Know your legal rights when your vehicle is towed in Tennessee. Understanding regulations, fees, storage rules, and how to protect yourself from predatory practices empowers you during stressful towing situations.

Your Basic Rights as a Vehicle Owner

Right to Information

When your vehicle is towed, you have the right to:

• Know where your vehicle was taken
• Receive written notice of location
• Get itemized list of all charges
• Access your personal belongings
• See tow company's license and insurance

Right to Fair Treatment

Tennessee law protects vehicle owners from:

• Excessive towing fees
• Unreasonable storage charges
• Denial of access to belongings
• Unnecessary damage to vehicle
• Unlawful towing practices

Maximum Fees and Charges

State-Regulated Costs

Tennessee limits maximum fees (local variations may apply):

Towing Charges:

• Hook-up fee: Up to $85
• Per-mile charge: Maximum $4/mile
• After-hours premium: Reasonable surcharge allowed

Storage Fees:

• First 24 hours: Up to $25
• Each additional day: Up to $25
• Total storage: May be capped

Prohibited Charges

Towing companies cannot charge for:

• Refusal to accept credit cards (if posted they accept them)
• Access to personal property
• "Administration fees" beyond reasonable limits
• Services not actually provided

Private Property Towing Rights

Required Procedures

For legal private property towing:

• Visible signage required at all entrances
• Property owner permission must be current
• Tow company contact info must be posted
• Reason for tow must be valid

Challenging Improper Tows

You can dispute a private property tow if:

• No proper signage was posted
• Signs don't meet legal requirements
• Property owner didn't authorize tow
• Vehicle was legally parked
• You have proof of authorization

Retrieving Your Vehicle

What You'll Need

To claim your towed vehicle:

• Valid driver's license
• Vehicle registration or title
• Proof of insurance
• Payment for fees (cash or card)

Payment and Release

Important rights:

• Must be released during business hours
• Cannot hold vehicle for unrelated debts
• Must allow retrieval within reasonable time
• Can pay and dispute charges later

Fighting Unfair Towing Practices

Document Everything

Always:

• Take photos of where vehicle was parked
• Save all receipts and paperwork
• Note time of tow and retrieval
• Document vehicle condition
• Get names of all company representatives

Filing Complaints

Report violations to:

• Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance
• Better Business Bureau
• Local consumer protection office
• Metro Nashville Code Enforcement
• Small claims court (if seeking damages)

Conclusion

Understanding your rights protects you from unfair towing practices. Hook Em' Up Towing respects vehicle owner rights and follows all Tennessee regulations.

Need fair, professional towing? Call (615) 756-5330