Getting towed is one of the worst surprises you can have. You walk out to your car and it’s just… gone.
Knowing Alabama’s towing laws can save you money, stress, and a whole lot of confusion. Let’s break it all down.
What Is a Towing Law?
A towing law is a rule about when, how, and why a vehicle can be removed and taken somewhere else. These laws protect both vehicle owners and property owners.
In Alabama, towing laws cover public roads, private parking lots, and everything in between. They tell you who can tow, when they can do it, and what they have to do after. Pretty important stuff, right?
Who Can Actually Tow Your Car in Alabama?
Okay, this one surprises a lot of people. Not just anyone can hook up your car and drive off.
Law enforcement officers have the most authority. A police officer can order your vehicle towed if it’s blocking traffic, is involved in a crime, or creates a safety hazard. Under Alabama Code 32-13-2, police can also tow any vehicle left unattended on a public road for more than 48 hours.
Private property owners also have the right to tow. If your car is parked on someone else’s land without permission, they can have it removed. This includes apartment complexes, shopping centers, and business parking lots.
Towing companies must follow state licensing rules. They have to meet requirements set by the Alabama Public Service Commission. If they don’t follow the rules, they can lose their license to operate.
Basic Towing Laws in Alabama
When Can Your Car Be Towed From a Public Road?
This happens more than people think. Your car can be towed from a public road under several conditions.
If you leave your car unattended on a public street for more than 48 hours, it can be removed. If your car is parked in a fire lane or blocking an emergency vehicle, it can be towed right away. If your car is connected to an impoundment order for unpaid tickets, it can be taken too.
Wondering if temporary events count? Yes, they do. During special events like football games in Tuscaloosa or parades in Mobile, cities can set up temporary no-parking zones. If your car is there after proper notice, it can be towed.
When Can Your Car Be Towed From Private Property?
Hold on, this part is important. Private property towing has its own set of rules.
A property owner or their agent can have your car towed if it’s parked there without permission. This is true for apartment lots, business parking areas, and private driveways. Under Alabama Code 35-12-90, property owners are allowed to remove vehicles that don’t belong there.
Signage matters a lot here. Alabama doesn’t have one single statewide sign requirement for all private lots. But many cities do require clear warning signs. Cities like Huntsville and Mobile require visible signs telling drivers that unauthorized vehicles will be towed at the owner’s expense. If the required signs weren’t posted, you may have a case to challenge the tow.
Notice Requirements After a Tow
So what happens right after your car gets towed? Good question, and this part really matters.
When law enforcement orders a tow, the agency must notify the last known registered owner within five business days. They send this notice by certified mail. Under Alabama Code 32-13-3, the notice must include where your vehicle is, why it was towed, and how to get it back.
For private non-consensual tows, the towing company must report the removal to local law enforcement within one hour of the tow. They must also send written notice to the vehicle owner within three business days. That notice needs to include storage fees, their contact information, and the deadline to pick up the car.
This is actually one of the most important parts of the law. If a towing company skips the notice step, they may not be allowed to charge storage fees beyond that point. Keep that in mind.
How to Get Your Car Back
Don’t worry, we’ll break it down step by step.
First, find out where your car was taken. If a police officer ordered the tow, call your local police department. They can tell you which storage facility has your vehicle.
Next, bring what you need. Under Alabama Code 32-13-4, you’ll need proof of ownership like your vehicle title or registration. You’ll also need a valid ID. Have these ready before you go.
Then pay the fees. Towing and storage fees must be paid before you get your car back. These fees can add up fast, especially if the car sits for a few days. The longer you wait, the more you’ll owe.
Here’s something most people don’t know. If a lienholder exists, meaning someone who has a financial claim on the car like a lender, they can also reclaim the vehicle if the registered owner doesn’t act.
What Happens If No One Claims the Car?
Let’s talk about the worst case. If your vehicle sits unclaimed for more than 35 days, the towing company can sell it through a public auction to recover their costs. This is a real thing that happens.
Before any auction, lienholders must be notified by law. The sale must follow strict legal steps. But if you miss that 35-day window and nothing happens to pause it, your car could be gone for good.
Honestly, this is the part most people miss. Act fast. The clock starts the moment your car gets towed.
Penalties for Towing Companies That Break the Rules
Now, here’s where things get serious. Towing companies aren’t above the law.
If a towing company fails to follow notification or fee regulations, they can face civil penalties under Alabama Code 32-13-6. If they overcharge you, you have the right to file a complaint with the Alabama Public Service Commission or a local consumer protection agency.
Courts in Alabama have ordered towing companies to refund fees they collected illegally. If you were charged way more than you expected, that might be worth looking into.
Towing violations can result in fines of up to $500 per violation. Think of it like a fine for bad business practices, but directed at the towing company instead of you.
What About Kickbacks?
This one’s interesting. Alabama has strong laws against towing companies paying property owners under the table. This is called a kickback.
It’s basically illegal for a towing company to pay a property owner money in exchange for towing business from that property. These laws exist to stop shady deals where your car gets towed not because it was actually a problem, but because someone wanted to make money off of you. Good law, if you ask me.
Recent Updates Worth Knowing
A few things changed recently that you should be aware of.
As of June 1, 2024, towing companies in Decatur must notify police at least 30 minutes before repossessing a vehicle. This rule was put in place to prevent someone from reporting their car stolen when it was just being repossessed.
Some Alabama counties have also tightened notification rules for lienholders, shortening the timeline from 30 days to 15 days in some cases. That means lienholders hear about a tow faster than they used to.
New state rules also increased the minimum insurance required for non-consensual tows to $300,000. This gives consumers more protection if something goes wrong during a tow.
How to Dispute a Tow in Alabama
Think your car was towed illegally? You’re not alone. It happens.
Alabama law allows you to challenge a tow through civil court. Start by documenting everything. Take photos of where your car was parked. Note whether proper signs were posted. Write down the date and time you discovered your car was gone.
Contact the towing company directly first. Ask for an itemized bill. Compare what they’re charging to what’s considered reasonable and customary in the area. If something seems off, file a complaint with the Alabama Public Service Commission.
Keep all receipts and paperwork. If you end up in court, those documents are your best friends.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can my car sit on a public road before it gets towed in Alabama?
A vehicle left unattended on a public road for more than 48 hours can be towed by law enforcement. Don’t push it past two days.
Can a private lot tow my car without any warning signs?
Alabama doesn’t have a single statewide sign rule, but many cities require them. If the city where you were parked requires signs and there were none, you may be able to dispute the tow legally.
How long do I have to pick up my towed car before it gets sold?
You generally have around 35 days before the towing company can move forward with auctioning your vehicle. Act sooner rather than later to avoid extra storage fees.
Can I be charged storage fees from the moment my car is towed?
Towing companies cannot charge storage fees until at least 24 hours after the tow, or 72 hours after a Traffic Hazard Impoundment. If they charge before that, push back.
What can I do if I think a towing company overcharged me?
File a complaint with the Alabama Public Service Commission. You can also take the matter to civil court if you believe you were illegally charged. Save your receipts and all related paperwork.
Final Thoughts
Now you know the basics of Alabama towing laws. There are real rules in place to protect you, but they only help if you know about them.
If your car gets towed, act fast. Get your documents together. Know your rights before you walk into that storage lot. And if something feels wrong about your situation, look into it. You have legal options.
Stay informed, stay calm, and when in doubt, talk to a local attorney.
