What Are the Towing Laws in Georgia?

If you’ve ever had your vehicle towed, you may have wondered what rights you have as a vehicle owner and what regulations towing companies must follow. At Garcia's Towing LLC, we believe it’s important for drivers to understand the towing laws in Georgia so they know what to expect when their vehicle is towed. Whether your vehicle was towed from private property or after a breakdown, the state has specific regulations to protect both drivers and towing companies.

Key Towing Laws in Georgia

The Georgia Department of Public Safety regulates towing practices across the state. Below are some of the key towing laws and regulations you should know:

1. Private Property Towing:

• Towing companies can tow vehicles from private property only with permission from the property owner or manager.
• Signs must be posted clearly stating that unauthorized vehicles will be towed at the owner’s expense. These signs should include the name and contact information of the towing company.
• If your vehicle is towed from private property, the towing company must notify local law enforcement within 60 minutes of towing your vehicle.

1. Maximum Towing Fees:

• Georgia law places limits on the fees that can be charged for non-consensual tows (when a vehicle is towed without the owner’s consent). The Public Service Commission sets the maximum rates for these tows, including towing, storage, and other related charges.
• If your vehicle is towed, you should receive an itemized bill with all the charges clearly outlined. If you believe you’ve been overcharged, you can file a complaint with the Georgia Public Service Commission.

1. Payment Options:

• Towing companies must accept at least two major forms of payment, including credit cards. Cash-only policies are not allowed, ensuring you can pay for your vehicle's release conveniently.

1. Vehicle Release:

• Towing companies in Georgia are required to provide vehicle owners access to their vehicle 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This ensures that you can retrieve your vehicle at any time once you have paid the required fees.
• Additionally, your vehicle must be released within one hour of payment.

1. Notification Requirements:

• Towing companies are required to notify the vehicle owner within three business days of towing a vehicle, if it hasn’t been claimed. The notice must be sent by certified mail and include the towing company’s contact information, the reason for the tow, and how to retrieve the vehicle.

What to Do If You’ve Been Towed

If your vehicle has been towed in Georgia, it’s important to stay calm and gather as much information as possible. Contact the towing company to understand the reason for the tow and ask for an itemized receipt of the charges. If your vehicle was towed from private property, check to ensure the property had proper signage, as required by law.

If you feel your vehicle was wrongfully towed or that you were overcharged, you can file a complaint with the Georgia Public Service Commission.

How Garcia’s Towing LLC Operates

At Garcia’s Towing LLC, we adhere to all state regulations, ensuring that every tow is conducted legally and ethically. Whether we’re towing from private property or providing emergency roadside assistance in Forest Park, Atlanta, or surrounding areas, we follow the highest standards of professionalism. We offer clear, transparent pricing and work hard to provide excellent service to our customers.

Need Towing Assistance in Forest Park?

If you need towing services in Forest Park, Atlanta, or nearby areas, Garcia’s Towing LLC is here to help. Whether it’s a private property tow or roadside assistance, we operate within the law to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience.

Contact us today for any of your towing needs.