Towing Laws in Massachusetts: Your Rights, Costs & Impound Rules

If your car was just towed in Massachusetts - from a parking lot, a trespass tow, or a crash scene - this page explains what state law says about the fees you can be charged, how to get your vehicle and belongings back, and where to file a complaint. Every fact below comes directly from Massachusetts statutes and state agencies, each cited so you can verify it yourself.

Who regulates towing in Massachusetts

The Transportation Oversight Division of the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) regulates towing companies and takes complaints against them. You can file through the online complaint form, or reach the Division at One South Station, 3rd Floor, Boston, MA 02110, by phone at (617) 305-3559, or by email at DPU.Transportation@mass.gov.

What a tow can cost

The DPU sets maximum rates for police-ordered and involuntary tows under 220 CMR 272.00 and G.L. c.159B § 6B. For non-commercial vehicles, the maximum involuntary tow charge is $132.00, and storage is capped at $35.00 per 24-hour period. It's worth noting that the Department doesn't regulate towing that you personally request - those arrangements aren't subject to the same caps.

Since these caps apply specifically to involuntary and police-ordered tows, check whether your tow falls into that category before comparing your bill against the limit. Our towing cost calculator can help you check an itemized invoice against these figures.

Getting your car back from impound

Under MGL c.255 § 39A, a garage holding your car for unpaid storage can sell it after sixty days from the date it was brought in, but only if you haven't claimed it within twenty-one days after it sends you registered-mail notice of its intent to sell. Before the sale can happen, notice must be published for three successive weeks in a newspaper, and the local police chief must be notified at least five days beforehand. If the vehicle is sold, any surplus proceeds beyond what's owed are held for you as the owner.

If you're towed from private property

Massachusetts allows a private-property tow only after direct or posted notice, and the person authorizing the tow must give advance notice to the Boston Police Commissioner or their designee. If you show up before the tow is finished, the company can charge you no more than one-half of its usual tow fee to stop.

After an accident

Massachusetts requires an operator to file a crash report within 5 days when anyone is killed or injured, or when damage to any one vehicle or other property exceeds $1,000. A copy of that report also has to go to the police department with jurisdiction over the crash location.

The Move Over law

MGL c.89 § 7C requires drivers approaching a stationary emergency response, highway maintenance, or recovery vehicle - which covers tow trucks - with flashing lights activated to proceed with due caution and reduce to a reasonable and safe speed. On highways with at least four lanes, drivers must move to a lane away from the stopped vehicle if it's practical to do so. A violation carries a fine of not more than $100.

Chains & winter traction

Massachusetts doesn't regulate tire chains directly, but MGL c.90 § 16 bans metal studded tires on public ways between May 1 and November 1 for anyone other than the operator of an emergency fire vehicle - though the registrar can authorize earlier use if weather conditions warrant it. A violation carries a fine of not more than $50.

FAQ

What's the maximum a Massachusetts tow company can charge for an involuntary tow? For non-commercial vehicles, the DPU caps involuntary and police-ordered tows at $132.00, with storage capped at $35.00 per 24-hour period. Owner-requested tows aren't subject to this cap.

How long can a Massachusetts garage hold my car before selling it for unpaid storage? At least sixty days from when it was brought in, and only after you've had twenty-one days to respond to a registered-mail notice of intent to sell, plus published notice for three successive weeks.

Who do I complain to about a Massachusetts towing company? The Transportation Oversight Division of the Department of Public Utilities handles towing complaints. File online, call (617) 305-3559, or email DPU.Transportation@mass.gov.

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