How Much Are Impound Fees in Maryland?
Getting a car out of impound in Maryland usually means an initial tow of $150-$350 plus daily storage of $20-$60/day. Retrieve it fast - fees add up every day.
County-or-local regime. § 21-10A-04(a)(1) ties the non-consensual tow cap to 2x the local public-safety impound tow fee and storage to the local daily storage rate ("Unless otherwise set by local law"). The $250 tow / $30-per-day statutory default in (a)(1)(iii) applies ONLY where a political subdivision has not set its own fee limit; many counties (Montgomery, Prince George's, Howard, etc.) do set their own schedules. There is no statewide flat dollar cap - verify the applicable county/municipal schedule, then the statutory 2x-local ceiling, before relying on the $250/$30 default.
Reviewed by Daniel Richardson against Maryland statutes and regulator schedules.
Maryland Impound Cost by Days Held (2026)
| Time in impound | Estimated total |
|---|---|
| 1 day | ~$170-$410 |
| 3 days | ~$210-$530 |
| 7 days | ~$290-$770 |
| 14 days | ~$430-$1,190 |
Estimate = a typical tow + storage. Maryland has no single statewide dollar cap, so actual fees vary by lot and vehicle.
Max tow fee: 2x local public-safety impound tow fee; statutory default $250 if no local limit (MD Transp. Code § 21-10A-04). Counties may set own schedules.
Storage: Local public-safety daily storage rate; statutory default $30/day if no local limit (MD Transp. Code § 21-10A-04). The tower may not charge the cost of mailing the owner notice if the vehicle is reclaimed within 48 hours.
Notification: Police notification within 1 hour of tow (§ 21-10A-04(a)(2)). Written notice to owner/secured party/insurer by certified and first-class mail within 7 days, excluding days the towing business is closed (§ 21-10A-04(a)(1)(iv)).
Sources & Legal References
- Maryland Transportation Code § 21-10A-02 (Signs)
law.justia.com
Regulated by Maryland Attorney General Consumer Protection Division.
Last reviewed by Daniel Richardson against Maryland'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 Maryland impound bill is too high?
If you were charged above Maryland'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 →Maryland Impound FAQs
How much does it cost to get a car out of impound in Maryland?
In Maryland, expect an initial tow of roughly $150-$350 plus daily storage of about $20-$60 per day, plus any administrative/release fees. The longer the car sits, the more you pay - so retrieve it quickly. 2x local public-safety impound tow fee; statutory default $250 if no local limit (MD Transp. Code § 21-10A-04). Counties may set own schedules.
How much is the daily impound storage fee in Maryland?
Daily storage in Maryland runs about $20-$60 per day. State rule: Local public-safety daily storage rate; statutory default $30/day if no local limit (MD Transp. Code § 21-10A-04). The tower may not charge the cost of mailing the owner notice if the vehicle is reclaimed within 48 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 Maryland?
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 Maryland?
Yes. If you were charged above the legal maximum or the tow broke Maryland rules, request an itemized receipt, demand a refund of any illegal charges, and file a complaint with the Maryland Attorney General Consumer Protection Division. Keep every receipt and photograph the signage.
What are the maximum towing fees in Maryland?
Maximum non-consensual tow and storage rates are set by statute and local ordinance under MD Transp. Code § 21-10A-04. The statutory default is $250 for the tow and $30 per day for storage where no local cap applies, and counties may set their own schedules. Check your county code for current rates.
Does a tow company need to take photos in Maryland?
Yes. Maryland requires tow companies to photograph the vehicle and the parking violation before towing. This documentation protects both the consumer and the operator.