Connecticut towing laws
Connecticut sets statewide maximum rates for nonconsensual tows, both private-property trespass tows and police-ordered tows, plus storage.
More about Connecticut
The DMV publishes the rate sheets and tow companies must post them. A private-property tow of a car is capped at $130.63 for the first two loaded miles, and the drop fee is capped at $50.
Checked Nov 14, 2026 · Regulator: Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles
At a glance
Fee limits
Towed from a private lotApartments, stores, businesses
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Private-property trespass tow, light vehicle12DetailsIncludes mileage to the scene and the first two loaded miles. Rates effective January 1, 2026. | Up to $130.63 |
| Private-property tow mileage, light vehicle2Per loaded mile after the first two, up to 13 miles. | Up to $6.65 / mile |
Drop fee, light vehicle25DetailsFor a car hooked up but not yet removed from the property. No fee if you arrive before it is hooked up and move the car. | Up to $50 |
Police-ordered towsParking tickets, no insurance, arrests
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Police-ordered tow, light vehicle3DetailsHourly rate with a 1 hour minimum and 15 minute billing after that. An administrative fee of 5 percent of the invoice, capped at $675, may be added. | Up to $200 / hour |
Any kind of tow
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Daily storage, vehicle under 20 feet45DetailsHighest state maximum for a car under 20 feet, for inside storage after the first 5 days. Inside storage for the first 5 days is capped at $30. Outdoor lots are capped lower. No storage charge for days the lot is closed. | Up to $37 / day |
Trucks and heavy vehicles (1 fees)
| Fee | Amount | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
Private-property trespass tow, medium vehicle2Details10,000 to 26,000 lb GVWR. Includes the first two loaded miles. | Up to $200 | Private lot (apartment, store) · Medium trucks |
Local rates. Rates are set statewide by the DMV. Cities do not set their own nonconsensual tow rates.
What will I owe in Connecticut?
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Type what the lot charged for each line. We flag anything above a confirmed legal cap.
Your rights: drop fee, belongings, hearing
Release for a drop feeIf you reach the car before it is towed away
If your car is hooked up but not yet off the property, it must be released when you pay the drop fee, capped at $50 for a car. If you get there before it is hooked up and move the car, no fee may be charged.25
Get your belongings outWithout paying the tow first
The tow company must let you get your personal property within 4 hours of your request and may not hold your belongings for any reason.5
Right to a hearingTo contest the tow
For a car towed by a city or town for breaking a local ordinance, you can ask for a hearing before a municipal hearing officer on DMV form A-25. The tower cannot sell the car while the hearing is pending. You can also file a complaint with the DMV about excessive charges.6
Payment they must take
You can pay by cash, credit card, or debit card and must get a receipt.5
Owner noticeWhat the tower must tell you or police
If the car is not claimed within 48 hours of the tow, you are entitled to notice by certified mail.5
Not verified Tow-away signs. We have not confirmed these in Connecticut law yet. Why
Other deadlines
- Earliest start of sale process: An unclaimed car worth $1,500 or less can go into the sale process after 15 days but must be stored at least 30 days. A car worth more can go into the sale process after 45 days.5
- Claim sale proceeds: After a sale, the tower must hold the money left over after its charges for one year for the owner to claim.56
Think the tow or the bill was wrong?
Ask the lot for an itemized receipt, compare it to the legal limits in Connecticut, and request a hearing before the deadline. Our step-by-step guide and calculator are free.
Guides: how to fight a tow · what to bring · impound costs by city
Questions
Is there a limit on towing fees in Connecticut?
Yes. Private-property trespass tow, light vehicle: up to $130.63. Drop fee: up to $50. Storage: $37 per day.
Does a tow truck have to release my car in Connecticut if I get there first?
If your car is hooked up but not yet off the property, it must be released when you pay the drop fee, capped at $50 for a car. If you get there before it is hooked up and move the car, no fee may be charged.
Can I get my belongings out of a towed car in Connecticut?
The tow company must let you get your personal property within 4 hours of your request and may not hold your belongings for any reason.
How do I contest a tow in Connecticut?
For a car towed by a city or town for breaking a local ordinance, you can ask for a hearing before a municipal hearing officer on DMV form A-25. The tower cannot sell the car while the hearing is pending. You can also file a complaint with the DMV about excessive charges.
What payment do tow lots have to accept in Connecticut?
You can pay by cash, credit card, or debit card and must get a receipt.
Sources
Last checked Nov 14, 2026. Fees and rules change: confirm with the lot or agency before you go. Spot an error? Tell us.
- Wreckers. Towing and transporting (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 14-66), Connecticut General Assembly. Checked Nov 14, 2026.
- Maximum Nonconsensual Private Property Trespass Towing Charges (Form K-11, rev. 1-2026), Connecticut DMV. Checked Nov 14, 2026.
- Police-Ordered Tows Maximum Towing Charges (Form K-11a, rev. 10-2026), Connecticut DMV. Checked Nov 14, 2026.
- Storage Rates Posting, state maximum (Form K-88, rev. 7-2018), Connecticut DMV. Checked Nov 14, 2026.
- Consumer Bill of Rights for Nonconsensual Tows (Public Act 25-55), Connecticut DMV. Checked Nov 14, 2026.
- Towing, Connecticut DMV. Checked Nov 14, 2026.