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Towing Laws in Oregon

Max tow:$196Max storage:$32/day
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 Oregon (OR).

Max Tow Fee

No statewide cap - ORS 98.859 lets each city or county set maximum non-consensual tow rates (ODOT does not regulate rates); e.g., City of Portland PPI: $196 Class A hookup, $206 Class B, $363/hr Class C

Max Storage Fee

No statewide cap - set locally under ORS 98.859; e.g., City of Portland PPI storage $32/day (under 20 ft) to $43/day (over 20 ft), after a 4-hour grace period

Signage Required

Yes

Police Notification

Required

Charged more than Oregon allows?

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Key Towing Laws in Oregon

ORS 98.810-818 - Private Property Towing

Comprehensive regulations for non-consensual towing from private property including rate caps and signage requirements.

Locally Set Rates (ORS 98.859)

Maximum non-consensual tow and storage rates are set by city or county ordinance under ORS 98.859. The Oregon Department of Transportation does not set these rates.

Portland Specific Rules

City of Portland has additional towing ordinances and consumer protections.

Vehicle Owner Presence

If the vehicle owner is present, the tow operator must give them the opportunity to remove the vehicle.

Notification & Signage Requirements

Police Notification

Tower must notify local law enforcement of the vehicle's storage location within one hour of towing. Written notice to the owner and each interested person must be delivered within three business days of storage. (ORS 98.812)

Signage Requirements

A sign displayed in plain view at the parking facility must use clear and conspicuous language prohibiting or restricting public parking before a non-consensual tow may proceed. (ORS 98.854(1)(a))

Your Rights in Oregon

  • Right to locally set maximum rates (ORS 98.859)
  • Right to remove vehicle if present during tow attempt
  • Right to written notification within 3 business days
  • Right to personal property access
  • Right to file complaints with the Oregon Department of Justice

How to File a Complaint in Oregon

Complaint Agency

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

Oregon Department of Justice - 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. Contact the Oregon Department of Justice - Consumer Protection 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 Oregon Department of Justice - Consumer Protection.

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

Towing Costs in Oregon

Average towing costs in Oregon range from $90 to $170 for a local tow.

View Oregon Towing CostsCalculate Your Towing CostOregon impound & storage feesWhat to do with an abandoned or junk vehicle

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the maximum towing fees in Oregon?
Maximum non-consensual tow and storage rates in Oregon are set locally by city or county ordinance under ORS 98.859. Check your local ordinance for the current cap. For example, the City of Portland sets its own private-property impound rates.
Can I prevent a tow if I am present in Oregon?
Yes. Under Oregon law, if you are present when a tow operator attempts to tow your vehicle from private property, the operator must give you the opportunity to remove the vehicle yourself before towing it.
How do I dispute a tow in Oregon?
File a complaint with the Oregon Department of Justice Consumer Protection office. Keep all documentation and act quickly to preserve your rights.

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