Towing Laws in Massachusetts (2026): Your Rights Before the Hook

Most people don’t think about towing laws until it’s too late. Your car is gone. You’re standing on an empty street. And you have no idea what just happened or what you’re allowed to do about it.

Here’s the good news. Massachusetts actually has strong protections for drivers. You just need to know them.

What Is a Tow in Massachusetts?

A tow is when a truck removes your car without you driving it away. This can happen for lots of reasons. You might have parked illegally. Your car might be blocking traffic. Or a private property owner might have called a truck.

There are two main types of tows in Massachusetts. The first is a police-ordered tow (also called an involuntary tow). That’s when a cop or public authority orders your car removed. The second is a private property tow, when someone who owns land or a parking lot has your car removed.

Both types are legal. Both are regulated. And as a driver, you have rights in both situations.

When Can Police Tow Your Car?

Okay, this part is important.

Massachusetts State Police are allowed to tow your car in several situations. Your car can be towed if it was stolen or taken without your permission. It can also be towed if it’s disabled and blocking traffic or creating a safety hazard.

If you get arrested and your car would be left alone on a public road, the police can tow it. They can also tow it if you’re parked illegally. Bad weather or public safety emergencies can trigger a tow too.

Pretty much any situation where your car is a problem on a public road gives police the authority to call a tow truck.

Private Property Towing Rules

Here’s where things get interesting.

A private property owner, like a store, apartment complex, or parking garage, can have your car towed. But they have to follow strict rules first. This is covered under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 266, Section 120D.

Before your car can be removed, the property owner must have told you not to park there. This can be done with a clearly posted sign or by telling you directly. No sign, no verbal warning? That tow may be illegal.

The property owner also must notify the local police chief in writing before the tow happens. That notification has to include the address your car is being taken from, where it’s going, your license plate number, and the name of the towing company.

Wondering if that sign in the parking lot was enough? If it was clearly visible, it probably counts. But if the sign was hidden, blocked, or missing? That could make your tow illegal.

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Towing Fees and What You Can Be Charged

Let’s talk money. This is the part most people stress about.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) sets the maximum rates for involuntary tows. Right now, the maximum towing fee for a police-ordered or private property involuntary tow is $132. That’s the cap. A company cannot legally charge you more than that just to hook up and move your car.

Storage fees are separate. Once your car is at the lot, the maximum storage rate is $35 per 24-hour period. That clock starts when your car arrives. The longer you wait to pick it up, the more you pay.

Think of it like a hotel for your car. Except you didn’t choose to check in.

These rates only apply to non-commercial passenger vehicles that seat nine people or fewer. Bigger vehicles, like trucks or commercial vans, may fall under different rules.

The Drop Fee Rule

Hold on, this part is really useful.

If you show up while the tow truck is still there and your car hasn’t been fully towed yet, you can get it back. But the company is allowed to charge you a drop fee. That fee cannot be more than half of the normal towing charge.

So if the full tow fee is $132, the maximum drop fee you’d owe is $66. That’s still cheaper than paying for a full tow plus storage. So if you catch it in time, act fast.

What If the Tow Was Illegal?

This one’s a big deal. If a tow company didn’t follow all the rules, the law is clear on this.

If a tow company removes your car without following all the required steps, they must release your car to you without charging you anything. Zero dollars. No tow fee, no storage fee.

This is why it matters to know the rules. If the property owner didn’t post a sign, or didn’t notify police, or the tow company skipped steps, you have a strong case to get your car back for free.

Your Rights as a Driver

Massachusetts gives you several protections when your car gets towed. You’re not alone, and these aren’t just nice ideas. They’re the law.

Your car must be stored in a convenient location. The law says the tow lot can’t be unreasonably far away. You shouldn’t have to travel 30 miles to get your car back.

If your car is damaged during towing or while in storage, the towing company is responsible. They must reimburse you for the damage.

Tow companies that work with the Massachusetts State Police must clearly post their rates at their facilities. They must also give you a written copy of those rates when you pay. If you ask for it at any time, they have to provide it.

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Towing companies are also banned from paying kickbacks to property owners, parking lot employees, or law enforcement in exchange for referrals. That means a tow company can’t pay a parking lot attendant to send business their way. It’s illegal.

How to Get Your Car Back

So your car got towed. Here’s what to do.

First, find out where it went. Check for a posted sign on the property where you were parked. That sign should have the towing company’s contact info and the lot address. You can also call the local police department. They should have that info on file since the tow company is required to notify them.

Second, call the tow company right away. Every day your car sits in that lot costs you $35. Acting fast saves you money.

Third, pay the fees and pick up your car. You have the right to pay with a credit card in Boston. Statewide, that right isn’t guaranteed by state law yet, but many tow companies accept cards. Always ask.

Fourth, if you think the tow was illegal or you were overcharged, you can file a complaint with the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU). All private tow companies in Massachusetts are regulated by the DPU.

Hearings and Disputes

You think the tow was wrong? Don’t just accept it.

In Boston, if your car was towed from a public street, you can request a walk-in hearing within five days of the tow. You can also schedule a hearing with the Parking Clerk by calling 617-635-4410.

You are not eligible for a hearing if your vehicle was towed because of five or more overdue parking tickets. That’s a hard rule. Pay your tickets.

Outside Boston, check with your local city or town hall. Rules can vary by municipality.

Private Property Signs: What to Look For

Honestly, this is the part most people miss before they get towed.

When you park on private property, check for tow-away signs. A valid sign should be clearly visible from where you’re parking. It should indicate that unauthorized vehicles will be towed.

One thing Massachusetts law currently doesn’t require is for the sign to list towing fees. That’s a gap that consumer advocates are pushing to change. But for now, the sign just needs to say you’ll be towed.

If there’s no sign at all, that’s a major problem for the property owner. They may not have legal authority to tow you.

Common Reasons Cars Get Towed in Massachusetts

You might be surprised by how often some of these come up.

Street cleaning is a big one, especially in Boston. If a cleaning schedule is posted on the street sign and you ignore it, your car is getting towed. Snow emergencies are similar. When a snow emergency is declared, cars must be off certain streets. Park there anyway, and you’re gone.

Five or more overdue parking tickets will get your car towed too. The city keeps track. Don’t let them pile up.

Parking in a fire lane, blocking a driveway, or sitting in a handicapped spot without the right placard are all fast ways to lose your car.

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New Rules on the Way?

The Massachusetts Senate has been working on new towing legislation. A bill passed the Senate that would require all towing companies, including those that do voluntary tows, to hold a certificate from the DPU. Right now, only companies that do involuntary tows need that certificate.

The bill also calls for minimum insurance standards for tow companies. Currently, anyone can buy a tow truck and offer towing services. No license needed.

As of early 2026, the bill was referred to the House of Representatives. It hasn’t been signed into law yet. Stay tuned. Things could change.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much can a towing company charge me in Massachusetts? For involuntary or police-ordered tows, the maximum towing fee is $132. Storage costs up to $35 per 24-hour period after that.

Can I get my car back for free if the tow was illegal? Yes. If the tow company or property owner didn’t follow all the required steps, they must release your vehicle without charging you anything.

What’s a drop fee and how much can it be? A drop fee is what you pay if you show up while your car is still being hooked up. It can’t be more than half the regular tow rate, so at most $66 under current rules.

Do I have the right to dispute a tow in Massachusetts? Yes. In Boston, you can request a hearing within five days of a public street tow. You can also file a complaint with the Massachusetts DPU against any licensed towing company.

Can a landlord tow my car without warning? It depends on your lease. If your lease includes parking rules and you’ve violated them, that may count as notice. Otherwise, your landlord has to warn you before having your car towed.

What should I do first if my car is towed? Call the local police or check the posted sign on the property for the tow company’s info. Then call the tow lot right away to stop storage fees from adding up.

Final Thoughts

Now you know the basics. Massachusetts towing laws are actually designed to protect you, not just tow companies and property owners. Know the rules. Check for signs before you park. Act fast if your car gets towed.

And if something feels wrong? File a complaint. You have real recourse here.

Stay informed, know your rights, and when in doubt, talk to a local attorney or call the DPU directly.