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

If your car was just towed in Tennessee - from a private lot, a crash scene, or a Highway Patrol rotation call - this page explains what state law says about the fees you can be charged, how to get your vehicle back, and where to file a complaint. Every fact below comes directly from Tennessee statutes and regulator pages, each cited so you can verify it yourself.

Who regulates towing in Tennessee

Tennessee has no statewide tow operator license. The Division of Consumer Affairs, housed within the Consumer Protection Division of the Tennessee Attorney General's Office, is the clearinghouse for consumer complaints about unfair or deceptive towing practices. You can file a complaint through the online "File a Complaint" page on tn.gov.

What a tow can cost

Tennessee doesn't set statewide maximum towing rates. Towing companies certified for the Highway Patrol rotation must file their current tow and storage rates on the Tow/Storage Rates Disclosure Form (SF-1118) with the District Wrecker Lieutenant, and post those rates in a conspicuous place at the company office. State guidance requires those rates to be reasonable, fair, equitable, and competitive with other certified towing companies in the same district.

Since there's no single statewide dollar cap, ask the towing company to show you its filed and posted rate sheet, and compare it with other certified companies in your district. Our towing cost calculator can help you check whether an itemized bill looks in line with typical charges.

Getting your car back from impound

Tennessee garagekeepers must send you and any lienholder a notice that includes an itemized statement of charges and a payment due date of no less than 10 days from delivery of that notice. If the vehicle still isn't claimed, it can be advertised and then auctioned no less than 15 days from the date of first publication. Storage charges can't run past 60 days without your or the lienholder's consent, and once you present payment for towing and storage, the garagekeeper is required to release the vehicle or risk civil liability.

If you're towed from private property

Tennessee requires authorization from the property owner or their agent before a vehicle can be towed from private property that's open to the public. Notice of the towing arrangement - including the garagekeeper's name and phone number - must be posted at each designated entrance and exit of the property.

After an accident

Tennessee requires an owner or driver to file an Owner Operator Report within 20 days of a crash involving death or injury, property damage over $1,500, or damage to state or local government property over $400.

The Move Over law

Tennessee Code Annotated 55-8-132 requires drivers to move into an adjacent lane of traffic when it's safe to do so, or otherwise to slow down, when passing emergency vehicles, recovery (tow) vehicles, highway maintenance vehicles, solid waste vehicles, and utility service vehicles that have their flashing lights on. Violators face a fine of up to $500 and possibly up to 30 days in jail.

FAQ

Is there a statewide cap on towing rates in Tennessee? No. Tennessee requires rotation-certified towing companies to file and post their rates, and those rates must be reasonable and competitive within their district, but there's no single statewide dollar maximum.

How long can a Tennessee garagekeeper hold my car before selling it? After sending you and any lienholder proper notice, the vehicle can be advertised and auctioned no less than 15 days from first publication, and storage can't be charged beyond 60 days without your consent.

What do I need to do before towing a car from private property in Tennessee? You need authorization from the property owner or their agent, and notice - including the garagekeeper's name and phone number - must be posted at each entrance and exit of the property.

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