South Carolina towing laws
South Carolina has no statewide dollar cap on towing or storage fees, but some counties set their own, and Greenville County caps a light-vehicle tow from a commercial lot at $275.
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A tower that takes a car without the owner knowing must tell local police within one hour or it loses the right to be paid, and storage charged before the tower mails notice to the owner is limited to seven business days. Highway Patrol rotation tows must charge reasonable fees approved by the local troop commander.
Checked Nov 15, 2026 · Regulator: South Carolina Department of Public Safety, Highway Patrol (wrecker rotation list only)
At a glance
Fee limits
Towed from a private lotApartments, stores, businesses
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Private-property tow, light vehicle57DetailsNo statewide cap. Some counties set maximums for tows from commercial lots, such as Greenville County. | Set by city or county |
Police-ordered towsParking tickets, no insurance, arrests
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Highway Patrol rotation tow6DetailsFees must be reasonable and no higher than the company charges others. Each company files a fee schedule that the troop commander reviews, and the approved schedule must be kept in the wrecker. | No state cap |
Any kind of tow
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Daily storage47DetailsNo statewide daily cap. Storage that builds up before the owner notice is mailed is limited to seven business days. Some counties set daily maximums. | Set by city or county |
Local rates. Some counties and cities set maximum rates for nonconsent tows from private property. Greenville County raised its maximums in September 2026, the first change since 2009.
Greenville County (unincorporated areas)
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Nonconsent tow from a commercial lot or apartment complex, under 10,000 lb78Raised from $75 in September 2026. Does not apply to police tows or abandoned vehicles. | Up to $275 |
| Daily storage, under 10,000 lb78 | Up to $10 / day |
Gate, yard, admin and other extra fees78DetailsOnly documented costs like certified letters or wrapping may be added. Gate, yard, admin, repositioning, cleaning and similar fees are banned. | Not allowed |
Trucks and heavy vehicles (4 fees)
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Your rights: drop fee, belongings, hearing
Release for a drop feeIf you reach the car before it is towed away
South Carolina has no statewide rule requiring release for a drop fee. The private-property towing law does not address it.15
Get your belongings outWithout paying the tow first
After a police-ordered tow, the owner can remove unattached personal property once by showing the registration. Highway Patrol rotation companies must release medicine, keys, clothing, child seats, work tools and perishables right away when asked.36
Right to a hearingTo contest the tow
No tow hearing was found in state law. For Highway Patrol rotation tows, you can dispute storage fees in writing and storage charges stop until the dispute is resolved.6
Payment they must take
For abandoned cars taken into custody, the tower must accept the same forms of payment it would accept if the owner had asked for the tow. No general rule for other tows was found.2
Owner noticeWhat the tower must tell you or police
A company that tows and stores a car without the owner's knowledge must notify the city police or county sheriff right away. If it does not do so within one hour it is not entitled to any payment for the tow and storage. It must also mail notice to the owner and lienholders within five business days after it gets their names from the title search.14
Storage rules
Storage that builds up before the owner notice is mailed is limited to seven business days. For Highway Patrol rotation tows, storage can start 12 hours after the tow and stops once you dispute the charges in writing, until the dispute is settled.46
What to bringTo get the car released
A company that towed a car without the owner's knowledge does not have to release it after normal business hours. Highway Patrol rotation companies must give an itemized statement of all charges at release.16
Tow-away signsRequired on private lots
Owners of commercial property must post a no-parking notice in a conspicuous place near each entrance.5
Other deadlines
- Reclaim the car before a lien sale: The tower can ask a magistrate to sell the car at auction 30 days after the written notice is mailed to the owner and lienholders.24
By situation
Think the tow or the bill was wrong?
Ask the lot for an itemized receipt, compare it to the legal limits in South Carolina, 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 South Carolina?
South Carolina has no statewide cap on the main towing fees. Cities and counties may set their own.
Does a tow truck have to release my car in South Carolina if I get there first?
South Carolina has no statewide rule requiring release for a drop fee. The private-property towing law does not address it.
Can I get my belongings out of a towed car in South Carolina?
After a police-ordered tow, the owner can remove unattached personal property once by showing the registration. Highway Patrol rotation companies must release medicine, keys, clothing, child seats, work tools and perishables right away when asked.
How do I contest a tow in South Carolina?
No tow hearing was found in state law. For Highway Patrol rotation tows, you can dispute storage fees in writing and storage charges stop until the dispute is resolved.
What payment do tow lots have to accept in South Carolina?
For abandoned cars taken into custody, the tower must accept the same forms of payment it would accept if the owner had asked for the tow. No general rule for other tows was found.
Sources
Last checked Nov 15, 2026. Fees and rules change: confirm with the lot or agency before you go. Spot an error? Tell us.
- S.C. Code 56-5-2525 Notice to authorities of towing and storing of motor vehicle without person's knowledge (S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-2525), South Carolina Legislature. Checked Nov 14, 2026.
- S.C. Code 56-5-5630 Notice to owners and lienholders, payment for release of vehicle (S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-5630), South Carolina Legislature. Checked Nov 14, 2026.
- S.C. Code 56-5-5635 Law enforcement towing and storage procedures (S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-5635), South Carolina Legislature. Checked Nov 14, 2026.
- S.C. Code 29-15-10 Liens for repairs or storage, sale of articles (S.C. Code Ann. § 29-15-10), South Carolina Legislature. Checked Nov 14, 2026.
- S.C. Code 16-11-760 Parking on private property without permission, removal of vehicles (S.C. Code Ann. § 16-11-760), South Carolina Legislature. Checked Nov 14, 2026.
- S.C. Code Regs. 38-600 Regulation of Wrecker Services (Highway Patrol rotation list) (S.C. Code Regs. 38-600), South Carolina Legislature. Checked Nov 14, 2026.
- Greenville County ordinance amending Non-Consent Towing Ordinance No. 4278 (as amended by No. 4692), rates adopted at third reading (Greenville County Ord. No. 4278, § 1 (as amended 2026)), Greenville County Council. Checked Nov 15, 2026.
- Greenville County Council minutes, September 15, 2026 (towing ordinance adopted at third reading), Greenville County Council. Checked Nov 15, 2026.