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

Towing Laws in Maine

Max tow:No statewide capMax storage:$1,500

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 Maine (ME).

Key Towing Laws in Maine

Title 29-A - Vehicle Towing

Maine statutes governing towing procedures, licensing, and consumer protections.

Private Property Authorization

Property owners must authorize tows from private property.

Winter Towing Considerations

Additional rules apply for vehicles towed during winter storms and snow emergencies.

Licensing Requirements

Tow operators must be properly licensed and insured in Maine.

Notification & Signage Requirements

Police Notification

Towers must notify the Secretary of State/BMV for abandoned or held vehicles (29-A §1854). Some sources also indicate law enforcement notification in practice, but the primary statutory duty runs to the Secretary of State, not local police.

Signage Requirements

No statewide requirement; Maine has no statute requiring private property owners to post tow-away warning signs before a non-consensual tow. Sign requirements may be set locally, and statewide rules are under proposed reform as of 2026.

Your Rights in Maine

Right to notification of tow
Right to retrieve personal belongings
Right to written receipt
Right to choose destination for consensual tows
Right to file complaints

How to File a Complaint in Maine

Complaint Agency

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

Maine Attorney General Consumer Protection Division

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 Maine Attorney General Consumer Protection Division 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.

Maine Revised Statutes Title 29-A §1857 ("Limits") - storage cap $1,500/30-day period
legislature.maine.gov
Maine Revised Statutes Title 29-A §1854 - notification to Secretary of State (not police)
legislature.maine.gov
Maine Revised Statutes Title 29-A §1861 - vehicle held until reasonable towing/storage charges paid
legislature.maine.gov

Regulated by Maine Attorney General Consumer Protection Division.

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

Towing Costs in Maine

Average towing costs in Maine range from $85 to $160 for a local tow.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my car be towed during a snow emergency in Maine?

Yes. During declared snow emergencies, vehicles parked on public roads in designated snow emergency zones may be towed. Signs are usually posted in advance. Contact your city or town for snow emergency parking rules.

Does Maine regulate towing prices?

Maine does not have statewide towing price caps. Get written estimates for consensual tows. If you believe you were overcharged, file a complaint with the Attorney General Consumer Protection Division.

How long does a tow company keep my car in Maine?

After proper notification to the owner, vehicles unclaimed after a specified period may be declared abandoned. Contact the tow company or local police for specific timelines in your area.