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Towing Laws in Tennessee

Max tow:$100Max storage:No statewide cap
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 Tennessee (TN).

Max Tow Fee

No single statewide dollar cap; tow fee limited to the Tennessee Highway Patrol district-approved maximum (TCA 55-31-404, 2025 MOTION Act). Release fee capped at $100 statewide; boot removal capped at $75. Local rate ordinances preempted by state law.

Max Storage Fee

No statewide daily-dollar cap; storage capped at the THP-district-approved maximum. No fee on days the vehicle is unavailable for release or when a gate/access fee is already charged; 21-day limit without owner consent or notice. Storage begins 24 hours after the tow.

Signage Required

Yes

Police Notification

Required

Charged more than Tennessee allows?

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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

Law enforcement notification required for non-consensual tows.

Signage Requirements

Private property must display visible towing enforcement signs.

Your Rights in Tennessee

  • Right to notification of tow
  • Right to vehicle retrieval during business hours
  • Right to personal property access
  • 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 Division of Consumer Affairs

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 Tennessee Division of Consumer Affairs 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 Tennessee Division of Consumer Affairs.

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

Towing Costs in Tennessee

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Are towing rates regulated in Tennessee?
Tennessee does not have statewide rate regulations. Nashville and Memphis have local ordinances with fee limits. Check with your local government.
How do I get my car out of the Nashville impound?
Contact the Nashville Metro Police to locate your vehicle. Visit the impound facility with ID, registration, and payment. Nashville has specific fee schedules for non-consensual tows.
Can I dispute a tow in Tennessee?
Yes. File a complaint with the Tennessee Division of Consumer Affairs. You can also pursue matters in general sessions court.

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