How Much Are Impound Fees in Ohio?
Ohio caps impound charges by state law: up to $144 to release plus up to $17/day storage. Retrieve it fast - fees add up every day.
Reviewed by Daniel Richardson against Ohio statutes and regulator schedules.
Ohio Impound Cost by Days Held (2026)
| Time in impound | Legal maximum |
|---|---|
| 1 day | $161 |
| 3 days | $195 |
| 7 days | $263 |
| 14 days | $382 |
These are the Ohio statutory maximums for a standard passenger car (outdoor storage); indoor storage, heavier vehicles, or local ordinances can run higher. Passenger vehicle under 10,001 lbs; over 10,001 lbs is $247 tow / $29 per day. PUCO prohibits any other fees (OAC 4901:2-24-03).
Max tow fee: Max non-consensual tow fee: $144 (vehicles under 10,001 lbs); $247 (10,001-26,000 lbs), set statewide by PUCO Rule OAC 4901:2-24-03. Some municipalities set their own rates under ORC 4513.60.
Storage: Max storage fee: $17/day (vehicles under 10,001 lbs); $29/day (10,001 lbs and over), set by PUCO Rule OAC 4901:2-24-03. No other fees may be charged.
Notification: Towing service must notify the county sheriff or local police within two hours of removing the vehicle. For unclaimed vehicles, notice must be sent to the owner and lienholder by certified or express mail within five business days after identity is provided. (ORC 4513.601)
Sources & Legal References
Regulated by Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO).
Last reviewed by Daniel Richardson against Ohio'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 Ohio impound bill is too high?
If you were charged above Ohio'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 →Ohio Impound FAQs
How much does it cost to get a car out of impound in Ohio?
In Ohio, expect an initial tow of about $144 to release (the Ohio cap) plus daily storage of $17 per day (the Ohio statutory cap for outdoor storage), plus any administrative/release fees. The longer the car sits, the more you pay - so retrieve it quickly. Max non-consensual tow fee: $144 (vehicles under 10,001 lbs); $247 (10,001-26,000 lbs), set statewide by PUCO Rule OAC 4901:2-24-03. Some municipalities set their own rates under ORC 4513.60.
How much is the daily impound storage fee in Ohio?
Daily storage in Ohio runs $17 per day (the Ohio statutory cap for outdoor storage). State rule: Max storage fee: $17/day (vehicles under 10,001 lbs); $29/day (10,001 lbs and over), set by PUCO Rule OAC 4901:2-24-03. No other fees may be charged.. 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 Ohio?
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 Ohio?
Yes. If you were charged above the legal maximum or the tow broke Ohio rules, request an itemized receipt, demand a refund of any illegal charges, and file a complaint with the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO). Keep every receipt and photograph the signage.
What are the towing rate limits in Ohio?
The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) sets maximum rates for non-consensual tows. Rates vary by vehicle weight class and region. Check the PUCO website for current rate schedules.
How quickly must Ohio tow companies release my car?
Once you provide proper identification and payment, Ohio tow companies must release your vehicle within 30 minutes during business hours.