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Towing Laws in Indiana

Max tow: No statewide cap
Reviewed by Daniel Richardson

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

Max Tow Fee

No statewide cap; fees must be reasonable. Private-property tows use the property owner's towing agreement rate, or local police or State Police district rates if there is no agreement.

Max Storage Fee

No statewide per-day rate cap, but statewide aggregate cap of $2,000 total ($2,500 for vehicles 30+ ft) under IC 9-22-1-4; municipalities may set per-day limits

Signage Required

Yes

Police Notification

Required

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Key Towing Laws in Indiana

IC 9-22-1 - Towing Regulations

Indiana code governing vehicle towing, storage, and impoundment procedures.

Private Property Authorization

Property owners must authorize non-consensual tows in writing.

Notification Requirements

Law enforcement must be notified of all non-consensual tows.

Indianapolis Ordinances

Indianapolis has specific towing ordinances with additional consumer protections.

Notification & Signage Requirements

Police Notification

For tows from commercial private property, the towing company must notify the local law enforcement agency within two hours if that agency requires notice.

Signage Requirements

A conspicuous, clearly visible tow-away zone sign posted more than 5 and less than 7 feet above the ground on commercial private property. Abandoned-vehicle removals are exempt, and local ordinances may set different rules.

Your Rights in Indiana

  • Right to be notified of vehicle location
  • Right to retrieve personal belongings
  • Right to written receipt
  • Right to choose destination for consensual tows
  • Right to file consumer protection complaints

How to File a Complaint in Indiana

Complaint Agency

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

Indiana 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. To file a formal complaint, contact the Indiana Attorney General Consumer Protection Division.
  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 Indiana Attorney General Consumer Protection Division.

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are towing fees regulated in Indiana?
Indiana does not have statewide towing fee caps. Some cities like Indianapolis have local regulations. Always negotiate and get written estimates for consensual tows.
How long can a tow company keep my car in Indiana?
After proper notification, vehicles unclaimed for 20 days may be processed as abandoned. Act quickly to retrieve your vehicle and minimize storage charges.
Can I dispute a tow in Indiana?
Contact the Indiana Attorney General Consumer Protection Division to file a complaint. You can also pursue the matter in small claims court if you believe the tow was improper.

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