Georgia's towing laws protect both vehicle owners and towing operators, establishing a framework of rights and obligations that govern when a vehicle can be towed, how much can be charged, and how quickly a vehicle must be released. Understanding these rules is useful whether you've been towed without warning or you simply want to know your rights before an emergency arises.
Non-consent towing — towing without the vehicle owner's permission — is heavily regulated in Georgia under OCGA § 44-1-13 and related statutes. Private property owners can authorize non-consent towing of vehicles that are parked without authorization, but specific requirements apply: signage must meet minimum size and visibility standards, the property owner or an authorized agent must be contactable, and the towing company must notify local law enforcement within 30 minutes of removing a vehicle.
Rate regulation for non-consent towing varies by county. Fulton County, DeKalb County, Cobb County, and other Metro Atlanta counties publish maximum allowable rates for non-consent towing within their jurisdictions. These caps apply to the tow itself and to daily storage fees. Towing companies that exceed regulated rates are subject to civil penalties and loss of licensing. Consent towing — when you call a tow company yourself — is generally unregulated for pricing, though professional operators disclose rates before beginning work.
Vehicle release requirements under Georgia law require that an impounded vehicle be made available for release during normal business hours upon presentation of proof of ownership and payment of applicable fees. Storage facilities cannot impose unreasonable barriers to retrieval. The 24-hour release rule means that if you reclaim your vehicle within 24 hours of impoundment, storage fees are limited to a single day's charge.
Georgia's Move-Over Law (OCGA § 40-6-16) requires drivers to move over one lane when passing a stationary vehicle with flashing amber, yellow, or red lights — including tow trucks performing roadside service. Failure to move over when lanes are available is a moving violation with associated fines. This law exists specifically to protect tow operators and stranded motorists working on the roadside.
Key Georgia Towing Law Areas
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my car be towed from private property without notice in Georgia?
Yes, if the property meets signage requirements under OCGA 44-1-13. Signs must be conspicuously posted at each entrance, meet minimum size requirements, and include contact information for the towing company. Without proper signage, a tow may be unlawful.
What are the maximum towing rates in Atlanta?
Non-consent towing rates are set by county. Fulton County publishes current maximum rates for towing and storage. Rates are revised periodically — check with the county or call us for current caps.
What do I do if I think my car was towed illegally in Georgia?
Document everything: photograph signage (or its absence), get the name of the towing company, and contact local law enforcement. You can dispute unlawful towing through the county magistrate court in Georgia.
What is Georgia's Move-Over Law for tow trucks?
Under OCGA 40-6-16, drivers must move over one lane when approaching a stationary tow truck with amber, yellow, or red flashing lights. If lane change isn't possible due to traffic, you must slow to a speed 10 mph below the posted limit.