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

Towing Laws in Montana

Max tow:No statewide capMax storage:No statewide cap

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 Montana (MT).

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

After a non-consensual private-property tow, the tow operator must notify local law enforcement. The vehicle owner must receive written notice within 15 days (MCA 61-8-913). Specific law enforcement notification timeframes vary by secondary sources and are not clearly fixed in the reviewed statute text.

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 notification of tow location
Right to retrieve personal belongings
Right to written receipt
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 Consumer Protection Office

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 Montana Attorney General Consumer Protection Office 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.

MCA 61-8-913 (notice to owner; payment of removal and storage costs)
mca.legmt.gov
MCA 61-8-906 (liability insurance; storage requirements)
mca.legmt.gov
MCA 71-3-1201 (towing/storage lien; "reasonable cost")
mca.legmt.gov

Regulated by Montana Attorney General Consumer Protection Office.

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

Towing Costs in Montana

Average towing costs in Montana range from $85 to $170 for a local tow.

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

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.