How Much Are Impound Fees in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island caps impound charges by state law: up to $125 to release plus up to $35/day storage. Retrieve it fast - fees add up every day.
Statewide rates set by the RI Division of Public Utilities and Carriers (DPUC); applies to all certificated towers statewide.
Reviewed by Daniel Richardson against Rhode Island statutes and regulator schedules.
Rhode Island Impound Cost by Days Held (2026)
| Time in impound | Legal maximum |
|---|---|
| 1 day | $125 |
| 3 days | $195 |
| 7 days | $335 |
| 14 days | $580 |
These are the Rhode Island statutory maximums for a standard passenger car (outdoor storage); indoor storage, heavier vehicles, or local ordinances can run higher. Medium-duty (8,001-15,000 lbs) tow rate is $145 flat (same inclusions). Storage for vehicles over 20 ft is $45/day. These variants are from the same Order 24243 tariff schedule.
Max tow fee: $125 flat light-duty (≤8,000 lbs) / $145 flat medium-duty (8,001-15,000 lbs), all-inclusive of first 5 mi, first site hour & first 24 hrs storage (RI Div. of Public Utilities 2021 Non-Consensual Tow Tariff, Order 24243)
Storage: $35/day (vehicles up to 20 ft) / $45/day (over 20 ft) after the free first 24 hrs; stops accruing day 7 (owner)/14 (lienholder) absent notice
Notification: The certificated tower must notify the registered owner within 7 days and lienholders within 14 days by registered mail; failure voids storage-fee accrual. Police notification required only if towed vehicle contains an animal. (RICR §1.13(A)-(B); RIGL 39-12.1-13)
Sources & Legal References
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 39-12.1-12 (Towing Storage Act, private trespass towing)
webserver.rilegislature.gov
Regulated by Rhode Island Division of Public Utilities and Carriers.
Last reviewed by Daniel Richardson against Rhode Island'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 Rhode Island impound bill is too high?
If you were charged above Rhode Island'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 →Rhode Island Impound FAQs
How much does it cost to get a car out of impound in Rhode Island?
In Rhode Island, expect an initial tow of about $125 to release (the Rhode Island cap) plus daily storage of $35 per day (the Rhode Island statutory cap for outdoor storage), plus any administrative/release fees. The longer the car sits, the more you pay - so retrieve it quickly. $125 flat light-duty (≤8,000 lbs) / $145 flat medium-duty (8,001-15,000 lbs), all-inclusive of first 5 mi, first site hour & first 24 hrs storage (RI Div. of Public Utilities 2021 Non-Consensual Tow Tariff, Order 24243).
How much is the daily impound storage fee in Rhode Island?
Daily storage in Rhode Island runs $35 per day (the Rhode Island statutory cap for outdoor storage). State rule: $35/day (vehicles up to 20 ft) / $45/day (over 20 ft) after the free first 24 hrs; stops accruing day 7 (owner)/14 (lienholder) absent notice. 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 Rhode Island?
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 Rhode Island?
Yes. If you were charged above the legal maximum or the tow broke Rhode Island rules, request an itemized receipt, demand a refund of any illegal charges, and file a complaint with the Rhode Island Division of Public Utilities and Carriers. Keep every receipt and photograph the signage.
Are towing rates regulated in Rhode Island?
Yes. The Rhode Island Division of Public Utilities and Carriers regulates towing rates. Contact the DPUC for current rate schedules.
How do I file a towing complaint in Rhode Island?
Contact the RI Division of Public Utilities and Carriers to file a complaint against a licensed tow operator.