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New Jersey drop fee: do they have to release your car?

If you return while your car is hooked or lifted but not yet moved off the property, the tow company must release it. It may charge only a decoupling fee, and no other fees, unless police ordered the tow for public safety.

Checked Nov 15, 2026 against the New Jersey 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.

New Jersey rules that matter here

Drop fee release

If you return while your car is hooked or lifted but not yet moved off the property, the tow company must release it. It may charge only a decoupling fee, and no other fees, unless police ordered the tow for public safety.27

Payment

To release a car from storage the operator must accept cash, an insurance company check, a valid debit card, or a major credit or charge card, with limited exceptions for suspected fraud.1

Tow-away signs

Each vehicle entrance needs a sign at least 36 by 36 inches listing parking rules, the tow company's name, address and phone, tow and storage charges, the storage lot address and hours, and the Division of Consumer Affairs number 1-800-242-5846. Single-family homes, small owner-occupied buildings, and blocked driveways are exempt.15

Related

Think the tow or the bill was wrong?

Ask the lot for an itemized receipt, compare it to the legal limits in New Jersey, 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 15, 2026. Fees and rules change: confirm with the lot or agency before you go. Spot an error? Tell us.

  1. Predatory Towing Prevention Act and related statutes (Division of Consumer Affairs compilation, revised 2016) (N.J.S.A. 56:13-4, 56:13-7 to 56:13-23), New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs. Checked Nov 14, 2026.
  2. P.L.2018, c.165 (amends the Predatory Towing Prevention Act, decoupling rule) (N.J.S.A. 56:13-16(e)), New Jersey Legislature. Checked Nov 14, 2026.
  3. N.J.A.C. 13:45A-31.4 Schedule of non-consensual towing and storage services (N.J.A.C. 13:45A-31.4), LII (New Jersey Administrative Code). Checked Nov 14, 2026.
  4. N.J.A.C. 13:45A-31.5 Unreasonable fees (N.J.A.C. 13:45A-31.5), LII (New Jersey Administrative Code). Checked Nov 14, 2026.
  5. N.J.A.C. 13:45A-31.6 Towing motor vehicles from private property (N.J.A.C. 13:45A-31.6), LII (New Jersey Administrative Code). Checked Nov 14, 2026.
  6. N.J.A.C. 13:45A-31.7 Storage facilities (N.J.A.C. 13:45A-31.7), LII (New Jersey Administrative Code). Checked Nov 14, 2026.
  7. N.J.A.C. 13:45A-31.8 Private property towing practices (N.J.A.C. 13:45A-31.8), LII (New Jersey Administrative Code). Checked Nov 14, 2026.
  8. P.L.2023, c.132 (police-authorized nonconsent tows, notice and storage limit) (N.J.S.A. 56:13-16(i), 2A:44-21), New Jersey Legislature. Checked Nov 15, 2026.