Towing Laws in Oregon (2026): Your Car, Your Rights, Their Limits

Getting towed is stressful. One minute your car is there. The next, it’s gone. And you’re left wondering what just happened and what you can do about it.

Oregon actually has strong laws to protect you. Knowing them can save you money, time, and a lot of frustration.

What Is a Tow Law?

A towing law sets the rules for when and how a vehicle can be removed. It covers who can order a tow, what notice must be given, and what rights you have afterward.

These laws apply to everyone. Property owners, tow truck companies, and law enforcement must all follow them. Oregon takes this seriously. The state even has a dedicated agency called the Oregon State Board of Towing.

Who Can Order a Tow?

Not just anyone can have your car towed. Oregon law is specific about this.

Law enforcement can order a tow. This happens when a vehicle is abandoned, illegally parked, blocking traffic, or creating a safety hazard. Police have broad authority here.

Property owners can also order a tow. But they have to follow strict rules. They cannot just call any tow truck and point at a car. There are steps they must take first. Honestly, this is the part most people don’t know about.

Tow companies themselves cannot decide to tow a vehicle on their own. That’s a big one.

Private Property Towing Rules

Okay, this one’s important. If you’ve ever been towed from an apartment lot or a strip mall, this section is for you.

Starting January 1, 2026, Oregon Senate Bill 1036 changed the rules for private property tows. Tow companies can no longer identify vehicles for towing without prior authorization from the property owner. A tow truck driver cannot just drive through a parking lot and decide to tow your car. They need written permission for that specific vehicle first.

Before the tow, the property owner or their authorized agent must sign off on it. The tow company must keep a copy of that signed authorization for at least two years. They must provide you a copy upon request, at no extra charge.

Wondering if the sign in the parking lot is enough? Signs matter a lot here.

Oregon law requires that private lots have clearly posted towing signs. The signs must be at least 12 inches by 18 inches. They must be placed at all entrances. They must state the name and contact information of the towing company. If proper signage was not posted, the tow may be considered unlawful.

Before the Tow Truck Leaves

Here’s where it gets interesting. Oregon law gives you a window to stop a tow in progress.

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If you arrive at your vehicle before the tow truck has completed the hookup, the tower must release your vehicle at no charge. That’s right. No charge at all. This is your right under Oregon law.

If the hookup is already complete when you arrive, the tower may charge a fee. But they still must let you have your vehicle back at that point. Don’t panic. Just know where you stand.

Also, the tow company must take a photograph of your vehicle before towing. The photo must show how the car was parked. It must include the date and time. The company is required to keep that photo for at least two years.

Tow Truck Requirements

Stay with me here. This part helps you spot problems before they start.

Every tow truck in Oregon must display the towing company’s name, address, and phone number on both sides of the truck. The truck must also display the company’s Oregon State Certificate number. If a truck shows up without clear identification, that’s a red flag.

Tow trucks must also have reflective stripping on the sides and rear for visibility in low-light conditions. These are basic safety requirements all licensed operators must meet.

Your Rights After a Tow

So your car is gone. Now what?

The tow company must notify you. They must provide their phone number, the location of your vehicle, the cost to get it back, and the payment methods they accept. This information can be on a sign, handed to you on paper, or sent by mail.

You can pick up your vehicle between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. The tow company must release your vehicle within 60 minutes of your request during those hours.

You’re not alone in finding this process confusing. Most people don’t realize how many protections they actually have.

What about your stuff inside the car? Oregon law allows you to retrieve certain personal items even if you are not picking up the vehicle. Things like prescription medication, eyeglasses, identification, wallet, purse, credit card, and a child safety seat can be retrieved separately. The only fee a tow company may charge for after-hours access is a gate fee.

Payment Rules

Oregon actually updated these rules too. House Bill 3566, introduced in 2025, expanded your payment rights.

You can pay for towing and storage using a credit card, debit card, or other payment methods. If you pay with cash, the tow company must provide exact change on the same day. You must also receive a receipt with details of what you were charged.

Pretty straightforward. But a lot of people don’t know they have these rights.

How to Dispute a Tow

Think your car was towed illegally? You have options.

You can request a hearing before a municipal or circuit court. This request must typically be filed within five to ten days of receiving the tow notice. Check your local jurisdiction for the exact deadline, as it can vary slightly by area.

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At the hearing, you can present evidence. Photos, witness statements, a valid parking permit, or documentation from a lease agreement can all help your case.

If the judge finds the tow was unlawful, you may be entitled to reimbursement for towing and storage fees. If a tow company violated legal procedures, such as failing to get proper authorization or charging excessive fees, you can also seek damages in small claims court.

Hold on, this part is important. You can also file a complaint directly with the Oregon State Board of Towing. Their job is to investigate violations and take disciplinary action against tow companies that break the law.

Penalties for Towing Companies That Break the Rules

Oregon takes unlawful towing seriously. Think of it like a business license violation, but with real financial teeth.

Tow companies that violate the law can face civil penalties under ORS 822.995. In Portland, towing a vehicle from public streets without proper authority can result in a civil penalty of up to $1,000 per vehicle.

Property owners who repeatedly violate towing rules can also face consequences. The Oregon Attorney General’s Office can investigate predatory towing practices.

Basically, there are real consequences for companies that take shortcuts or abuse their authority.

Special Situations to Know

A few situations come with their own set of rules. Let me break them down.

If your car is towed at the request of law enforcement or as part of a police operation, different rules apply. The general private-property towing protections may not apply in the same way. The police have broader authority in these situations.

If your vehicle was stolen and then towed while in someone else’s possession, Oregon law addresses this too. Under ORS 98.857, there are specific rules about recovering a stolen vehicle.

If you live in an apartment complex, your landlord has the right to have vehicles towed under ORS 90.485. But they must have proper signage and must give appropriate notice. Your landlord cannot just call a tow truck on a whim.

Many people assume apartment lot rules are looser. They find out the hard way. Don’t be one of them.

How to File a Complaint About a Tow

If you believe a tow company broke the law, here is what you should do.

First, gather your evidence. Take photos of the area where you were parked. Save any notices or receipts the tow company gave you. Write down the date, time, and details of what happened.

Then contact the Oregon State Board of Towing. You can reach them by phone at (503) 871-5481 or by email at [email protected]. They handle complaints against licensed tow operators.

You can also contact the Oregon Department of Justice Consumer Protection Division at 1-877-877-9392. They handle cases involving deceptive or predatory towing practices.

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Don’t just let it go. These agencies exist to help you. Trust me, filing that complaint is worth the effort.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a tow company tow my car from a private lot without any notice?

Not exactly. The property owner must have proper signage posted at all entrances and must provide signed authorization to the tow company before the tow happens.

What if I show up while they are still hooking up my car?

If the hookup is not complete, the tower must release your vehicle at no charge. This is your legal right under Oregon law.

Can I get my prescription medication or wallet out of a towed car?

Yes. Oregon law allows you to retrieve essential personal items like medication, eyeglasses, ID, wallet, purse, credit card, and a child safety seat without having to pay to get your full vehicle back.

How do I find out where my car was towed?

The towing company is required to provide you with their phone number and the vehicle’s location. You can also contact local law enforcement or the Oregon State Board of Towing for help locating it.

What if I think the tow was illegal?

You can request a court hearing, typically within five to ten days of receiving the tow notice. You can also file a complaint with the Oregon State Board of Towing or the Oregon Department of Justice.

Does Oregon limit how much a towing company can charge?

Oregon currently does not set a statewide maximum rate for non-consensual towing fees. However, individual cities may have their own rate limits. Portland, for example, has local rules governing private property impound fees.

What changed in 2026 for Oregon towing laws?

Senate Bill 1036 took effect on January 1, 2026. It now requires tow companies to have specific written authorization for each individual vehicle before towing from private property. They can no longer self-identify vehicles on their own.

Final Thoughts

Oregon has real protections in place for drivers. The laws are not perfect, but they give you tools to fight back if something goes wrong. Know your rights before you need them. If your car gets towed, stay calm and take notes. Gather evidence. Contact the tow company first. If something seems off, file a complaint or request a hearing.

Now you know the basics. Stay informed, keep a photo of your parking spot when in doubt, and when something doesn’t feel right, look it up or reach out to the right agency.