the property and enforce parking restrictions:
Signage is required as outlined in Utah Code 72-9-603 (7)
(7) For private property where parking is enforced under Subsection (4)(a)(i), the property owner shall ensure that each entrance to the property has the following signs located on the property and clearly visible to the driver of a vehicle entering the property:
(a) a top sign that is 24 inches tall by 18 inches wide and has:
(i) a blue, reflective background with a 1/2 inch white border;
(ii) two-inch, white letters at the top of the sign with the capitalized words “Lot is Patrolled”;
(iii) a white towing logo that is six inches tall and 16 inches wide that depicts an entire tow truck, a tow hook, and an entire vehicle being towed; and
(iv) two-inch, white letters at the bottom of the sign with the capitalized words “Towing Enforced”; and
(b) a bottom sign that is 24 inches tall by 18 inches wide with a 1/2 inch white, reflective border, and has:
(i) a top half that is red background with white, reflective letters indicating:
(A) who is authorized to park or restricted from parking at the property; and
(B) any type of vehicle prohibited from parking at the property; and
(ii) a bottom half that has a white, reflective background with red letters indicating:
(A) the name and telephone number of the tow truck motor carrier that the property owner has authorized to patrol the property; and
(B) the Internet web address “tow.utah.gov”.
Parking restrictions enforced as needed by requesting a tow from a tow truck motor carrier on a case-by-case basis:
Signage is required as outlined in Utah Code 72-9-603(8)
(8) For private property where parking is enforced under Subsection (4)(a)(ii):
(a) a tow truck motor carrier may not:
(i) patrol and monitor the property;
(ii) perform a tow truck service without the written or verbal request of the property owner or the property owner’s agent; or
(iii) act as the property owner’s agent to request a tow truck service; and
(b) the property owner shall ensure that each entrance to the property has a clearly visible sign located on the property that is 24 inches tall by 18 inches wide with a 1/2 inch white, reflective border, and has:
(i) at the top of the sign, a blue background with a white, reflective towing logo that is at least four inches tall and 16 inches wide that depicts an entire tow truck, a tow hook, and an entire vehicle being towed;
(ii) immediately below the towing logo described in Subsection (8)(b)(i), a blue background with white, reflective letters at least two inches tall with the capitalized words “Towing Enforced”;
(iii) in the middle of the sign, a red background with white, reflective letters at least one inch tall indicating:
(A) who is authorized to park or restricted from parking at the property; and
(B) any type of vehicle prohibited from parking at the property; and
(iv) at the bottom of the sign, a white, reflective background with red letters at least one inch tall indicating:
(A) either:
(I) the name and telephone number of the property owner or the property owner’s agent who is authorized to request a tow truck service; or
(II) the name and telephone number of the tow truck motor carrier that provides tow truck services for the property; and
(B) the Internet web address “tow.utah.gov”.
Parking restrictions enforced by requesting a tow from a tow truck motor carrier after providing 24-hour written notice:
Specific signage isn’t necessary due to the 24-hour notice mandate detailed in Utah Code 72-9-603(9)
(9)(a) For private property without signage meeting the requirements of Subsection (7) or (8), the property owner may request a tow truck motor carrier to remove a vehicle, vessel, or outboard motor from the private property 24 hours after the property owner or the property owner’s agent affixes a written notice to the vehicle, vessel, or outboard motor in accordance with this Subsection (9).
(b) The written notice described in Subsection (9)(a) shall:
(i) indicate the exact time when the written notice is affixed to the vehicle, vessel, or outboard motor;
(ii) warn the owner of the vehicle, vessel, or outboard motor that the vehicle, vessel, or outboard motor will be towed from the property if it is not removed within 24 hours after the time indicated in Subsection (9)(b)(i);
(iii) be at least four inches tall and four inches wide; and
(iv) be affixed to the vehicle, vessel, or outboard motor at a conspicuous location on the driver’s side window of the vehicle, vessel, or outboard motor.
(c) A property owner may authorize a tow truck motor carrier to act as the property owner’s agent for purposes of affixing the written notice described in Subsection (9)(a) to a vehicle, vessel, or outboard motor.
Q: If the towing company is refusing to grant you access to retrieve your personal property from your towed or impounded vehicle, what steps should you take?
A. Access to personal property is required only if it qualifies as “Life-essential personal property” as defined in Utah Administrative Rule R909-19-3(8) and as outlined in Utah Administrative Rule R909-19-28.
Any other property falls under a possessory lien provided to the tow company as detailed in Utah Code 72-9-603(13)(a)
(8) “Life-essential personal property” includes those items essential to sustain life or health, including prescription medication, medical equipment, essential clothing, such as shoes, coat, food and water, child safety seats, and government-issued photo identification.
R909-19-28. Life-Essential Property.
Property that is deemed as life-essential shall be given to the vehicle owner regardless of payment for services provided.
(13) (a) The fees under Subsection (12) are a possessory lien on the vehicle, vessel, or outboard motor and any nonlife essential items contained in the vehicle, vessel, or outboard motor that are owned by the owner of the vehicle, vessel, or outboard motor until paid.
Any other property falls under a possessory lien provided to the tow company as detailed in Utah Code 72-9-603(13)(a)
(8) “Life-essential personal property” includes those items essential to sustain life or health, including prescription medication, medical equipment, essential clothing, such as shoes, coat, food and water, child safety seats, and government-issued photo identification.
R909-19-28. Life-Essential Property.
Property that is deemed as life-essential shall be given to the vehicle owner regardless of payment for services provided.
(13) (a) The fees under Subsection (12) are a possessory lien on the vehicle, vessel, or outboard motor and any nonlife essential items contained in the vehicle, vessel, or outboard motor that are owned by the owner of the vehicle, vessel, or outboard motor until paid.
Q: If I intercept the tow company in the act of towing my vehicle, are they obligated to return it to me without charge?
A.The existence of a charge depends on the stage of the towing process the towing company has reached.
If the vehicle is in the process of being towed, and is mechanically connected to the tow truck apparatus and the owner, authorized operator, or authorized agent is attempting to retrieve the vehicle before the vehicle is removed from the property or scene, Utah Administrative Rule R909-19-13(1) requires the tow truck company to relinquish the vehicle to the owner, authorized operator, or authorized agent upon payment of a drop fee which may not exceed 50% of the towing fee. Drop Fee is defined in Utah Administrative Rule R909-19-3(5):
(b) If a tow truck apparatus is mechanically connected to a vehicle, the tow truck motor carrier shall be considered in possession of the vehicle.
(c) If the owner, authorized operator, or authorized agent of the owner of a motor vehicle is attempting to retrieve that vehicle before the tow truck motor carrier is in possession of the vehicle, no fee shall be charged to the vehicle owner.
(d)(i) If the owner, authorized operator, or authorized agent of the owner of the vehicle is attempting to retrieve the vehicle after the tow truck motor carrier is in possession of the vehicle but before the vehicle is removed from the property or scene, the tow truck motor carrier shall relinquish the vehicle to the owner, authorized operator, or authorized agent of the owner upon payment of a drop fee.
(ii) A tow truck motor carrier may not charge a drop fee that exceeds 50% of the posted rate schedule.
“Drop Fee” means a fee a vehicle owner, authorized, operator, or authorized agent of a vehicle owner pays to a tow truck motor carrier to relinquish a vehicle:
If the vehicle is in the process of being towed, and is NOT yet mechanically connected to the tow truck apparatus and the owner, authorized operator, or authorized agent is attempting to retrieve the vehicle before the vehicle is removed from the property or scene, no fees are allowed to be charged.
If the vehicle is in the process of being towed, and is mechanically connected to the tow truck apparatus and the owner, authorized operator, or authorized agent is attempting to retrieve the vehicle before the vehicle is removed from the property or scene, Utah Administrative Rule R909-19-13(1) requires the tow truck company to relinquish the vehicle to the owner, authorized operator, or authorized agent upon payment of a drop fee which may not exceed 50% of the towing fee. Drop Fee is defined in Utah Administrative Rule R909-19-3(5):
(b) If a tow truck apparatus is mechanically connected to a vehicle, the tow truck motor carrier shall be considered in possession of the vehicle.
(c) If the owner, authorized operator, or authorized agent of the owner of a motor vehicle is attempting to retrieve that vehicle before the tow truck motor carrier is in possession of the vehicle, no fee shall be charged to the vehicle owner.
(d)(i) If the owner, authorized operator, or authorized agent of the owner of the vehicle is attempting to retrieve the vehicle after the tow truck motor carrier is in possession of the vehicle but before the vehicle is removed from the property or scene, the tow truck motor carrier shall relinquish the vehicle to the owner, authorized operator, or authorized agent of the owner upon payment of a drop fee.
(ii) A tow truck motor carrier may not charge a drop fee that exceeds 50% of the posted rate schedule.
“Drop Fee” means a fee a vehicle owner, authorized, operator, or authorized agent of a vehicle owner pays to a tow truck motor carrier to relinquish a vehicle:
If the vehicle is in the process of being towed, and is NOT yet mechanically connected to the tow truck apparatus and the owner, authorized operator, or authorized agent is attempting to retrieve the vehicle before the vehicle is removed from the property or scene, no fees are allowed to be charged.
Q: What's the timeframe for a tow company to respond to my request to retrieve my vehicle, and are there specific requirements regarding their availability?
A.The specific timeframe varies depending on the type of tow that has taken place.
Non-Consent Police Tows:
As of now, there are no statutory requirements concerning the availability of tow companies in non-consent police tows.
Non-Consent Non-Police Tows (Private Property Impounds):
According to Utah Code 72-9-603(19), tow companies must maintain availability by phone 24/7 and be present at the location to release the vehicle to the owner within one hour of the owner’s call to the tow company or impound yard. After Hours fees may be applicable.
(19) When a tow truck motor carrier or impound lot is in possession of a vehicle, vessel, or outboard motor as a result of a tow service that was performed without the consent of the owner, and that was not ordered by a peace officer or a person acting on behalf of a law enforcement agency, the tow truck motor carrier or impound yard shall make personnel available:
(a) by phone 24 hours a day, seven days a week; and
(b) to release the impounded vehicle, vessel, or outboard motor to the owner within one hour of when the owner calls the tow truck motor carrier or impound yard.
Non-Consent Police Tows:
As of now, there are no statutory requirements concerning the availability of tow companies in non-consent police tows.
Non-Consent Non-Police Tows (Private Property Impounds):
According to Utah Code 72-9-603(19), tow companies must maintain availability by phone 24/7 and be present at the location to release the vehicle to the owner within one hour of the owner’s call to the tow company or impound yard. After Hours fees may be applicable.
(19) When a tow truck motor carrier or impound lot is in possession of a vehicle, vessel, or outboard motor as a result of a tow service that was performed without the consent of the owner, and that was not ordered by a peace officer or a person acting on behalf of a law enforcement agency, the tow truck motor carrier or impound yard shall make personnel available:
(a) by phone 24 hours a day, seven days a week; and
(b) to release the impounded vehicle, vessel, or outboard motor to the owner within one hour of when the owner calls the tow truck motor carrier or impound yard.
Q: Non-Consent Non-Police Tows (Private Property Impounds): Does the tow company have to meet certain requirements during the initial contact?
A. The tow truck motor carrier or tow truck operator must provide a copy of the Utah Consumer Bill of Rights Regarding Towing upon first contact as described in Utah Code 72-9-603(1)(c) and Utah Administrative Rule R909-19-7(3).
72-9-603(1)(c): upon initial contact with the owner whose vehicle, vessel, or outboard motor was removed, provide the owner with a copy of the Utah Consumer Bill of Rights Regarding Towing established by the department in Subsection (16)(e).
R909-19-7(3): The tow truck motor carrier or the tow truck operator must provide a copy of the Utah Consumer Bill of Rights Regarding Towing at first contact with the owner of a vehicle, vessel, or outboard motor that was towed or for which a drop fee is paid.
72-9-603(1)(c): upon initial contact with the owner whose vehicle, vessel, or outboard motor was removed, provide the owner with a copy of the Utah Consumer Bill of Rights Regarding Towing established by the department in Subsection (16)(e).
R909-19-7(3): The tow truck motor carrier or the tow truck operator must provide a copy of the Utah Consumer Bill of Rights Regarding Towing at first contact with the owner of a vehicle, vessel, or outboard motor that was towed or for which a drop fee is paid.
Q: What guidelines do tow companies need to adhere to regarding reporting tows?
A. Tow companies must report the tow as described in Utah Administrative Rule R909-19-7(1 & 2) and in Utah Code 72-9-603(1).
R909-19-7: (1) Non-consent police generated, and non-consent non-police generated tows conducted by tow truck motor carriers must input required information in electronic form on the Division of Motor Vehicles State Tax Commission’s website, at “https://secure.utah.gov/ivs/ivs” as required by Subsection 41-6a-1406(11).
(2) Tow truck motor carriers must notify the local enforcement agency having jurisdiction over the area from where the vehicle, vessel, or outboard motor was removed on non-consent non-police generated tows immediately upon arrival at the impound or storage yard.
72-9-603: (1) Except for a tow truck service that was ordered by a peace officer, a person acting on behalf of a law enforcement agency, or a highway authority, after performing a tow truck service that is being done without the vehicle, vessel, or outboard motor owner’s knowledge, the tow truck operator or the tow truck motor carrier shall:
(a) immediately upon arriving at the place of storage or impound of the vehicle, vessel, or outboard motor:
(i) send a report of the removal to the Motor Vehicle Division that complies with the requirements of Subsection 41-6a-1406(4); and
(ii) contact the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction over the area where the vehicle, vessel, or outboard motor was picked up and notify the agency of the:
(A) location of the vehicle, vessel, or outboard motor;
(B) date, time, and location from which the vehicle, vessel, or outboard motor was removed;
(C) reasons for the removal of the vehicle, vessel, or outboard motor;
(D) person who requested the removal of the vehicle, vessel, or outboard motor; and
(E) description, including the identification number, license number, or other identification number issued by a state agency, of the vehicle, vessel, or outboard motor;
(b) within two business days of performing the tow truck service under Subsection (1)(a), send a certified letter to the last-known address of each party described in Subsection 41-6a-1406(5)(a) with an interest in the vehicle, vessel, or outboard motor obtained from the Motor Vehicle Division or, if the person has actual knowledge of the party’s address, to the current address, notifying the party of the:
(i) location of the vehicle, vessel, or outboard motor;
(ii) date, time, and location from which the vehicle, vessel, or outboard motor was removed;
(iii) reasons for the removal of the vehicle, vessel, or outboard motor;
(iv) person who requested the removal of the vehicle, vessel, or outboard motor;
(v) a description, including its identification number and license number or other identification number issued by a state agency; and
(vi) costs and procedures to retrieve the vehicle, vessel, or outboard motor; and
(c) upon initial contact with the owner whose vehicle, vessel, or outboard motor was removed, provide the owner with a copy of the Utah Consumer Bill of Rights Regarding Towing established by the department in Subsection (16)(e).
R909-19-7: (1) Non-consent police generated, and non-consent non-police generated tows conducted by tow truck motor carriers must input required information in electronic form on the Division of Motor Vehicles State Tax Commission’s website, at “https://secure.utah.gov/ivs/ivs” as required by Subsection 41-6a-1406(11).
(2) Tow truck motor carriers must notify the local enforcement agency having jurisdiction over the area from where the vehicle, vessel, or outboard motor was removed on non-consent non-police generated tows immediately upon arrival at the impound or storage yard.
72-9-603: (1) Except for a tow truck service that was ordered by a peace officer, a person acting on behalf of a law enforcement agency, or a highway authority, after performing a tow truck service that is being done without the vehicle, vessel, or outboard motor owner’s knowledge, the tow truck operator or the tow truck motor carrier shall:
(a) immediately upon arriving at the place of storage or impound of the vehicle, vessel, or outboard motor:
(i) send a report of the removal to the Motor Vehicle Division that complies with the requirements of Subsection 41-6a-1406(4); and
(ii) contact the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction over the area where the vehicle, vessel, or outboard motor was picked up and notify the agency of the:
(A) location of the vehicle, vessel, or outboard motor;
(B) date, time, and location from which the vehicle, vessel, or outboard motor was removed;
(C) reasons for the removal of the vehicle, vessel, or outboard motor;
(D) person who requested the removal of the vehicle, vessel, or outboard motor; and
(E) description, including the identification number, license number, or other identification number issued by a state agency, of the vehicle, vessel, or outboard motor;
(b) within two business days of performing the tow truck service under Subsection (1)(a), send a certified letter to the last-known address of each party described in Subsection 41-6a-1406(5)(a) with an interest in the vehicle, vessel, or outboard motor obtained from the Motor Vehicle Division or, if the person has actual knowledge of the party’s address, to the current address, notifying the party of the:
(i) location of the vehicle, vessel, or outboard motor;
(ii) date, time, and location from which the vehicle, vessel, or outboard motor was removed;
(iii) reasons for the removal of the vehicle, vessel, or outboard motor;
(iv) person who requested the removal of the vehicle, vessel, or outboard motor;
(v) a description, including its identification number and license number or other identification number issued by a state agency; and
(vi) costs and procedures to retrieve the vehicle, vessel, or outboard motor; and
(c) upon initial contact with the owner whose vehicle, vessel, or outboard motor was removed, provide the owner with a copy of the Utah Consumer Bill of Rights Regarding Towing established by the department in Subsection (16)(e).
Q: What payment methods must a towing company accept?
A. Towing companies must accept the payment options set forth in Utah Code 72-9-603(15)(b).
72-9-603(15)(b): A tow truck operator, a tow truck motor carrier, and an impound yard shall accept payment by cash and debit or credit card for a tow truck service under Subsection (1) or any service rendered, performed, or supplied in connection with a tow truck service under Subsection (1).
72-9-603(15)(b): A tow truck operator, a tow truck motor carrier, and an impound yard shall accept payment by cash and debit or credit card for a tow truck service under Subsection (1) or any service rendered, performed, or supplied in connection with a tow truck service under Subsection (1).
Q: Non-Police Non-Consent (Private Property Impounds): At what point can the towing company start applying storage fees?
A. A tow company may not charge any fees until after the vehicle is reported as required as detailed in Utah Code 72-9-603(2).
72-9-603: (2) Until the tow truck operator or tow truck motor carrier reports the removal as required under Subsection (1)(a), a tow truck operator, tow truck motor carrier, or impound yard may not:
(a) collect any fee associated with the removal; or
(b) begin charging storage fees.
72-9-603: (2) Until the tow truck operator or tow truck motor carrier reports the removal as required under Subsection (1)(a), a tow truck operator, tow truck motor carrier, or impound yard may not:
(a) collect any fee associated with the removal; or
(b) begin charging storage fees.
Q: What's the timeframe for reclaiming my towed vehicle?
A. After 30 days a towed vehicle is considered abandoned if not reclaimed and removed from the storage facility as detailed in Utah Code 72-9-603(14).
72-9-603 (14): (a) A vehicle, vessel, or outboard motor shall be considered abandoned if a party described in Subsection 41-6a-1406(5)(a) with an interest in the vehicle, vessel, or outboard motor does not, within 30 days after notice has been sent under Subsection (1)(b):
(i) pay the fees described in Subsection (12); and
(ii) remove the vehicle, vessel, or outboard motor from the secure storage facility.
(b) A person may not request a transfer of title to an abandoned vehicle, vessel, or outboard motor until at least 30 days after notice has been sent under Subsection (1)(b).
72-9-603 (14): (a) A vehicle, vessel, or outboard motor shall be considered abandoned if a party described in Subsection 41-6a-1406(5)(a) with an interest in the vehicle, vessel, or outboard motor does not, within 30 days after notice has been sent under Subsection (1)(b):
(i) pay the fees described in Subsection (12); and
(ii) remove the vehicle, vessel, or outboard motor from the secure storage facility.
(b) A person may not request a transfer of title to an abandoned vehicle, vessel, or outboard motor until at least 30 days after notice has been sent under Subsection (1)(b).
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