Key Towing Laws in Ohio
PUCO Rate Regulation
The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio regulates non-consensual towing rates and storage fees statewide.
ORC 4513.60
Ohio Revised Code governing towing from private property, including notification and fee requirements.
Columbus/Cleveland Regulations
Major Ohio cities have additional local towing regulations.
Vehicle Release Timeline
Tow companies must release vehicles within 30 minutes of payment during business hours.
Notification & Signage Requirements
Police Notification
Towing service must notify the county sheriff or local police within two hours of removing the vehicle. For unclaimed vehicles, notice must be sent to the owner and lienholder by certified or express mail within five business days after identity is provided. (ORC 4513.601)
Signage Requirements
Signs at least eighteen by twenty-four inches, visible from all entrances, must say the property is a tow-away zone, who may park there, the enforcement hours if not enforced at all times, the phone number and address where a towed car can be recovered day or night, and that failure to recover it may result in loss of title (ORC 4513.601).
Your Rights in Ohio
- Right to PUCO-regulated maximum rates
- Right to pay no more than half the towing fee and get the vehicle released if you arrive before it is removed from the property (ORC 4513.601(C))
- Right to written notification within 5 business days of your identity being obtained (ORC 4513.601)
- Right to personal property access at no charge
- Right to file PUCO complaints
How to File a Complaint in Ohio
Complaint Agency
If you believe you were unfairly towed or overcharged, file a complaint with:
Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO)
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 Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO).
- 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 Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO).
Last reviewed by Daniel Richardson against Ohio's official state statutes and regulator schedules.
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