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

Towing Laws in Illinois

Max tow:$238.20Max storage:See details below

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 Illinois (IL).

Key Towing Laws in Illinois

Illinois Vehicle Code 625 ILCS 5/18a

Comprehensive towing regulations including rate caps, signage requirements, and consumer protections.

ICC Rate Regulation

Illinois Commerce Commission sets maximum towing and storage rates for non-consensual tows.

Chicago-Specific Rules

City of Chicago has additional towing ordinances with specific fee schedules and consumer protections.

Vehicle Release Requirements

Tow companies must release vehicles within 30 minutes of payment during business hours.

Notification & Signage Requirements

Police Notification

Towing service must notify the jurisdictional law-enforcement agency within 30 minutes of completing the tow (625 ILCS 5/4-203); ICC-regulated relocators must notify within 1 hour of removal (625 ILCS 5/18a-300).

Signage Requirements

Signs required at each driveway access or curb cut, within 5 ft of the public right-of-way line, bottom at least 4 ft above ground, lettering at least 2 in. high light-reflective on contrasting background, stating tow-at-owner's-expense and towing company name and phone (625 ILCS 5/4-203).

Your Rights in Illinois

Right to ICC-regulated maximum rates
Right to vehicle release within 30 minutes of payment
Right to retrieve personal belongings at no charge
Right to pay by credit card
Right to file ICC complaints
Right to dispute non-consensual tows through administrative hearing

How to File a Complaint in Illinois

Complaint Agency

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

Illinois Commerce Commission

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 Illinois Commerce Commission 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.

Illinois Commerce Commission - Relocation Towing (rate schedule; light-duty $238.20 + $2.50 invoice fee)
icc.illinois.gov
625 ILCS 5/18a-302 (relocation-towing signage) - onecle mirror
law.onecle.com
625 ILCS 5/18a-300 (relocation-towing prohibited practices / police notice within 1 hour) - onecle mirror
law.onecle.com

Regulated by Illinois Commerce Commission.

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

Towing Costs in Illinois

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the maximum towing rates in Illinois?

The Illinois Commerce Commission sets maximum rates that vary by vehicle weight class and region. Standard vehicle tow rates are typically $150-$250. Chicago has its own fee schedule. Check the ICC website for current rates.

How do I get my car out of the Chicago impound?

Visit the City of Chicago Auto Pound where your vehicle is stored. Bring valid ID, vehicle registration, and payment. You may need to first obtain a release from the police district if the tow was police-ordered. Fees include tow charge, storage, and any outstanding tickets.

Can I dispute a tow in Illinois?

Yes. File a complaint with the Illinois Commerce Commission for rate violations. In Chicago, you can request an administrative hearing. You can also pursue claims in small claims court.