Key Towing Laws in Maryland
Local Rate Regulation (Transp. § 21-10A-04)
Maximum non-consensual towing and storage rates are set by statute and local ordinance under MD Transp. Code § 21-10A-04, not the Public Service Commission (which regulates passenger-for-hire carriers only).
TR 21-10A - Private Property Towing
Detailed requirements for towing from private property including signage, authorization, and consumer protections.
Photo Documentation
Tow companies must photograph the vehicle and violation before towing.
Credit Card Acceptance
Licensed tow companies must accept major credit cards for payment.
Notification & Signage Requirements
Police Notification
For tows from private parking lots, the tower must notify police within 1 hour (§ 21-10A-04(a)(2)) and notify the owner, insurer and any secured party by certified and first-class mail within 7 days, not counting days it is closed (§ 21-10A-04(a)(3)); some notices may be sent electronically.
Signage Requirements
No statewide signage requirement; private-property towing sign rules are set by local ordinance in Maryland (e.g., Montgomery County, Prince George's County, Howard County). Check your local county code for specific sign size and content rules.
Your Rights in Maryland
- Right to the statutory or local maximum rates for tows from private parking lots (Transp. § 21-10A-04)
- Right to pay by cash or at least two major credit cards; a storage facility that takes only cash must have a working ATM on site (Transp. § 21-10A-05(c))
- Right to be towed only with the lot owner's prior authorization, which must include photos of the violation (Transp. § 21-10A-04(a)(5))
- Right to 7-day written notification
- Right to personal property access
- Right to file complaints with the Maryland Attorney General
How to File a Complaint in Maryland
Complaint Agency
If you believe you were unfairly towed or overcharged, file a complaint with:
Maryland Attorney General Consumer Protection Division
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 Maryland Attorney General Consumer Protection Division.
- 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.
- Maryland Transportation Code § 21-10A-02 (Signs)
law.justia.com
Regulated by Maryland Attorney General Consumer Protection Division.
Last reviewed by Daniel Richardson against Maryland's official state statutes and regulator schedules.
Check your tow bill
Dispute towing fees