Skip to content
T
Towed?Estimate
T
TowingCosts.com

Towing Laws in Colorado

Max tow:$245Max storage:$39
Billed over these limits? Get your money back - $29Impounded? Get your car out - $19 release plan

Storage fees stack up every day your car sits in the lot - the sooner you act, the less you owe.

Reviewed by Daniel Richardson

Know your rights: towing regulations, maximum fees, and consumer protections in Colorado (CO).

Max Tow Fee

PUC-set cap (4 CCR 723-6 §6511): max non-consensual base tow ~$245 for vehicles up to 10,000 lbs (2026; adjusted each March 15), more for heavier vehicles, plus mileage

Max Storage Fee

PUC-set cap (4 CCR 723-6 §6511): ~$39-48 per day for vehicles up to 10,000 lbs (2026; adjusted each March 15), or $1.50 per foot of vehicle length

Signage Required

Yes

Police Notification

Required

Charged more than Colorado allows?

If a company billed you above Colorado's legal maximum, you can push back. Build a ready-to-send demand letter on these exact fee limits and send it yourself - in minutes.

Get the documents to dispute my bill →

Key Towing Laws in Colorado

PUC Regulation

Colorado Public Utilities Commission regulates towing companies and sets maximum rates for non-consensual tows.

CRS 42-4-2103 - Non-Consensual Towing

Strict rules govern when and how vehicles can be towed from private property without owner consent.

Drop Fee Limits

If the vehicle owner returns before the tow truck leaves, the maximum drop fee is limited by PUC regulations.

Photographic Evidence

Tow companies must photograph the vehicle and violation before towing, maintaining records for at least 3 years.

Notification & Signage Requirements

Police Notification

Tow operator must notify law enforcement within 30 minutes (C.R.S. 42-4-2103(2)(a)(I)). Notice to the vehicle owner must be sent by certified mail within 10 days after towing (C.R.S. 42-4-2103(3)(c)(I)(A)).

Signage Requirements

Signs must be prominently displayed at each entrance with towing company information.

Your Rights in Colorado

  • Right to have vehicle released if present before tow truck departs
  • Right to file complaints with the PUC
  • Right to retrieve personal belongings during business hours
  • Right to receive written notification of tow
  • Right to an itemized receipt of all charges
  • Right to pay by credit or debit card

How to File a Complaint in Colorado

Complaint Agency

If you believe you were unfairly towed or overcharged, file a complaint with:

Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC)

Visit Website

Steps to File a Complaint:

  1. Document everything: take photos of signage, your parking location, vehicle condition, and all receipts.
  2. Note the date, time, tow company name, driver name, and truck number if available.
  3. Contact the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to file a formal complaint.
  4. 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 Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC).

Last reviewed by Daniel Richardson against Colorado's official state statutes and regulator schedules.

Towing Costs in Colorado

Average towing costs in Colorado range from $85 to $165 for a local tow.

View Colorado Towing CostsCalculate Your Towing CostColorado impound & storage feesWhat to do with an abandoned or junk vehicle

Frequently Asked Questions

Who regulates towing in Colorado?
The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) regulates non-consensual towing companies. They set maximum rates, investigate complaints, and can revoke licenses of companies that violate regulations.
What do I do if I think I was unfairly towed in Colorado?
File a complaint with the Colorado PUC online or by calling their consumer helpline. Gather photos of the signage (or lack thereof), your parking location, receipts, and any communication with the tow company.
How much does impound storage cost in Colorado?
Storage rates are regulated by the PUC and vary by area. Typical rates range from $30-$60 per day. The first 24 hours storage is often included in the tow fee. Act quickly to minimize storage charges.

Calculate Your Towing Cost

Get an instant cost estimate with our free calculator.

Calculate Towing Cost

Browse Towing Costs

By State

ALAKAZARCACOCTDEFLGAHIIDILINIAKSKYLAMEMDMAMIMNMSMOMTNENVNHNJNMNYNCNDOHOKORPARISCSDTNTXUTVTVAWAWVWIWY

Popular Cities

New York City, NYLos Angeles, CAChicago, ILHouston, TXPhoenix, AZPhiladelphia, PASan Antonio, TXSan Diego, CADallas, TXSan Jose, CA
Cost CalculatorAll StatesTowing GuideAbout UsMethodologySite Map

What to do next

Dispute a Tow Bill

Your state sets the rules - if the bill exceeds them, fight back with a demand letter. 30-day guarantee.