Understanding Towing Laws in Idaho: What You Need to Know

Towing laws can vary significantly from state to state, and Idaho is no exception. Whether you’re a vehicle owner or a business looking for towing services, it’s important to understand the rules that govern towing in Idaho. At Torch Towing & Transport LLC in Boise, ID, we ensure that all of our towing services comply with state regulations to provide a smooth experience for our customers. In this blog, we’ll break down the key towing laws you should be aware of in Idaho.

1. Private Property Towing Regulations

Idaho has strict rules when it comes to towing vehicles from private property. If a vehicle is parked illegally on private property, the property owner has the right to have it towed, but they must follow specific guidelines:

Signage Requirements: To legally tow a vehicle, there must be visible signs indicating that unauthorized vehicles may be towed. These signs need to include contact information for the towing company.

Notification: The tow company must notify local law enforcement before towing the vehicle. This helps prevent confusion or concerns about stolen vehicles.

Vehicle Release: If your vehicle has been towed from private property, you have the right to retrieve it promptly after paying any applicable towing and storage fees.

2. Non-Consensual Towing

Non-consensual towing occurs when a vehicle is towed without the owner’s consent, such as in the case of illegally parked vehicles or abandoned vehicles. In Idaho, non-consensual towing is regulated to protect vehicle owners from excessive fees or unfair practices:

Fee Limits: Idaho law sets limits on how much a towing company can charge for towing and storage. These fees must be reasonable and consistent with industry standards.

Towing Authorization: Towing companies must obtain proper authorization from law enforcement or property owners before towing a vehicle.

Access to Personal Belongings: Vehicle owners have the right to retrieve personal belongings from their towed vehicles, even if they have not yet paid towing or storage fees.

3. Roadside Assistance and Emergency Towing

In Idaho, towing companies providing roadside assistance or emergency towing services are required to operate safely and efficiently. Some key regulations include:

Highway Safety: Tow trucks are required to follow strict safety protocols when operating on highways, including using proper lighting and signage to alert other drivers.

Traffic Laws: Towing companies must comply with all Idaho traffic laws when transporting vehicles, including speed limits and safety requirements for securing vehicles.

4. Consumer Protections for Towing Services

Idaho has consumer protection laws in place to prevent towing companies from engaging in predatory or unfair practices:

Towing Receipts: After a vehicle is towed, the towing company must provide an itemized receipt detailing the charges, including towing fees, mileage, and storage costs.

Storage Facilities: Towing companies must store vehicles in secure, licensed storage facilities. The location and contact information for the storage facility must be provided to the vehicle owner.

Dispute Resolution: If you believe you’ve been unfairly charged or your vehicle was towed improperly, Idaho law allows you to dispute the charges through local law enforcement or small claims court.

5. Abandoned Vehicle Towing

Idaho law defines an abandoned vehicle as one that has been left unattended for more than 48 hours on public property or 24 hours on private property without the owner’s consent. If a vehicle is considered abandoned, local authorities can authorize its removal and impoundment.

Owner Notification: Once a vehicle is towed for being abandoned, the towing company must make a reasonable effort to notify the vehicle’s owner. The vehicle cannot be sold or destroyed until the owner has been given the opportunity to reclaim it, typically after paying any towing and storage fees.

Conclusion

At Torch Towing & Transport LLC, we take pride in adhering to Idaho’s towing laws to ensure a transparent, reliable, and fair experience for all our customers. Whether you’re dealing with a parking issue, need emergency roadside assistance, or have questions about towing regulations, we’re here to help. Understanding your rights and the laws surrounding towing in Idaho can make a stressful situation more manageable.

If you need towing services or have any questions about Idaho’s towing laws, don’t hesitate to contact us at Torch Towing & Transport LLC in Boise, ID.