District of Columbia towing laws
DC licenses every tow company, tow lot, and tow truck through the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection.
More about District of Columbia
Cars towed by the city go to the DPW impound lot, where DC charges a set $100 tow fee and $20 per day storage after the first 24 hours. Tow companies must give you the DC Owner's Bill of Rights for Towed Vehicles before and after a tow.
Checked Nov 14, 2026 · Regulator: DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection
At a glance
Fee limits
Towed from a private lotApartments, stores, businesses
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Private-property tow, light vehicleNot confirmed yet. | Not verified |
Police-ordered towsParking tickets, no insurance, arrests
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| City tow to DPW impound1Set fee for a vehicle towed by the DC government. An oversized tow is $275. | $100 |
| Daily storage at DPW impound1Charged only if you do not retrieve the car within 24 hours of the tow. | $20 / day |
| Booted vehicle fee1City boot fee. All outstanding tickets must also be paid. | $75 |
Trucks and heavy vehicles (1 fees)
| Fee | Amount | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
Public tow, heavy vehicle over 8,000 lb3DetailsCovers preparation, hoist, and tow within DC. Storage for these tows is $20 per 24 hours or part of a day. Extra charges for special equipment need DLCP approval. | Up to $275 | Police-ordered · Heavy trucks |
Local rates. DC is a single jurisdiction. Fees for city tows are set by DC. Private tow company rates were not confirmed from a primary source.
What will I owe in District of Columbia?
Estimate your bill
Got your receipt? Check it for overcharges
Type what the lot charged for each line. We flag anything above a confirmed legal cap.
Your rights: drop fee, belongings, hearing
Payment they must take
For city tows and boots, DC DMV accepts cash, contactless or digital wallet, money order, or credit card. Payment rules for private tow lots were not confirmed.1
Owner noticeWhat the tower must tell you or police
Tow companies must give you a copy of the DC Owner's Bill of Rights for Towed Vehicles at and after the tow.2
Storage rules
At the DPW impound lot, storage is free for the first 24 hours and then $20 per day. Private tow lots must be licensed, and tow trucks must show the storage fee.12
What to bringTo get the car released
To get a booted or city-towed car released, you must pay all outstanding DC tickets and fees for any vehicle registered in your name.1
Tow-away signsRequired on private lots
Tow trucks must show the company name, phone, address, DOT number, storage fee, and hours. Lot sign rules were not confirmed.2
Not verified Release for a drop fee, Get your belongings out, Right to a hearing. We have not confirmed these in District of Columbia law yet. Why
By situation
District of Columbia cities
Think the tow or the bill was wrong?
Ask the lot for an itemized receipt, compare it to the legal limits in District of Columbia, 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 District of Columbia?
DC is a single jurisdiction. Fees for city tows are set by DC. Private tow company rates were not confirmed from a primary source.
What payment do tow lots have to accept in District of Columbia?
For city tows and boots, DC DMV accepts cash, contactless or digital wallet, money order, or credit card. Payment rules for private tow lots were not confirmed.
Sources
Last checked Nov 14, 2026. Fees and rules change: confirm with the lot or agency before you go. Spot an error? Tell us.
- Booted/Towed Vehicle Fees, DC Department of Motor Vehicles. Checked Nov 14, 2026.
- Your Towing Rights: What Drivers Need to Know Before and After a Tow, DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection. Checked Nov 14, 2026.
- Business Advisory Regarding Towing Related to Heavy-Duty Towing (16 DCMR § 408), DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection. Checked Nov 14, 2026.