Key Towing Laws in Pennsylvania
Reasonable-Cost Rule (75 Pa.C.S. 3353)
Non-consensual towing and storage charges must be reasonable and are set by municipal ordinance under 75 Pa.C.S. 3353(c); the statutory default storage cap is $25 per day where no municipal rate applies. The Public Utility Commission does not regulate non-consensual towing (excluded from PUC jurisdiction per 66 Pa.C.S. 102).
Title 66 Pa.C.S.
Pennsylvania consolidated statutes governing public utility services including towing.
Philadelphia Parking Authority
Philadelphia has its own towing enforcement through the Parking Authority.
Vehicle Damage Liability
Tow companies are liable for any damage caused during the towing process.
Notification & Signage Requirements
Police Notification
No statewide notification timeline; police notice and owner notice requirements for non-consensual tows vary by municipal ordinance in Pennsylvania. (75 Pa.C.S. § 3353)
Signage Requirements
Signs should stand at each entrance to a private lot facing entering traffic (or, with no designated entrances, where drivers can readily see them). The main restriction needs letters at least 3 inches high, plus 1 inch per 25 ft when the sign is more than 75 ft from the entrance. Towing from a private lot is prohibited unless it is posted this way. (67 Pa. Code § 212.115)
Your Rights in Pennsylvania
- Right to pay only the reasonable cost of a private-property tow, or the municipal rate where one is set, and no more than $25 a day for storage unless your municipality sets its own (75 Pa.C.S. § 3353(c))
- Right to personal property access
- Right to itemized receipt
- Right to file complaints with the Pennsylvania Attorney General
How to File a Complaint in Pennsylvania
Complaint Agency
If you believe you were unfairly towed or overcharged, file a complaint with:
Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General - Bureau of Consumer Protection
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 Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General - Bureau of Consumer Protection.
- 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 Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General - Bureau of Consumer Protection.
Last reviewed by Daniel Richardson against Pennsylvania's official state statutes and regulator schedules.
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