How Much Are Impound Fees in South Dakota?
Getting a car out of impound in South Dakota usually means an initial tow of $150-$350 plus daily storage of $20-$60/day. Retrieve it fast - fees add up every day.
South Dakota has no statewide rate regulation for non-consensual towing or storage. SDCL 32-30-18.1 and 32-30-12.2 limit an owner's liability to 'reasonable' expenses with no dollar figure; SDCL 32-36-8 governs post-tow notice (45-day certified mail; 10-day storage-notice limit) but sets no cap; the SD Department of Revenue confirms no statewide fee schedule. Market rates apply. No county-or-local cap regime is described in the source data.
Reviewed by Daniel Richardson against South Dakota statutes and regulator schedules.
South Dakota 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. South Dakota has no single statewide dollar cap, so actual fees vary by lot and vehicle.
Max tow fee: No statewide cap
Storage: No statewide cap
Notification: After a non-consensual tow, the removal agency must notify the registered owner and lien holders by certified mail within 45 days. (SDCL 32-36-8)
Sources & Legal References
- SDCL 32-30-18.1 (towing/removal expense - reasonable, no cap)
sdlegislature.gov
Regulated by South Dakota Attorney General Consumer Protection Division.
Last reviewed by Daniel Richardson against South Dakota'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 South Dakota impound bill is too high?
If you were charged above South Dakota'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 →South Dakota Impound FAQs
How much does it cost to get a car out of impound in South Dakota?
In South Dakota, 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. No statewide cap.
How much is the daily impound storage fee in South Dakota?
Daily storage in South Dakota runs about $20-$60 per day. State rule: No statewide cap. 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 South Dakota?
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 South Dakota?
Yes. If you were charged above the legal maximum or the tow broke South Dakota rules, request an itemized receipt, demand a refund of any illegal charges, and file a complaint with the South Dakota Attorney General Consumer Protection Division. Keep every receipt and photograph the signage.
Does South Dakota cap towing fees?
South Dakota does not have statewide towing fee caps. Market rates apply. Get written estimates for consensual tows.
Why is towing expensive in rural South Dakota?
Long distances, limited tow operator availability, and severe weather conditions all contribute to higher towing costs in rural areas.