Towing Laws in Illinois 2026: What Changed and Why It Matters

Getting your car towed can be stressful and expensive. Illinois has specific laws to protect you from unfair towing practices. This guide explains your rights and what towing companies can and cannot do.

What Is Vehicle Towing?

Vehicle towing is when a company removes your car from one location to another. This can happen for several reasons. Police may order a tow if your car is illegally parked or abandoned. Private property owners can tow vehicles that don’t belong there.

Towing companies must follow strict rules in Illinois. These rules protect you from unfair charges and bad practices. The Illinois Commerce Commission oversees most towing companies in the state.

Basic Towing Laws

When Police Can Tow Your Vehicle

Police have the right to tow your car in specific situations. Your car can be towed if it’s abandoned on a highway. Cars left on toll roads or expressways for 2 hours or more can be towed.

In urban areas, cars left for 10 hours can be towed. Outside cities, the time limit is 24 hours. Police can also tow cars that create traffic hazards or are illegally parked.

If your car doesn’t have proper disability parking permits, it can be towed from disabled spots. Officers will try to tell you where your car is going if you’re present.

When Private Property Owners Can Tow

Property owners can tow your car if it’s on their land without permission. But they must follow specific rules first. They need proper warning signs posted at each entrance.

Signs must be within 5 feet of the public street. The signs must be at least 4 feet off the ground. They need to be posted for at least 24 hours before any towing happens.

The sign must say vehicles will be towed. It must list the towing company’s name, address, and phone number. It must also show the maximum towing fee.

The Drop Fee Rule

You have a chance to avoid getting towed completely. If you arrive before your car is fully hooked up to the tow truck, they must release it. You only pay a service fee that’s half the normal towing rate.

This is called the “drop fee.” You must have your keys with you. You must be able to move your car immediately.

New Stolen Vehicle Laws

Illinois passed important new laws that took effect January 1, 2025. These laws protect people whose cars were stolen and then towed. Senator Bill Cunningham sponsored this legislation.

No Storage Fees for Stolen Vehicles

If your car was stolen and later towed, you won’t pay government fees or fines. You must have filed a police report about the theft. The report must be filed on time with the right law enforcement agency.

Towing companies must notify you within 2 business days. They send notice by certified mail with return receipt. If you get your car within 7 days of the notice, you pay no storage fees.

Getting Medical Devices Back

Towing companies can no longer hold your medical devices hostage. You can get medical devices without paying first. This includes hearing aids, insulin pumps, and other life-saving equipment.

You can also get social security cards and textbooks without payment. Car seats and baby items are also exempt from storage liens. The law was created after a person couldn’t get their hearing aids back.

Towing Rates and Fees

Maximum Relocation Towing Rates

The Illinois Commerce Commission sets maximum rates for private property towing. The current maximum rate for light-duty vehicles is $238.20. Light-duty means vehicles under 8,000 pounds.

Towing companies can add a $2.50 invoice fee. They must post their rates at the storage facility. They must also file rates with local law enforcement.

Police-ordered tows have different rates. The Commerce Commission does not regulate police tow rates. Each city or county sets its own police tow rates.

Storage Charges

No storage charges apply for the first 24 hours after towing. After that, daily storage fees can apply. Storage fees are calculated in 24-hour periods.

If you pick up your car within half a day, you pay a half-day rate. The Commerce Commission sets maximum storage rates. Towing companies must display their storage rates clearly.

Payment Methods

Towing companies must accept multiple payment types. They cannot require cash only. They must accept major credit cards and debit cards.

They must also accept cashier’s checks and certified checks. Money orders and traveler’s checks are acceptable too. You should never be told “cash only.”

Penalties and Consequences

Illegal Towing Penalties

Towing companies that break the rules face serious consequences. They can lose their license to operate. The Illinois Commerce Commission can fine them heavily.

Starting July 1, 2026, new penalties take effect. Tow truck registrations can be suspended for unpaid fines. Companies get 30 days notice to pay before suspension.

Companies that lie on applications can lose their licenses. They cannot reapply for up to 3 years. The Commerce Commission tracks violations carefully.

Your Rights If Illegally Towed

If your car was towed illegally, you don’t owe the fees. You should take pictures of the property showing no proper signs. You can sue in small claims court if the company won’t refund your money.

The property owner or towing company may be liable for damages. They must pay your towing costs if the tow was improper. You may also recover attorney fees.

Time Limits

You have 21 days to claim your towed vehicle. After 21 days, your car may be sold at auction. Police-ordered tows may have different time limits.

Some cities have their own rules about abandoned vehicles. Chicago, for example, has specific impound procedures. Always act quickly to retrieve your vehicle.

Special Circumstances

Accident and Disabled Vehicle Towing

Different rules apply when your car breaks down or crashes. These are called “safety tows.” The Illinois Commerce Commission regulates these through special safety towing laws.

Safety tow companies must be licensed. They need special training and certification. They must provide you with itemized lists of your rights.

Commercial Vehicles

Special rules apply to trucks needing commercial licenses. The drop fee rule works differently for commercial vehicles. You must have your keys and be able to remove the vehicle immediately.

Towing companies cannot drive commercial vehicles on the highway. They must use proper towing equipment. Large trucks have higher towing rates.

Vehicle Liens

Towing companies can place liens on your vehicle for unpaid fees. The lien cannot exceed $2,000 total. The lien covers only actual towing and storage charges.

Personal property inside your car has different rules. Medical devices, car seats, and important documents are exempt. The company cannot hold these items for payment.

New 2026 Reforms

Major reforms take effect starting January 1, 2026. Senate Bill 2040 cracks down on rogue towing companies. These reforms strengthen enforcement against bad operators.

Registration Requirements

Towing companies must register their business locations. They must list all storage lot locations. They need proof of ownership or a written lease for each location.

Companies cannot use fake addresses anymore. The Secretary of State will verify all addresses. Companies must update the Commerce Commission about any location changes.

Enforcement Powers

The Commerce Commission gets stronger enforcement tools. They can impound tow trucks that violate laws. They can revoke license plates for unpaid fines.

Known violators cannot hide by registering under new names. The system now tracks ownership across business names. This prevents bad operators from avoiding penalties.

Prohibited Practices

Towing companies cannot monitor police radios and chase accidents. They cannot pretend to represent insurance companies. They cannot place liens on car seats or medical equipment.

False statements on applications result in automatic denial. Companies must operate only from registered locations. They can only tow to registered storage lots or licensed repair shops.

How to Retrieve Your Towed Vehicle

Finding Your Vehicle

If you’re not present when towed, you’ll get notice by mail. You can call local police to ask about towed vehicles. Many cities have online vehicle locators.

In Chicago, call the Auto Pound Section at (312) 744-4444. For parking ticket tows, call (312) 744-7275. Other cities have similar hotlines.

What to Bring

Bring your driver’s license or ID. Bring your vehicle registration. Bring proof of insurance if available.

Bring payment for towing and storage fees. Remember to bring enough for any accumulated storage charges. The longer you wait, the higher the fees.

At the Tow Yard

The tow yard must be open during business hours. They must release your car within 30 minutes during business hours. You have the right to inspect your car before taking it.

You cannot be required to sign any liability waiver. The company cannot force you to waive your rights. They must give you a detailed receipt.

Get a copy of the “Towing Bill of Rights” from them. They are required to provide this. Keep all paperwork for your records.

Your Rights Summary

What Towing Companies Must Do

Towing companies must have proper licenses. They must post their rates clearly. They must accept credit cards and other payment methods.

They must notify you within 2 business days for stolen vehicles. They must keep detailed records for 5 years. They must have insurance coverage for stored vehicles.

They must display their license number on the truck. They must post a copy of towing laws at their facility. They must photograph vehicles before towing when requested.

What You Can Do

You can request photographs of your car before it was towed. You can inspect your vehicle before accepting it. You can file complaints with the Illinois Commerce Commission.

You can refuse to sign liability waivers. You can demand itemized receipts. You can retrieve medical devices without payment.

You can ask for video records of the towing. You have the right to fair and transparent treatment. You can challenge illegal tows in court.

Filing Complaints

Illinois Commerce Commission

The Illinois Commerce Commission handles most towing complaints. You can file complaints online at www.icc.illinois.gov. You can also call (847) 294-4326.

The ICC investigates consumer complaints thoroughly. They track patterns of violations. They can take enforcement action against bad operators.

Keep all receipts and documentation. Take photos of signs or lack of signs. Write down dates, times, and what happened.

Local Authorities

Some towing issues fall under city or county rules. Contact your local police department for public street tows. Contact the property owner for private property concerns.

In Chicago, contact the Department of Business Affairs. Other cities have consumer protection offices. Your local government may have additional protections.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a towing company charge me cash only?

No. Towing companies must accept credit cards, debit cards, and certified checks. They cannot require cash only. This is against Illinois law.

How long do I have to get my car back?

You have 21 days before your car may be sold at auction. Don’t wait because storage fees add up daily. Act as quickly as possible to minimize costs.

What if there were no warning signs?

The tow is illegal without proper signs. Take photos immediately showing no signs. You can sue for refund of towing charges in small claims court.

Can they keep my medication or wheelchair?

No. Medical devices must be returned without payment. This includes wheelchairs, walkers, and any medical equipment. The law changed January 1, 2025 to protect these items.

What if my car was stolen?

File a police report immediately. If your car is towed after being stolen, you pay no government fees. You get no storage charges if you retrieve it within 7 days of notice.

How do I know if a towing company is licensed?

Ask to see their Illinois Commerce Commission license number. It should be displayed on the truck. You can verify licenses on the ICC website.

Can I stop a tow in progress?

Yes, if your car isn’t fully hooked up yet. You must arrive before they finish connecting it. You pay only half the posted towing rate and can drive away.

What happens if I can’t afford to get my car?

Contact the towing company to discuss payment options. Some may offer payment plans. If you abandon your car, you may still owe fees and lose the vehicle.

Final Thoughts

Illinois has strong laws to protect you from unfair towing practices. Know your rights before you need them. Always document everything with photos and receipts.

New laws in 2025 and 2026 make protections even stronger. Stolen vehicle owners have more rights than ever. Medical devices can no longer be held hostage.

If something seems wrong, file a complaint. The Illinois Commerce Commission takes violations seriously. Don’t be afraid to stand up for your rights.

Keep emergency numbers saved in your phone. Know where to find information about towed vehicles in your area. Being prepared helps you act quickly when needed.

References

1. Illinois Compiled Statutes (625 ILCS 5/4-203) – Removal of Motor Vehicles https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=062500050K4-203
2. Illinois Commerce Commission – Relocation Towing Information https://www.icc.illinois.gov/authority/relocation-towing
3. Illinois Legal Aid Online – Towing Laws https://www.illinoislegalaid.org/legal-information/it-legal-tow-someone-without-giving-notice
4. Public Act 103-0756 (2025 Stolen Vehicle Protections) https://www.senatorbillcunningham.com/news/532-cunningham-law-to-stifle-rouge-towing-companies-takes-effect-2
5. Senate Bill 2040 (2026 Towing Company Reforms) https://www.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/illinois/iisnewsattachments/31341-05.28.25-sb2040-passage.pdf.pdf
6. Chicago Municipal Code – Towing Bill of Rights https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/chicago/latest/chicago_il/0-0-0-2647368
7. Illinois Commerce Commission – ICC Police FAQ https://icc.illinois.gov/icc-police