Key Towing Laws in Tennessee
TCA 55-16
Tennessee Code governing vehicle towing and storage operations.
Nashville Metro Regulations
Nashville-Davidson County has specific towing ordinances and rate regulations.
Memphis Regulations
City of Memphis has additional local towing rules.
Vehicle Release
Tow facilities must release vehicles during business hours with proper documentation and payment.
Notification & Signage Requirements
Police Notification
If the owner is not present, the tower must report the tow within one hour to the law enforcement agency for the place it was towed from, or into the state motor vehicle portal once that is in use (TCA 55-31-204(d)).
Signage Requirements
On commercial lots and other property open to the public, signs at each entrance and exit must warn that unauthorized cars may be towed and give the tow company's name and phone number. No sign is needed for a car left over 12 hours, blocking access, creating a hazard or parked illegally.
Your Rights in Tennessee
- Right to notice within three business days after the lot verifies ownership of a towed abandoned or illegally parked car, or storage is limited to six days (TCA 55-31-302)
- Right to pay no storage fee for any day your car is not available for release, unless police placed a hold (TCA 55-31-207(b))
- Right to get your personal property from the car free of charge during normal business hours, for tows requested by the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP towing manual)
- Right to written receipt
- Right to file consumer affairs complaints
How to File a Complaint in Tennessee
Complaint Agency
If you believe you were unfairly towed or overcharged, file a complaint with:
Tennessee Attorney General's Office, Division of Consumer Affairs
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 Tennessee Attorney General's Office, Division of Consumer Affairs.
- 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.
- Tennessee Public Chapter 457 (2025), MOTION Act - TCA Title 55 Ch. 31 (55-31-204, 55-31-404); effective July 1, 2025
publications.tnsosfiles.com · PDF
- Tennessee Public Chapter 1017 (2024), MOTION Act - original Title 55 Ch. 31 codification; effective July 1, 2024
publications.tnsosfiles.com · PDF
Regulated by Tennessee Attorney General's Office, Division of Consumer Affairs.
Last reviewed by Daniel Richardson against Tennessee's official state statutes and regulator schedules.
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