Coming back to find your car gone from a parking lot or private lot is stressful, and it’s not always obvious what happens next. As a towing service Arlington drivers rely on for legitimate tows, we also get calls from people asking what their rights are after an involuntary tow. Here’s what Massachusetts law actually says.
Quick Answer: In Massachusetts, an involuntary or police-ordered tow from private property is capped at $132, storage is capped at $35 per 24-hour period, and the tow company must notify police after removing your vehicle. If you return before the car is fully hooked up, you may be able to keep it for a drop fee no greater than half the towing cost.
In This Article
Your Rights Under Massachusetts Towing Law
The Department of Public Utilities’ Transportation Oversight Division regulates private-property towing in Massachusetts. Before a tow company can remove your car from a private lot, the property controller must have provided written notice to police identifying the vehicle, the tow company, the pickup address, and where the car will be stored. After the tow, the company must notify law enforcement of the removal.
What You Can Legally Be Charged
For an involuntary or police-ordered tow from private property, Massachusetts law caps the towing rate at $132 and the storage rate at $35 per 24-hour period. If you show up while your car is being hooked up but not yet fully attached, you can generally keep it without paying anything. If it’s already hooked up but the truck hasn’t left the lot, you may be able to keep it for a drop fee no greater than half the intended towing cost.
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Voluntary vs. Involuntary Tows: What Changes
| Factor | Voluntary Tow (You Call) | Involuntary Tow (Private Property) |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Quoted upfront, market rate | Capped by MA law: $132 towing, $35/day storage |
| Who Chooses the Company | You do | Property owner does |
| Notification Requirement | Not applicable | Police must be notified after the tow |
What to Do Step by Step
- Check the area for a posted tow-away sign listing the towing company Arlington and its phone number.
- Call the number on the sign, or the local police non-emergency line, to confirm who towed your vehicle and where it’s stored.
- Bring photo ID and proof of ownership or authorization to drive the vehicle to the storage facility.
- Ask for an itemized bill before paying, and photograph the vehicle’s condition on arrival.
- Act quickly — storage fees accrue daily, so the longer you wait, the more it costs.
If You Believe the Tow Was Unfair or Illegal
If you think your car was towed without proper signage or notice, you can file a complaint with the Massachusetts DPU Transportation Oversight Division. Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 93A also makes unfair or deceptive towing practices actionable, and disputes up to $7,000 can be handled in small claims court without a lawyer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can a towing company legally charge for an involuntary tow in Massachusetts?
Involuntary and police-ordered tows are capped at $132 for towing and $35 per 24-hour period for storage under current Massachusetts DPU regulations.
Can I get my car back without paying if the tow wasn’t finished yet?
Yes. If the vehicle isn’t fully hooked up, you can typically keep it without charge. If it’s hooked up but the truck hasn’t left, you may be able to pay a drop fee no greater than half the towing cost instead.
What if I can’t find where my car was towed to?
Call the police non-emergency line for the town where you were parked. They can typically tell you which company towed your vehicle and where it’s being stored.
Can I get my belongings out of the car without paying?
Yes. You’re generally entitled to access the vehicle at the storage facility to retrieve personal property without paying towing or storage fees for that access.
What should I do if I think the tow was illegal?
File a complaint with the Massachusetts DPU Transportation Oversight Division, and consider small claims court if you’re owed damages, since Chapter 93A covers unfair towing practices.
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About the Author: Arlington Tow Pro is an Arlington towing company operating fully licensed and insured under Massachusetts DPU requirements, providing legitimate towing services Arlington drivers can trust for years. Read our guide on towing costs in Arlington, Natick, and Ashland or what to do if your car breaks down.