Towing Laws in Louisiana (2026): Your Rights Before They Hook Your Car

Getting towed is one of the most frustrating things that can happen to you. One minute your car is there. The next, it’s gone. And suddenly you’re scrambling to figure out where it is and how much it’s going to cost you.

Louisiana has real laws to protect you in these situations. Knowing them can save you hundreds of dollars. This guide breaks it all down.

What Is Non-Consensual Towing?

Non-consensual towing means your car was moved without your permission. It sounds simple, but it matters legally.

Louisiana law defines it as any tow done without the vehicle owner’s approval. This includes private property tows, police-ordered tows, and even tows you request through a law enforcement agency. That last one might surprise you. Yep, even if you called the police and they called the tow truck, Louisiana still classifies that as non-consensual. That means fee caps apply.

Pretty important to know, right?

Who Regulates Towing in Louisiana?

The Louisiana Public Service Commission, or LPSC, is basically the referee. They set the maximum rates that towing companies can charge for non-consensual tows across the state.

The Louisiana Towing and Storage Act, found under Title 32 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes, is the main law that governs the industry. The Department of Public Safety and Corrections, through the Office of State Police, also has authority to set rules and regulate tow truck companies.

Basic Towing Laws in Louisiana

Tow Truck Licensing

Every tow truck in Louisiana must have a towing license plate. Operating without one is illegal. Tow truck owners pay an annual fee of $150 per truck to keep their license active.

Not sure if the company that towed you was licensed? You have the right to ask. A licensed company must follow all state rules. An unlicensed one is already breaking the law.

Private Property Towing Rules

Okay, this one is important. If a property owner wants to tow unauthorized vehicles, they have to follow specific steps first.

Signs must be posted at clearly visible locations at every entrance and exit to the property. Those signs must warn drivers that unauthorized vehicles may be towed. And if there are specific spots where towing is enforced, each of those areas must be marked too.

The signs must include the name, address, and phone number of the towing company. The lettering must be at least two inches tall. No sign? That tow could be illegal.

Wondering if a tow was done by the book? Check for proper signage before you pay. It matters.

Who Can Authorize a Private Property Tow?

A property owner or their authorized representative can order a tow. Here is a key detail: the authorized representative cannot be the tow truck owner or operator. That rule exists to prevent shady kickback arrangements where tow companies pressure property owners to let them patrol lots and hook cars.

Louisiana actually has no law banning tow companies from paying property owners kickbacks. But the rule above helps limit conflicts of interest. Personally, I think that gap in the law is worth knowing about.

Current Towing Rates in Louisiana (2026)

Hold on, this part is important. Rates went up on April 1, 2026.

The LPSC updated the rate schedule based on a 4% increase tied to the Producer Price Index. These are the maximum rates towing companies can charge for non-consensual tows.

Light Duty Vehicles (10,000 lbs or less)

This covers most standard cars, sedans, and smaller trucks. For a private property tow, the flat rate is $152.50. If the job requires repositioning equipment, a fold-down light bar, or an extra operator, the rate goes up to $186.00. The tow company must document the reason for the higher charge.

For a standard light duty tow that is not a flat-rate private property tow, the rate is $152.50 per hour, with a minimum of 1.5 hours.

Medium Duty Vehicles (10,001 to 26,000 lbs)

This covers larger trucks and some commercial vehicles. The towing rate is $335.00 per hour, with a one-hour minimum.

Heavy Duty Vehicles (26,001 lbs and up)

Big rigs, semis, and heavy commercial vehicles fall here. The rate is $430.50 per hour, with a one-hour minimum.

These are the legal caps. If a tow company charges you more, they are breaking the law.

Storage Fees and After-Hours Charges

So what happens after your car is at the lot? Storage fees keep adding up by the calendar day. A power unit and trailer are counted as two separate vehicles for storage purposes.

Normal business hours in Louisiana are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. If you pick up your car outside of those hours, the tow company can charge a gate fee. That fee is set by the LPSC.

Here is something most people miss: during normal business hours, tow companies cannot charge you to retrieve your personal belongings from a stored vehicle. If your wallet or medication is in there, you can get it during business hours for free. After hours, they can charge a fee.

What Must Be on Your Invoice?

Every tow company must give you a billing invoice when you pick up your vehicle. This is required by law. The invoice must include specific information about the tow, including the reason, the fees charged, and the company’s details.

If you do not get an invoice, that is a violation. You can report it. You can also use it as leverage if the charges seem wrong.

What Happens If They Overcharge You?

Now, here is where things get serious.

If a tow company charges more than the LPSC-approved rate, you have the right to sue them. Louisiana law gives you a cause of action to recover the excess fee, any storage costs, reasonable attorney fees, and all court costs.

Think of it like a refund with teeth. Not just the extra money back, but potentially their legal fees too.

Storage companies that overcharge face a fine of up to $100 per day for each overcharge. Each daily violation counts separately. That adds up fast.

If a tow truck operator tows a vehicle improperly or fails to provide the required invoice, they can lose their towing license. The company owner cannot claim they did not know what their employee did. Ignorance is not a defense under Louisiana law.

Law Enforcement Holds and Impound Rules

Sometimes your car is towed because of a police investigation or arrest. Louisiana has rules for that too.

A law enforcement agency can place a hold on your vehicle at a storage facility. If they do not extend that hold in writing before it expires, the facility must release your car when you pay the towing and storage fees.

If the agency extends the hold and keeps your car at the storage facility, they are responsible for the storage fees during that extension period. You are only responsible for the initial hold period.

Wait, it gets better. If a judge finds no probable cause in your case, the law enforcement hold must be released. And if you are found guilty of the offense that caused the hold, you are on the hook for all towing and storage costs.

Towing a Trailer: Safety Laws

This one applies if you are doing the towing yourself.

If you are pulling a trailer or another vehicle, the connection between them cannot be longer than 15 feet. There are exceptions for vehicles hauling poles, pipes, or other long structural objects that cannot be broken down.

If the connection is a chain, rope, or cable, you must display a red flag or cloth at least one foot square during daylight hours. At night, you need a red light visible from at least 500 feet away.

Every trailer or semi-trailer with a loaded gross weight up to 6,000 pounds must have safety chains. Those chains must be attached to the towing vehicle whenever the trailer is moving. They must be strong enough to hold the trailer if the main connection fails.

Most people don’t realize how strict these safety rules are. State police take them seriously.

Third-Party Storage Surcharges

Here is a rule that protects you from double-dipping. If your car is towed to a storage facility that the tow company does not own or operate, that third party can charge a surcharge. But that surcharge cannot exceed 25% of the original tow charge.

So if your tow cost $152.50, the third-party facility cannot add more than about $38 on top of that for receiving the vehicle.

How to Protect Yourself

You’re not alone if this whole system feels confusing. Most people only learn these rules after they’ve already been burned.

Here is what you should do.

First, document everything when you realize your car has been towed. Take photos of the signage at the location where it was parked. Note whether signs were visible, complete, and had the tow company’s information.

Second, get an itemized invoice when you pick up your car. Review every line. If any charge seems off, ask the company to explain it and reference the LPSC rate schedule.

Third, if you believe you were overcharged, contact the Louisiana Public Service Commission. You can also consult an attorney. Because Louisiana law allows you to recover attorney fees in overcharge cases, many attorneys will take these cases seriously.

Fourth, if law enforcement towed your car, ask the agency about the hold status and your rights to retrieve personal belongings during business hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a tow company tow my car without any warning signs posted?

No. Private property tow companies must have signs posted at all entrances and exits before towing unauthorized vehicles. No proper signage means the tow may be illegal.

What is the maximum rate for towing my regular car in Louisiana in 2026?

For a light duty private property tow, the maximum flat rate is $152.50. If extra equipment or an additional operator is needed, it goes up to $186.00. These rates took effect April 1, 2026.

Can I get my personal items from my impounded car for free?

Yes, during normal business hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, a tow or storage company cannot charge you to retrieve your belongings. After hours, a fee may apply.

What can I do if the tow company charged me too much?

Louisiana law gives you the right to sue for the excess amount, plus storage fees, attorney fees, and court costs. You can also report the company to the Louisiana Public Service Commission.

Do I need safety chains when towing a trailer?

Yes. Any trailer with a loaded gross weight up to 6,000 pounds must use safety chains attached to the towing vehicle whenever it is moving.

What is a gate fee?

A gate fee is a charge for releasing your vehicle before or after normal business hours. The amount is set by the Louisiana Public Service Commission. Companies cannot charge more than the approved rate.

Can the tow truck owner claim they did not know their employee overcharged me?

No. Louisiana law specifically says that lack of knowledge of an employee’s conduct is not a defense for the tow company owner.

Final Thoughts

Louisiana towing law actually has some strong protections in place for vehicle owners. The LPSC sets rate limits. Invoice requirements exist. Overcharge penalties are real. And you can sue to get your money back.

The problem is most people do not know any of this until after they’ve already paid too much.

Now you know. If your car ever gets towed, slow down before you panic. Check the signs. Get the invoice. Compare the charges to the legal rate. And if something is off, you have options.

Stay informed, and do not let anyone take more than the law allows.

References

• Louisiana Revised Statutes RS 32:1736, Towing of Motor Vehicles from Private Property: https://law.justia.com/codes/louisiana/revised-statutes/title-32/rs-32-1736/
• Louisiana Public Service Commission, Non-Consensual Towing Rate Schedule Effective April 1, 2026: https://www.lpsc.louisiana.gov/docs/trans/Letter_and_Attachment_A_Amended_for_2025_PPI_Eff_4-1-26.pdf
• Louisiana Revised Statutes RS 32:1734, Gate Fees and Excessive Charges: https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=88159
• Louisiana Revised Statutes RS 32:1735.1, Motor Vehicle Holds and Storage Requirements: https://law.justia.com/codes/louisiana/revised-statutes/title-32/rs-32-1735-1/
• Louisiana Towing and Storage Act, Chapter 16, Title 32: https://southerninfosvc.com/southern-information-services-helps-its-customers-keep-up-to-date-with-current-legislation-towing-laws
• FindLaw, Louisiana Revised Statutes Tit. 32 Section 384, Trailers and Towed Vehicles: https://codes.findlaw.com/la/revised-statutes/la-rev-stat-tit-32-sect-384/