How Much Are Impound Fees in Tennessee?
Getting a car out of impound in Tennessee usually means an initial tow of $150-$350 plus daily storage of $20-$60/day. Retrieve it fast - fees add up every day.
Tow and storage rates are set by THP district-approval (operator-filed with the district), so there is no statewide daily-dollar cap; the only statewide dollar cap is the one-time release fee ($100) under TCA 55-31-404. The MOTION Act (PC 1017/2024, eff. July 1, 2024; amended by PC 457/2025, eff. 2025) preempts local rate ordinances (Nashville-Davidson, Memphis). The 2025 amendment is within 18 months - escalate for statute-change risk.
Reviewed by Daniel Richardson against Tennessee statutes and regulator schedules.
Tennessee Impound Cost by Days Held (2026)
| Time in impound | Estimated total |
|---|---|
| 1 day | ~$250-$450 |
| 3 days | ~$290-$570 |
| 7 days | ~$370-$810 |
| 14 days | ~$510-$1,230 |
Estimate = a typical tow + storage. Tennessee has no single statewide dollar cap, so actual fees vary by lot and vehicle.
Max tow fee: No single statewide dollar cap; tow fee limited to the Tennessee Highway Patrol district-approved maximum (TCA 55-31-404, 2025 MOTION Act). Release fee capped at $100 statewide; boot removal capped at $75. Local rate ordinances preempted by state law.
Storage: No statewide daily-dollar cap; storage capped at the THP-district-approved maximum. No fee on days the vehicle is unavailable for release or when a gate/access fee is already charged; 21-day limit without owner consent or notice. Storage begins 24 hours after the tow.
Notification: Law enforcement notification required for non-consensual tows.
Sources & Legal References
- Tennessee Public Chapter 457 (2025), MOTION Act - TCA Title 55 Ch. 31 (55-31-204, 55-31-404); effective July 1, 2025
publications.tnsosfiles.com · PDF
- Tennessee Public Chapter 1017 (2024), MOTION Act - original Title 55 Ch. 31 codification; effective July 1, 2024
publications.tnsosfiles.com · PDF
Regulated by Tennessee Division of Consumer Affairs.
Last reviewed by Daniel Richardson against Tennessee'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 Tennessee impound bill is too high?
If you were charged above Tennessee'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 →Tennessee Impound FAQs
How much does it cost to get a car out of impound in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, 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 single statewide dollar cap; tow fee limited to the Tennessee Highway Patrol district-approved maximum (TCA 55-31-404, 2025 MOTION Act). Release fee capped at $100 statewide; boot removal capped at $75. Local rate ordinances preempted by state law.
How much is the daily impound storage fee in Tennessee?
Daily storage in Tennessee runs about $20-$60 per day. State rule: No statewide daily-dollar cap; storage capped at the THP-district-approved maximum. No fee on days the vehicle is unavailable for release or when a gate/access fee is already charged; 21-day limit without owner consent or notice. Storage begins 24 hours after the tow.. 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 Tennessee?
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 Tennessee?
Yes. If you were charged above the legal maximum or the tow broke Tennessee rules, request an itemized receipt, demand a refund of any illegal charges, and file a complaint with the Tennessee Division of Consumer Affairs. Keep every receipt and photograph the signage.
Are towing rates regulated in Tennessee?
Tennessee does not have statewide rate regulations. Nashville and Memphis have local ordinances with fee limits. Check with your local government.
How do I get my car out of the Nashville impound?
Contact the Nashville Metro Police to locate your vehicle. Visit the impound facility with ID, registration, and payment. Nashville has specific fee schedules for non-consensual tows.