Key Towing Laws in New Hampshire
RSA 262
New Hampshire Revised Statutes governing vehicle towing and impoundment.
Private Property Towing
Property owners can authorize towing of unauthorized vehicles with proper signage.
Winter Towing Rules
Special provisions for towing during winter weather events and snow emergencies.
Operator Requirements
Tow operators must be properly licensed and insured.
Notification & Signage Requirements
Police Notification
For private-property tows, the property owner who has the car removed must notify a peace officer as soon as reasonably possible (RSA 262:40-a).
Signage Requirements
For parking lot or garage tows, charges cannot be billed to the owner unless a conspicuous notice is posted there that illegally parked vehicles are subject to towing at the owner's expense (RSA 262:40-a).
Your Rights in New Hampshire
- Right to an attempt to notify you of the removal and where the car was taken, if you can be identified from registration records (RSA 262:34)
- Right to get essentials such as wallets, house keys, medicine and eyeglasses back without paying first; other items may be held until fees are paid (RSA 262:35-a)
- Right to a detailed receipt when you pay a towing company on the State Police tow list (RSA 106-B:30)
- Right to dispute charges
- Right to file complaints
How to File a Complaint in New Hampshire
Complaint Agency
If you believe you were unfairly towed or overcharged, file a complaint with:
New Hampshire Department of Safety, Commissioner of Safety
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 New Hampshire Department of Safety, Commissioner of Safety.
- 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 New Hampshire Department of Safety, Commissioner of Safety.
Last reviewed by Daniel Richardson against New Hampshire's official state statutes and regulator schedules.
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