Key Towing Laws in Idaho
Idaho Code 49-1806
Governs the towing and storage of vehicles, including notification requirements and lien processes.
Law Enforcement Role
Non-consensual tows must be reported to local law enforcement who maintain records of towed vehicles.
Abandoned Vehicle Process
Vehicles left unclaimed for 15 days after notification may be processed as abandoned.
Rural Area Considerations
Towing in rural areas may involve longer distances and higher costs due to remote locations.
Notification & Signage Requirements
Police Notification
The tow company must report the tow in the Idaho Transportation Department's towed vehicle portal within one business day, excluding weekends and holidays. For police-directed tows, law enforcement also completes a tow notice form; private-property tows are exempt from that form (Idaho Code 49-1807).
Signage Requirements
A conspicuous large-print sign on or near the property saying unauthorized vehicles will be removed or booted at the owner's expense and naming the towing firm. Abandoned cars on unposted non-commercial land are an exception.
Your Rights in Idaho
- Right to be notified of vehicle location
- Right to your belongings at no charge during reasonable business hours, except investigation holds
- Right to an itemized statement when the car is released
- Right to choose tow destination for consensual tows
- Right to file complaints with Attorney General
How to File a Complaint in Idaho
Complaint Agency
If you believe you were unfairly towed or overcharged, file a complaint with:
Idaho Transportation Department DMV
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 Idaho Transportation Department DMV.
- 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.
- Idaho Code 49-1806 (private-property removal/signage requirement)
legislature.idaho.gov
- 2025 Idaho HB H0174 (bill text/status, signed 2025-03-31, eff. Jan 1, 2026)
legislature.idaho.gov
Regulated by Idaho Transportation Department DMV.
Last reviewed by Daniel Richardson against Idaho's official state statutes and regulator schedules.
Check your tow bill
Dispute towing fees