Skip to content
T
Towed?Estimate
T
TowingCosts.com

Towing Laws in New Mexico

Max tow:$100Max storage:$10
Billed over these limits? Get your money back - $29Impounded? Get your car out - $19 release plan

Storage fees stack up every day your car sits in the lot - the sooner you act, the less you owe.

Reviewed by Daniel Richardson

Know your rights: towing regulations, maximum fees, and consumer protections in New Mexico (NM).

Max Tow Fee

Statewide cap: $100 first mile/hookup + $5/mi (Class A/B); regulated by NMDOT TRB

Max Storage Fee

$10-$20/day statewide cap by facility type (Class A/B); +$1/day/ft over 25'

Signage Required

Yes

Police Notification

Required

Charged more than New Mexico allows?

If a company billed you above New Mexico's legal maximum, you can push back. Build a ready-to-send demand letter on these exact fee limits and send it yourself - in minutes.

Get the documents to dispute my bill →

Key Towing Laws in New Mexico

PRC Regulation

New Mexico Public Regulation Commission oversees towing operations and sets rate limits for non-consensual tows.

NMSA 66-3-510

New Mexico statutes governing vehicle towing and impoundment procedures.

Albuquerque Specific Rules

City of Albuquerque has additional towing ordinances and enforcement procedures.

Operator Licensing

All tow operators must be licensed by the PRC and maintain adequate insurance.

Notification & Signage Requirements

Police Notification

Towing operator must notify the vehicle owner and lienholder by certified mail on MVD Form 10058 within 2 business days of a non-consensual tow. Law enforcement notification is required only when an altered, mutilated, or missing VIN is discovered. (18.3.12.23.B; 18.3.12.22 NMAC)

Signage Requirements

Commercial properties and apartment complexes must post visible signs warning that illegally parked vehicles may be towed. Signs must specify the exact start and end hours when parking is considered illegal. (18.3.12.14.A(4)(b) NMAC)

Your Rights in New Mexico

  • Right to PRC-regulated maximum rates
  • Right to notification of tow
  • Right to personal property access
  • Right to itemized receipt
  • Right to file PRC complaints

How to File a Complaint in New Mexico

Complaint Agency

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

New Mexico Public Regulation Commission

Visit Website

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. Contact the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission to file a formal complaint.
  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 New Mexico Public Regulation Commission.

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

Towing Costs in New Mexico

Average towing costs in New Mexico range from $75 to $140 for a local tow.

View New Mexico Towing CostsCalculate Your Towing CostNew Mexico impound & storage feesWhat to do with an abandoned or junk vehicle

Frequently Asked Questions

Who regulates towing in New Mexico?
The New Mexico Public Regulation Commission regulates towing companies, sets maximum rates for non-consensual tows, and investigates consumer complaints.
What are the towing fee caps in New Mexico?
The PRC sets maximum rates that vary by vehicle type and service. Contact the PRC for current rate schedules.
How do I file a towing complaint in New Mexico?
File a complaint with the New Mexico PRC. You can submit complaints online or by phone. They investigate licensed operators and can impose penalties for violations.

Calculate Your Towing Cost

Get an instant cost estimate with our free calculator.

Calculate Towing Cost

Browse Towing Costs

By State

ALAKAZARCACOCTDEFLGAHIIDILINIAKSKYLAMEMDMAMIMNMSMOMTNENVNHNJNMNYNCNDOHOKORPARISCSDTNTXUTVTVAWAWVWIWY

Popular Cities

New York City, NYLos Angeles, CAChicago, ILHouston, TXPhoenix, AZPhiladelphia, PASan Antonio, TXSan Diego, CADallas, TXSan Jose, CA
Cost CalculatorAll StatesTowing GuideAbout UsMethodologySite Map

What to do next

Dispute a Tow Bill

Your state sets the rules - if the bill exceeds them, fight back with a demand letter. 30-day guarantee.