How Much Are Impound Fees in Connecticut?
Connecticut caps impound charges by state law: up to $130.63 to release plus up to $37/day storage. Retrieve it fast - fees add up every day.
Statewide uniform schedule: CGS 14-66 directs the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles to "establish and publish a schedule of uniform rates and charges for the nonconsensual towing and transporting of motor vehicles and for the storage of motor vehicles." Current figures set by the CT DMV Nonconsensual Private-Property Trespass Tows and Motor Vehicle Storage Rate Decision (Dec 1, 2025, under PA 25-55), effective 1/1/2026-12/31/2028. The decision itself notes CT uses a single statewide schedule (unlike NY/MA which are municipal/fragmented).
Reviewed by Daniel Richardson against Connecticut statutes and regulator schedules.
Connecticut Impound Cost by Days Held (2026)
| Time in impound | Legal maximum |
|---|---|
| 1 day | $168 |
| 3 days | $242 |
| 7 days | $390 |
| 14 days | $649 |
These are the Connecticut statutory maximums for a standard passenger car (outdoor storage); indoor storage, heavier vehicles, or local ordinances can run higher. Two axes of variation for light-duty (under 20 ft), all statewide per the same DMV decision: (1) storage location tier - Inside Building ($30->$37/day) vs Outside Fenced/Lighted/Protected ($26->$31/day) vs Outside plain ($23->$25/day); (2) duration tier - days 1-5 vs more than 5 days (the higher rate). Larger vehicles (20-32 ft, over 32 ft) carry higher storage rates but are not light-duty passenger vehicles. Per Regs. 14-63-36, storage is computed on a 24-hour basis (1-12 hrs <= half the daily rate; >12-24 hrs <= full daily rate), after the 8-hour retrieval exemption. dailyStorageMax=37 reflects the light-duty inside-building after-day-5 ceiling.
Max tow fee: DMV sets maximum rates; ~$130 base for standard light-duty tow (CGS 14-66 / PA 25-55, incl. first 2 miles; rising to ~$143 by 2028)
Storage: Regulated; $30/day inside (first 5 days), $37/day after; no charge if retrieved within 8 hours
Notification: Police notification required within 2 hours of non-consensual tow.
Sources & Legal References
- CT DMV Form K-11 Maximum Towing Charges (Rev. 8-2025)
portal.ct.gov · PDF
- Connecticut General Statutes Sec. 14-66 (FindLaw)
codes.findlaw.com
Regulated by Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles.
Last reviewed by Daniel Richardson against Connecticut'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 Connecticut impound bill is too high?
If you were charged above Connecticut'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 →Connecticut Impound FAQs
How much does it cost to get a car out of impound in Connecticut?
In Connecticut, expect an initial tow of about $130.63 to release (the Connecticut cap) plus daily storage of $37 per day (the Connecticut statutory cap for outdoor storage), plus any administrative/release fees. The longer the car sits, the more you pay - so retrieve it quickly. DMV sets maximum rates; ~$130 base for standard light-duty tow (CGS 14-66 / PA 25-55, incl. first 2 miles; rising to ~$143 by 2028).
How much is the daily impound storage fee in Connecticut?
Daily storage in Connecticut runs $37 per day (the Connecticut statutory cap for outdoor storage). State rule: Regulated; $30/day inside (first 5 days), $37/day after; no charge if retrieved within 8 hours. 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 Connecticut?
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 Connecticut?
Yes. If you were charged above the legal maximum or the tow broke Connecticut rules, request an itemized receipt, demand a refund of any illegal charges, and file a complaint with the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles. Keep every receipt and photograph the signage.
What are the maximum towing fees in Connecticut?
Connecticut DMV regulates tow rates. Standard non-consensual tow rates are approximately $172 for the first 5 miles. Storage fees are regulated at approximately $30-$50 per day depending on vehicle size.
How do I file a towing complaint in Connecticut?
Contact the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles to file a complaint against a licensed towing company. You can also reach out to the Attorney General Consumer Protection Division for billing disputes.