Colorado Towing Laws: A practical guide to your rights, regulations, and compliance
Knowing Colorado’s towing rules helps you protect your vehicle and your wallet. This guide walks through the Colorado Towing Bill of Rights, nonconsensual towing rules, and the main private‑property towing regulations so you can act confidently if your car is towed. Many people feel stuck or overwhelmed after a tow — the right information makes it easier to spot unfair practices, understand what towing companies must do, and take the right next steps.
What is the Colorado Towing Bill of Rights — and how does it protect you?
The Colorado Towing Bill of Rights sets standards meant to stop unfair towing and give vehicle owners clear options. It spells out what towing companies must disclose, how fees should be handled, and what rights you have when your vehicle is towed. Simply put: it’s meant to bring transparency and fairness to towing operations across the state.
Key provisions of HB22-1314 and HB24-1051 — explained
House Bill 22-1314 and House Bill 24-1051 added and strengthened consumer protections. Together they require towing companies to clearly explain fees, the process to reclaim a vehicle, and the rights you have at the time of towing. That transparency gives you the information you need to contest a tow or recover your vehicle without surprises.
A practical example: HB22-1314 created a specific option for quick retrieval of towed vehicles.
Colorado Towing Bill of Rights: Regaining Towed VehiclesUnder HB22-1314, consumers may regain possession of a towed vehicle after paying 15% of the towing fee.
What role does the Colorado Public Utilities Commission play in towing?
The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) oversees licensing and enforces state towing rules. If you have a complaint about a tow, the PUC is the place to report it — they review compliance, investigate problems, and can take action when towing companies break the rules. Their oversight helps keep the industry accountable and protects vehicle owners.
How do Colorado nonconsensual towing rules affect vehicle owners?

Nonconsensual towing is when a vehicle is towed without the owner’s permission, often from private property. Colorado regulates these tows to prevent improper or predatory practices and to make sure vehicle owners are informed of their rights.
Understanding nonconsensual towing and your rights
In Colorado, nonconsensual tows are subject to rules like posted signage and notice requirements. If your car is towed, you generally should be able to find the towing policy posted where you parked and get information about why it was removed. If you think the tow was improper, you can dispute it — which often starts with collecting evidence and contacting the towing company.
What to do if your car is towed without your consent in Colorado
Start by locating and calling the towing company to learn the reason and the fees. According to the Colorado PUC, consumers should document signage, photographs, and receipts immediately after a tow — evidence that is critical if disputing fees or filing a complaint. If the tow seems unlawful, you can file a complaint with the PUC or get legal advice. If you need help on the ground, consider reaching out to PLE Auto, a Colorado Springs towing company that can explain the local process and next steps.
What private property towing rules should you know in Colorado?
Private property towing laws balance the rights of property owners with protections for vehicle owners. They set clear steps for when a car may be towed from private land and aim to prevent arbitrary removals.
The 24-hour notice rule — and when exceptions apply
One central rule is the 24-hour notice requirement: property owners generally must provide written notice before having a vehicle towed, often via posted signs. Exceptions exist when a vehicle creates an immediate hazard or blocks emergency access. Knowing these distinctions helps both property owners and drivers act within the law.
The statute spells out when a vehicle may be considered eligible for towing from private property.
“Any motor vehicle left unattended on private property for a period of twenty‑four hours or longer, or for such other period as may be established by local ordinance, without the consent of the owner or lessee of such property or the owner’s or lessee’s legally authorized agent…” — Colorado Revised Statutes § 42‑4‑2102(1)(a) (defining abandoned motor vehicles).
Responsibilities of property owners and towing companies
Property owners must post clear signage and provide contact details for the towing company. Towing companies must follow state rules, disclose fees, and explain the reclaim process. Companies like PLE Auto highlight compliance with these standards so both property owners and drivers know what to expect.
How are Colorado tow truck laws and impound rules enforced?
Enforcement mechanisms—like PUC oversight, licensing requirements, and complaint processes—help ensure towing companies follow the law. When rules are broken, regulators can impose fines, suspend licenses, or refer matters for civil action.
Maximum towing and storage fees allowed by law
Colorado law caps certain towing and storage charges to prevent excessive billing. Below are the common maximums you’ll see referenced; they give you a benchmark so you can spot overcharging.
| Fee Type | Maximum Amount | Description |
| Towing Fee | $250 | Maximum charge for towing a vehicle from private property. |
| Storage Fee | $40/day | Maximum daily charge for storing a towed vehicle. |
| Administrative Fee | $50 | Maximum fee for processing paperwork related to the tow. |
Use these limits as a reference when you get a bill — if charges look higher, ask questions and document everything.
Legal penalties for illegal towing practices in Colorado
Towing companies that break the law can face fines, lose their license, and be liable for damages in civil court. These penalties are intended to deter misconduct and protect consumers. If you suspect illegal towing, reporting the incident to the PUC is a key step to holding the company accountable.
How can you prevent illegal tows and protect your vehicle in Colorado?
Prevention is usually easier than fixing a bad tow. A few common-sense steps can lower your risk and make it easier to challenge a tow if needed.
Smart parking and clear signage
Park only in designated spaces and pay attention to posted towing signs. Property owners should keep signage visible and up to date, including contact info for the towing company. Clear signs reduce disputes and help drivers avoid surprises.
Expired tags and towing risk
Expired registration can make a vehicle a target for towing or impound. Keep tags current — renewing on time avoids needless trouble and potential towing fees.
What are the latest updates and the outlook for Colorado towing laws?
Colorado’s towing rules are changing to give consumers more clarity and protection. Staying current on legislative updates helps both drivers and towing companies adjust and comply.
Recent legislative changes effective 2024 and beyond
New laws require better transparency around towing fees and the reclaim process. These updates aim to reduce surprises for vehicle owners and create clearer standards for towing businesses.
How new laws affect towing companies and consumers
Towing operators will need to update their processes and disclosures to meet the new standards. For consumers, the changes mean stronger protections and more information when a tow happens — making it easier to resolve disputes and avoid overcharges.
FAQ’s
First, call the towing company to get the reason, location, and fees. Take photos of the scene and any posted signs. If you still believe the tow was improper, file a complaint with the Colorado PUC or consult an attorney. Keep all receipts and documentation — they’ll help your case.
Yes. Commercial properties must post clear towing policies and generally provide written notice before a tow, similar to residential rules. Exceptions apply for immediate hazards. Following signage and notice rules helps protect both property owners and drivers.
Check the Colorado PUC’s records to verify a towing company’s license and compliance status. You can also ask the company for their license number and supporting documentation before doing business with them.
Towing companies can face fines, license suspension or revocation, and civil liability for damages. Reporting violations to the PUC helps enforce the rules and protect other consumers.
Yes. Colorado sets maximum towing and storage rates. If you believe you were overcharged, gather receipts and documentation and file a complaint with the PUC. Clear evidence strengthens your position when contesting fees.
Post clear, legible signage with the towing policy and contact information. Provide written notice where required and review your towing procedures regularly to align with state law. Keeping your policies up to date reduces disputes and liability.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For guidance on specific situations, consult a licensed Colorado attorney.




