Ohio Towing Laws: Your Rights When Your Car Is Towed
Primary law: Ohio Rev. Code §§ 4513.60–4513.601; Ohio Adm. Code 4901:2-24-03 · Last verified July 2026. General information, not legal advice.
Ohio is one of the stronger states for towed drivers. Private tow-away zones are governed by Ohio Rev. Code 4513.601, and the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) regulates the towing companies themselves, including their maximum prices. Lots must post 18-by-24-inch tow-away signs visible from every entrance listing who may park, when the rules are enforced, and how to reach the tower, and the tower must report the tow to the sheriff or police within two hours.
Fees are capped by PUCO rule: as of January 1, 2026, a private-property tow of a normal passenger vehicle can cost no more than $144, with storage capped at $22 per day, and no other fees may be added beyond those the rule or statute authorizes. If you catch the truck before your car leaves the lot, you owe at most half the towing fee. Towers must generally accept credit cards, store cars within 25 miles, and let you retrieve personal items without paying the tow bill.
If you're towed in Ohio, call the local police or sheriff, who should have the tow on record within two hours. At the lot, retrieve urgent personal belongings with proof of ownership even before paying, and demand an itemized bill. Check every number against the PUCO caps, pay by card if you prefer, and file a complaint with PUCO if the tower overcharged, refused cards, or lacked proper signage.
Ohio towing rules at a glance
| Non-consent tow fee cap | Yes — PUCO caps private-property tow fees at $144 plus $22 per day storage for vehicles under 10,001 lbs ($247/$38 for 10,001-26,000 lbs; $410/$82 above that), effective January 1, 2026, and bars any fees not listed in the rule. |
| Drop fee (truck still on scene) | Yes — If the owner arrives before the vehicle is actually removed from the lot, the tower must release it for no more than one-half of the towing fee. |
| Kickback ban | Unclear / not verified |
| Warning signage required | Yes — Private tow-away zones require signs at least 18 by 24 inches, visible from every entrance, stating the tow-away warning, who may park, enforcement hours, and the towing service's contact information. |
| Notice requirement | The towing service must notify the county sheriff or local police within two hours of the tow with the vehicle description, storage location, date and time of removal, and recovery contact information. |
| Personal property retrieval | Yes |
| Credit cards must be accepted | Yes |
| Right to challenge the tow | Unclear / not verified |
| Hold period before sale | unclear |
How to get your car back in Ohio
- Call the county sheriff or local police; the tow must be reported within two hours.
- If the truck is still on the lot, pay no more than half the tow fee to stop it.
- Retrieve essential personal items from the car with ID, no fee required.
- Compare the itemized bill to PUCO caps ($144 tow, $22/day storage for standard cars) and pay by credit card.
- Report overcharges or missing signage to PUCO's transportation department.
Recent law changes (2024–2026)
PUCO's updated fee rule (Ohio Adm. Code 4901:2-24-03) took effect January 1, 2026, setting the current maximums of $144 towing and $22 per day storage for standard vehicles and prohibiting all unlisted charges.
Where to complain about an illegal tow
Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) handles towing complaints in Ohio. Keep your receipt, photos of any signage (or lack of it), and notes on dates and times — they decide most fee disputes.
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