Towing Laws in Georgia (2026): Max Fees & Your Rights

Towing Laws in Georgia

Max tow:$228Max storage:$33/day

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

Reviewed July 6, 2026 by Daniel Richardson

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

Key Towing Laws in Georgia

OCGA 44-1-14 - Private Property Towing

Regulates non-consensual towing from private property including fee caps and signage requirements.

Fee Cap

Non-consensual towing fees for standard vehicles (GVWR 10,000 lbs or less) are capped statewide at $228 by Georgia DPS Maximum Rate Tariff No. 5 (effective June 17, 2024). Heavier vehicles have higher limits ($390 / $585 / $1,105).

Written Authorization

Property owners or managers must provide written authorization before a vehicle can be towed from private property.

Police Notification (O.C.G.A. 40-11-16)

After a non-consensual tow from private property, the towing firm must request the owner's information from the Department of Revenue within 3 days and notify the law enforcement agency with jurisdiction no later than one day after that request. There is no statewide one-hour deadline.

Notification & Signage Requirements

Police Notification

After removing an unattended vehicle from private property at the property owner's request, the towing and storage firm must, within 3 days, request the owner's identification and address from the Department of Revenue, and must notify the law enforcement agency with jurisdiction over the removal location no later than one day after that request (by hand delivery, electronic transmission, or fax). There is no statewide one-hour deadline. (O.C.G.A. § 40-11-16)

Signage Requirements

Signs within 50 ft of each entrance, min 12"x18", must include company name, address, phone, lot location, fees, hours, and payment methods. Residential properties with 4 or fewer units are exempt. (DPS Rule 570-38-7-.14)

Your Rights in Georgia

Right to fee caps on non-consensual tows
Right to vehicle release before departure from property
Right to an itemized receipt of charges
Right to personal property access during business hours
Right to dispute charges through consumer protection

How to File a Complaint in Georgia

Complaint Agency

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

Georgia Department of Public Safety

Visit Website

Steps 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.
Contact the Georgia Department of Public Safety to file a formal complaint.
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 Georgia Department of Public Safety.

Last reviewed July 6, 2026 by Daniel Richardson against Georgia's official state statutes and regulator schedules.

Towing Costs in Georgia

Average towing costs in Georgia range from $80 to $150 for a local tow.

View Georgia Towing Costs Calculate Your Towing Cost Georgia impound & storage fees What to do with an abandoned or junk vehicle

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum towing fee in Georgia?

Georgia caps non-consensual towing fees at $228 for standard vehicles (GVWR 10,000 lbs or less) under Georgia DPS Maximum Rate Tariff No. 5 (effective June 17, 2024). Storage fees are also regulated. Consensual tow rates are not capped but should be agreed upon in writing.

How do I retrieve my towed car in Georgia?

Contact local police to find your vehicle, then visit the impound lot with valid ID, registration, and payment. Retrieve your car as soon as possible to minimize daily storage charges.

Can a tow company charge whatever they want in Georgia?

No. For non-consensual tows, Georgia law caps fees. Tow companies also cannot charge for services not performed or add unauthorized fees. Keep your receipt and dispute any overcharges.