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Towing Laws in Montana

Max tow: No statewide capMax storage: No statewide cap
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Reviewed by Daniel Richardson

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

Max Tow Fee

No statewide cap

Max Storage Fee

No statewide cap

Signage Required

No

Police Notification

Required

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Key Towing Laws in Montana

MCA 61-12

Montana Code governing vehicle towing, storage, and lien procedures.

Rural Towing Considerations

Montana wide-open distances mean towing costs can be significantly higher due to long-distance travel.

Private Property Authorization

Property owners must authorize non-consensual tows with proper documentation.

Lien Sale Procedures

Montana has specific procedures for tow companies to obtain liens on unclaimed vehicles.

Notification & Signage Requirements

Police Notification

For a wrecked or disabled vehicle towed from a public roadway at police request, the tow operator must send the owner or lienholder a certified letter within 15 days (MCA 61-8-913). This rule does not cover private-property tows.

Signage Requirements

No clearly established statewide signage mandate found in the Montana Professional Tow Truck Act or ARM 23.6. Posted warning-sign expectations are described by secondary sources but are not anchored to a confirmed primary statute provision. Requirements may vary locally.

Your Rights in Montana

  • Right to police notice of where the vehicle is stored if police took it as abandoned and can identify you (MCA 61-12-402)
  • Right to have essentials such as prescriptions, ID, cash, cards, wallets and child safety items left out of the towing lien (MCA 71-3-1201)
  • Right to dispute unfair charges
  • Right to file complaints with Attorney General

How to File a Complaint in Montana

Complaint Agency

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

Montana Attorney General, Office of Consumer Protection

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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 Montana Attorney General, Office of Consumer Protection.
  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 Montana Attorney General, Office of Consumer Protection.

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is towing expensive in Montana?
Montana large geographic area and rural roads mean tow companies often travel long distances. This increases costs. Limited competition in rural areas also affects pricing.
What are my rights when towed in Montana?
You have the right to know where your vehicle is stored, access personal belongings, receive an itemized receipt, and file complaints with the Attorney General if you believe you were unfairly charged.
How long before a tow company can sell my car in Montana?
Montana law requires proper notification before a vehicle can be sold. Typically, the tow company must wait a minimum period after sending notice to the registered owner. Contact the tow company or local authorities for specific timelines.

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