Key Towing Laws in Arizona
ARS 28-4836 - Police Notification
A person who tows a vehicle without the owner's consent must notify the law enforcement agency of the jurisdiction where the vehicle was located by telephone within one hour of the tow. Failure to do so forfeits all towing and storage charges.
ARS 9-499.05 - Property Owner Authorization
Non-consensual tows from private property are governed by local ordinance authority under ARS 9-499.05, which also sets signage and maximum-cost disclosure requirements.
Immediate Release Requirement
If the vehicle owner arrives before the tow truck departs, the vehicle must be released. A drop fee up to half the tow rate may be charged.
Storage Facility Requirements
Vehicles must be stored in a secure, enclosed facility. The facility must be open during regular business hours for vehicle retrieval.
Notification & Signage Requirements
Police Notification
Tow companies must notify law enforcement by telephone within one hour of a non-consensual tow. Does not apply to tows directed by a peace officer. (ARS 28-4836)
Signage Requirements
In cities and towns, a private lot is treated as open to public parking unless signs, readable from anywhere in the lot and at each entrance, state the parking rules, what happens to violators' cars, the maximum cost including storage, and a phone number and address to find the car (ARS 9-499.05(B)).
Your Rights in Arizona
- Right to demand your car back before it is taken to the storage lot (Phoenix tows; ID may be required)
- Right to an on-site release for no more than twenty dollars if you demand it before your car leaves (Phoenix tows)
- Right to remove personal items free during business hours after an accident tow (not vehicle parts)
- Right to written notice of a non-consensual tow through the state's abandoned-vehicle process
- Right to a hearing to dispute a non-consensual tow
How to File a Complaint in Arizona
Complaint Agency
If you believe you were unfairly towed or overcharged, file a complaint with:
Arizona Attorney General's Office
Visit WebsiteSteps to File a Complaint:
- Document everything: take photos of signage, your parking location, vehicle condition, and all receipts.
- Note the date, time, tow company name, driver name, and truck number if available.
- To file a formal complaint, contact the Arizona Attorney General's Office.
- Consider filing in small claims court if you believe you are owed money for an illegal or improper tow.
Official Sources & Legal References
The fees and rules on this page are drawn from these primary sources - official statutes, administrative codes, and state regulator schedules. We link them so you can verify every figure yourself.
Regulated by Arizona Attorney General's Office.
Last reviewed by Daniel Richardson against Arizona's official state statutes and regulator schedules.
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