Towing is one of the most complaint-generating industries in the country. Predatory practices, inflated charges, and impound abuses are widespread enough that most states have enacted consumer protection laws specifically for towing. In Utah, these laws give vehicle owners significant rights that many people don't know they have.
Your Right to Choose Your Tow Company
One of the most important rights you have: you can choose which tow company takes your vehicle. This applies whether you called for help voluntarily or your car is being towed after an accident. Police officers may recommend or call a tow company from a rotation list, but you are generally not required to use that specific company.
Key right: If an unsolicited tow operator arrives at an accident scene or breakdown, you have the right to refuse their service. You cannot be required to use a specific company unless your vehicle is being impounded by law enforcement for a legal violation.
Utah Towing Law Requirements
Under Utah Code, towing companies operating in the state must:
- Provide a written estimate before towing (for non-law-enforcement tows where the vehicle owner is present)
- Post their rates publicly at their storage facility
- Notify the vehicle owner within a specific timeframe when a vehicle is towed without the owner present
- Accept multiple forms of payment including major credit cards (as of Utah's 2023 consumer protection updates)
- Release personal property from an impounded vehicle at reasonable hours without requiring the vehicle to be redeemed first
- Provide receipts for all charges
What Tow Companies Cannot Do
- Charge more than the posted or quoted rate without notice
- Refuse to release your vehicle because you dispute charges (you pay under protest, then dispute)
- Hold your personal belongings hostage to force vehicle redemption
- Tow your car from private property without proper signage posted (Utah requires specific signage for private property tow authorization)
- Charge storage fees before you had a reasonable opportunity to retrieve the vehicle
Private Property Towing: Your Rights
If your car was towed from a parking lot or private property:
- The property must have posted signs at the entrance warning of tow-away enforcement
- Signs must list the towing company name and phone number
- Utah law requires the towing company to notify law enforcement within 30 minutes of the tow
- If signs were not properly posted, you may have grounds to dispute the tow and charges
How to Dispute an Unfair Tow
- Document everything — photos of your car's original location, signs (or lack of signs), the vehicle condition, and all receipts
- Pay under protest if you must pay to retrieve your car — write "paid under protest" on any receipt you sign
- File a complaint with the Utah Division of Consumer Protection (consumerprotection.utah.gov)
- File a police report if you believe the tow was unlawful
- Consider small claims court for amounts under $11,000 — the filing fee is low and judgments for clear violations are common
Interstate Towing: Federal Deregulation
Interstate towing (hauling across state lines) is federally deregulated, meaning states cannot cap prices for these tows. This is a known gap that some operators exploit. Always confirm pricing in writing for any long-distance tow before authorizing it.
How to Find a Reputable Tow Company
The best protection is using a vetted operator before a problem occurs. Look for companies that are members of the Utah Tow Truck Association, have verifiable reviews, are licensed and bonded, and will give you a written estimate without pressure. The National Tow Connect directory lists operators who have agreed to transparent pricing standards.