How Much Are Impound Fees in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania caps part of your impound cost by state law: an initial tow of $150-$350 plus up to $25/day storage. Retrieve it fast - fees add up every day.
$25/day storage is a STATEWIDE statutory default (75 Pa.C.S. § 3353(c)) that applies wherever a municipality has not set its own rate; it is overridden by any local ordinance. Municipalities may set their own towing and storage rates by ordinance under the same subsection. PUC does not regulate non-consensual tows (excluded per 66 Pa.C.S. § 102(3)(viii)). Philadelphia uses the Philadelphia Parking Authority / Philadelphia Code § 9-605 schedule. The tow (removal) fee has no statewide dollar cap - only a "reasonable expense" standard.
Reviewed by Daniel Richardson against Pennsylvania statutes and regulator schedules.
Pennsylvania Impound Cost by Days Held (2026)
| Time in impound | Estimated total |
|---|---|
| 1 day | ~$175-$375 |
| 3 days | ~$225-$425 |
| 7 days | ~$325-$525 |
| 14 days | ~$500-$700 |
The daily storage figure is a Pennsylvania statutory cap; the other component is a typical market estimate. Actual fees vary by lot, vehicle, and local ordinance. The $25/day storage figure is the statutory statewide default for storage charges where no municipal ordinance applies; a local ordinance rate supersedes it. No statewide cap on the tow/removal fee itself (must be a "reasonable" cost under 75 Pa.C.S. § 3353(c)). Indoor storage, heavy/oversize vehicles, and other variants have no separate statewide dollar figure.
Max tow fee: No statewide cap; must be a "reasonable" cost under 75 Pa.C.S. § 3353(c). PUC does NOT regulate non-consensual tows (excluded from PUC jurisdiction per 66 Pa.C.S. § 102); municipalities may set rates by ordinance.
Storage: $25/day statutory default under 75 Pa.C.S. § 3353(c), unless the municipality sets its own rate by ordinance.
Sources & Legal References
Regulated by Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General - Bureau of Consumer Protection.
Last reviewed by Daniel Richardson against Pennsylvania'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 Pennsylvania impound bill is too high?
If you were charged above Pennsylvania'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 →Pennsylvania Impound FAQs
How much does it cost to get a car out of impound in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, expect an initial tow of roughly $150-$350 plus daily storage of $25 per day (the Pennsylvania statutory cap for outdoor storage), plus any administrative/release fees. The longer the car sits, the more you pay - so retrieve it quickly. No statewide cap; must be a "reasonable" cost under 75 Pa.C.S. § 3353(c). PUC does NOT regulate non-consensual tows (excluded from PUC jurisdiction per 66 Pa.C.S. § 102); municipalities may set rates by ordinance.
How much is the daily impound storage fee in Pennsylvania?
Daily storage in Pennsylvania runs $25 per day (the Pennsylvania statutory cap for outdoor storage). State rule: $25/day statutory default under 75 Pa.C.S. § 3353(c), unless the municipality sets its own rate by ordinance.. 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 Pennsylvania?
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 Pennsylvania?
Yes. If you were charged above the legal maximum or the tow broke Pennsylvania rules, request an itemized receipt, demand a refund of any illegal charges, and file a complaint with the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General - Bureau of Consumer Protection. Keep every receipt and photograph the signage.
What are the towing rate limits in Pennsylvania?
Non-consensual towing and storage charges in Pennsylvania must be reasonable and are set by municipal ordinance under 75 Pa.C.S. 3353(c). Where a municipality has not set a rate, the statutory default storage cap is $25 per day. The Public Utility Commission does not regulate non-consensual towing. Check your local ordinance for the applicable rates.
What if a tow company damages my car in Pennsylvania?
Tow companies in PA are liable for damage caused during towing. Document any damage with photos immediately upon retrieval. File a claim with the tow company and, if unresolved, file a complaint with the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Bureau of Consumer Protection.