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Towing Laws in Idaho

Max tow:No statewide capMax storage:No statewide cap

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 Idaho (ID).

Max Tow Fee

No statewide cap

Max Storage Fee

No statewide dollar cap on the daily rate, but storage is capped at 60 days from the date of tow (Idaho Code 49-1814, effective 2026). Daily charges are limited to the tow company's filed rate sheet on file with the Idaho Transportation Department.

Signage Required

Yes

Police Notification

Required

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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

Law enforcement must complete a towed vehicle notice and, effective Jan 1, 2026, report the tow in the Idaho Transportation Department's portal within one business day (Idaho Code 49-1808, 49-1803A).

Signage Requirements

Towing signs must be posted on private property.

Your Rights in Idaho

  • Right to be notified of vehicle location
  • Right to retrieve personal belongings
  • Right to written receipt
  • 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 Attorney General Consumer Protection Division

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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 Idaho Attorney General Consumer Protection Division 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.

Towing Costs in Idaho

Average towing costs in Idaho range from $75 to $145 for a local tow.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Idaho regulate towing prices?
Idaho does not have statewide towing price caps. Prices are determined by market rates. Get written estimates before authorizing consensual tows.
How do I find a towed vehicle in Idaho?
Contact local law enforcement in the area where your vehicle was parked. They maintain records of reported non-consensual tows.
What are my rights if my car is towed in Idaho?
You have the right to be notified of where your vehicle is stored, retrieve personal belongings, and receive an itemized receipt. File complaints with the Idaho Attorney General if you believe you were unfairly charged.

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