How Much Are Impound Fees in Colorado?
Colorado caps impound charges by state law: up to $250.91 to release plus up to $48.19/day storage. Retrieve it fast - fees add up every day.
Statewide PUC-regulated caps under 4 CCR 723-6 §6511. Figures shown are for vehicles with GVWR up to 10,000 lbs (standard passenger vehicles); heavier weight classes have higher tiered maximums (PPI base up to $439.15 for GVWR 33,001+ lbs). Rates are re-adjusted every March 15 by CPI, so figures must be re-verified against the current PUC tariff each year.
Reviewed by Daniel Richardson against Colorado statutes and regulator schedules.
Colorado Impound Cost by Days Held (2026)
| Time in impound | Legal maximum |
|---|---|
| 1 day | $449 |
| 3 days | $545 |
| 7 days | $738 |
| 14 days | $1,076 |
These are the Colorado statutory maximums for a standard passenger car (outdoor storage); indoor storage, heavier vehicles, or local ordinances can run higher. Weight-tiered: PPI base tow rises with GVWR ($250.91 up to 10,000 lbs; $288.57 for 10,001-19,000; $388.96 for 19,001-33,000; $439.15 for 33,001+). Storage $48.19/24h up to 10,000 lbs, $59.45/24h heavier, or $1.82/foot by length. Residential-property tows: no drop fee and release-of-personal-property is free; commercial PPI personal-property release $102.28/hour. Mileage/fuel surcharge changes monthly. Drop fee $97.70 if owner returns before the vehicle leaves the property.
Max tow fee: PUC-set cap (4 CCR 723-6 §6511): max non-consensual base tow ~$245 for vehicles up to 10,000 lbs (2026; adjusted each March 15), more for heavier vehicles, plus mileage
Storage: PUC-set cap (4 CCR 723-6 §6511): ~$39-48 per day for vehicles up to 10,000 lbs (2026; adjusted each March 15), or $1.50 per foot of vehicle length
Notification: Tow operator must notify law enforcement within 30 minutes (C.R.S. 42-4-2103(2)(a)(I)). Notice to the vehicle owner must be sent by certified mail within 10 days after towing (C.R.S. 42-4-2103(3)(c)(I)(A)).
Sources & Legal References
Regulated by Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC).
Last reviewed by Daniel Richardson against Colorado's official state statutes and regulator schedules.
How to Get Your Car Out Fast
- Call the local police non-emergency line to confirm which lot holds your car and get a case number.
- Bring a photo ID, proof of ownership (registration or title), and payment.
- Many lots require proof of current insurance to release the car - if yours lapsed, get a policy or SR-22 quote first.
- Ask for an itemized receipt and retrieve personal belongings (allowed during business hours in most states).
Think your Colorado impound bill is too high?
If you were charged above Colorado's legal maximum, you can dispute it. Build a ready-to-send demand letter on your state's fee limits and send it yourself - in minutes.
Get the documents to dispute my bill →Colorado Impound FAQs
How much does it cost to get a car out of impound in Colorado?
In Colorado, expect an initial tow of about $250.91 to release (the Colorado cap) plus daily storage of $48.19 per day (the Colorado statutory cap for outdoor storage), plus any administrative/release fees. The longer the car sits, the more you pay - so retrieve it quickly. PUC-set cap (4 CCR 723-6 §6511): max non-consensual base tow ~$245 for vehicles up to 10,000 lbs (2026; adjusted each March 15), more for heavier vehicles, plus mileage.
How much is the daily impound storage fee in Colorado?
Daily storage in Colorado runs $48.19 per day (the Colorado statutory cap for outdoor storage). State rule: PUC-set cap (4 CCR 723-6 §6511): ~$39-48 per day for vehicles up to 10,000 lbs (2026; adjusted each March 15), or $1.50 per foot of vehicle length. Fees accrue every calendar day (sometimes counting partial days), which is why retrieving the vehicle fast saves the most money.
What do I need to get my car out of impound in Colorado?
Bring a government photo ID, proof of ownership (registration or title), and payment. Many lots also require proof of current insurance to release the vehicle - if your coverage has lapsed, get a policy or SR-22 quote first so you can release the car.
Can I dispute impound or towing fees in Colorado?
Yes. If you were charged above the legal maximum or the tow broke Colorado rules, request an itemized receipt, demand a refund of any illegal charges, and file a complaint with the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC). Keep every receipt and photograph the signage.
Who regulates towing in Colorado?
The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) regulates non-consensual towing companies. They set maximum rates, investigate complaints, and can revoke licenses of companies that violate regulations.
What do I do if I think I was unfairly towed in Colorado?
File a complaint with the Colorado PUC online or by calling their consumer helpline. Gather photos of the signage (or lack thereof), your parking location, receipts, and any communication with the tow company.