How Much Are Impound Fees in New Mexico?
New Mexico caps part of your impound cost by state law: an initial tow of $150-$350 plus up to $20/day storage. Retrieve it fast - fees add up every day.
Reviewed by Daniel Richardson against New Mexico statutes and regulator schedules.
New Mexico Impound Cost by Days Held (2026)
| Time in impound | Estimated total |
|---|---|
| 1 day | ~$170-$370 |
| 3 days | ~$210-$410 |
| 7 days | ~$290-$490 |
| 14 days | ~$430-$630 |
The daily storage figure is a New Mexico statutory cap; the other component is a typical market estimate. Actual fees vary by lot, vehicle, and local ordinance. Class A (standard passenger car) outdoor storage $10-$20/day statewide cap per tariff; indoor/oversized rates higher. Tow hookup base $100 + $5/mi (Class A/B) per the same tariff - not a flat release fee.
Max tow fee: Statewide cap: $100 first mile/hookup + $5/mi (Class A/B); regulated by NMDOT TRB
Storage: $10-$20/day statewide cap by facility type (Class A/B); +$1/day/ft over 25'
Notification: Towing operator must notify the vehicle owner and lienholder by certified mail on MVD Form 10058 within 2 business days of a non-consensual tow. Law enforcement notification is required only when an altered, mutilated, or missing VIN is discovered. (18.3.12.23.B; 18.3.12.22 NMAC)
Sources & Legal References
Regulated by New Mexico Public Regulation Commission.
Last reviewed by Daniel Richardson against New Mexico'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 New Mexico impound bill is too high?
If you were charged above New Mexico'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 →New Mexico Impound FAQs
How much does it cost to get a car out of impound in New Mexico?
In New Mexico, expect an initial tow of roughly $150-$350 plus daily storage of $20 per day (the New Mexico statutory cap for outdoor storage), plus any administrative/release fees. The longer the car sits, the more you pay - so retrieve it quickly. Statewide cap: $100 first mile/hookup + $5/mi (Class A/B); regulated by NMDOT TRB.
How much is the daily impound storage fee in New Mexico?
Daily storage in New Mexico runs $20 per day (the New Mexico statutory cap for outdoor storage). State rule: $10-$20/day statewide cap by facility type (Class A/B); +$1/day/ft over 25'. 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 New Mexico?
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 New Mexico?
Yes. If you were charged above the legal maximum or the tow broke New Mexico rules, request an itemized receipt, demand a refund of any illegal charges, and file a complaint with the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission. Keep every receipt and photograph the signage.
Who regulates towing in New Mexico?
The New Mexico Public Regulation Commission regulates towing companies, sets maximum rates for non-consensual tows, and investigates consumer complaints.
What are the towing fee caps in New Mexico?
The PRC sets maximum rates that vary by vehicle type and service. Contact the PRC for current rate schedules.