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Illinois drop fee: do they have to release your car?

In ICC counties a tower may not take a car if the owner shows up before it leaves the lot with the key and drives it away right away. Elsewhere the tower must unhook the car for a fee of no more than half its posted tow rate and give a receipt.

Checked Nov 14, 2026 against the Illinois statute and regulator pages.

What to do now

  1. Stay calm and tell the operator you want the car released.
  2. Ask what the drop fee is and pay it if it is within your state limit. Some states require them to take a card.
  3. Get a receipt with the company name, truck number and amount.
  4. If they refuse when your state requires release, call police non-emergency and note the time.

Illinois rules that matter here

Drop fee release

In ICC counties a tower may not take a car if the owner shows up before it leaves the lot with the key and drives it away right away. Elsewhere the tower must unhook the car for a fee of no more than half its posted tow rate and give a receipt.57

Payment

ICC-licensed relocators must accept cash, money orders, traveler's checks, cashier's or certified checks, and common credit and debit cards. Other private-lot towers must take cash, cashier's or certified check, debit card, credit card or wire transfer.4512

Tow-away signs

A sign of at least 24 by 36 inches, mounted 4 to 8 feet high and lit or reflective, must warn that cars will be towed and give the tow company name, phone number and charges. Signs must be up at least 24 hours before a tow.358

Related

Illinois cities: Chicago

Think the tow or the bill was wrong?

Ask the lot for an itemized receipt, compare it to the legal limits in Illinois, and request a hearing before the deadline. Our step-by-step guide and calculator are free.

Questions

Do tow trucks have to release your car if you show up?

In many states the operator must release the car for a drop fee if you arrive before it leaves the property. In others it is up to the company or city ordinance. Check your state below.

Sources

Last checked Nov 14, 2026. Fees and rules change: confirm with the lot or agency before you go. Spot an error? Tell us.

  1. Illinois Vehicle Code 18a-200, Commission powers and rates (625 ILCS 5/18a-200), Illinois General Assembly. Checked Nov 14, 2026.
  2. Illinois Vehicle Code 18a-300, relocator unlawful practices (625 ILCS 5/18a-300), Illinois General Assembly. Checked Nov 14, 2026.
  3. Illinois Vehicle Code 18a-302, sign requirements (625 ILCS 5/18a-302), Illinois General Assembly. Checked Nov 14, 2026.
  4. Illinois Vehicle Code 18a-501, liens against relocated vehicles (625 ILCS 5/18a-501), Illinois General Assembly. Checked Nov 14, 2026.
  5. Illinois Vehicle Code 4-203, removal of vehicles and private property towing (625 ILCS 5/4-203), Illinois General Assembly. Checked Nov 14, 2026.
  6. Illinois Vehicle Code 11-208.7, administrative impound fees and hearings (625 ILCS 5/11-208.7), Illinois General Assembly. Checked Nov 14, 2026.
  7. Relocation Towing rules 1710.43, owner or driver present (92 Ill. Adm. Code 1710.43), Illinois Commerce Commission. Checked Nov 14, 2026.
  8. Relocation Towing rules 1710.51, sign specifications (92 Ill. Adm. Code 1710.51), Illinois Commerce Commission. Checked Nov 14, 2026.
  9. Relocation Towing rules 1710.80, notice to police (92 Ill. Adm. Code 1710.80), Illinois Commerce Commission. Checked Nov 14, 2026.
  10. Relocation Towing rules 1710.120, release of vehicles (92 Ill. Adm. Code 1710.120), Illinois Commerce Commission. Checked Nov 14, 2026.
  11. Relocation Towing rules 1710.121, identification of owner (92 Ill. Adm. Code 1710.121), Illinois Commerce Commission. Checked Nov 14, 2026.
  12. Relocation Towing rules 1710.122, payment of fees and charges (92 Ill. Adm. Code 1710.122), Illinois Commerce Commission. Checked Nov 14, 2026.
  13. Relocation Towing rules 1710.123, hours to reclaim vehicles (92 Ill. Adm. Code 1710.123), Illinois Commerce Commission. Checked Nov 14, 2026.
  14. Relocation Towing rules 1710.170, relocation tow record form (92 Ill. Adm. Code 1710.170), Illinois Commerce Commission. Checked Nov 14, 2026.
  15. ICC Police frequently asked questions (relocation towing rates), Illinois Commerce Commission. Checked Nov 14, 2026.
  16. ICC Relocation Towing page (counties covered), Illinois Commerce Commission. Checked Nov 14, 2026.