Questions about towing in Chicago

How much can a tow company charge for a private-property tow in Chicago?

A relocator may not demand, collect or receive anything from the owner, agent or lessee of a relocated vehicle other than the amount on the signs posted on the property, or the ICC rate, whichever is less, except ICC storage fees posted where the vehicle is reclaimed. A relocator who violates this section is liable for restitution of the owner's or lessee's actual costs.

Source: Chicago Mun. Code §§ 9-84-023, 9-84-040(c) · Checked on October 6, 2026

The ICC says its current maximum relocation rate for light-duty vehicles (manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating under 8,000 lbs.) is $238.20, and relocators may add a $2.50 invoice fee (the Relocation Tow Record Form charge in 1710.170(e)). By statute the rate may not exceed the average of the 5 highest police-tow rates in the territory.

Source: ICC Police, Relocation Towing FAQ; 625 ILCS 5/18a-200(6); 92 Ill. Adm. Code 1710.170(e) · Checked on October 6, 2026

A relocator may not charge more than the lesser of the ICC rate or the rate on its sign at the lot. It may not collect more than the sign amount, more than or other than the ICC rates, or anything at all if the relocation did not comply with the law. Storage fees need not be on the lot sign but must be posted where vehicles are reclaimed. A relocator must refund tow and storage fees paid above the rate on its sign.

Source: 92 Ill. Adm. Code 1710.122(e), 1710.47(a)(2), (b), 1710.147(a) · Checked on October 6, 2026

What can a storage lot charge for storage in Chicago?

The ICC sets the maximum rates for relocation tows and for storage beyond 24 hours. A relocator may not charge for storage for the first 24 hours after the tow, may not charge other services to the vehicle's owner or operator, and any credit card fee counts toward the maximum. The ICC must require a relocator to refund anything charged above the rate, including a card fee. Charging other than the ICC rates is unlawful.

Source: 625 ILCS 5/18a-200(6), 18a-300(12) · Checked on October 6, 2026

No storage may be charged after the vehicle is claimed with proper ID and payment is tendered, or for days or hours the relocator is closed to the public. If the vehicle had been reported stolen before the tow, storage is limited to 8 days at the daily rate. The relocator must keep reclaim hours during all hours it tows and for 2 hours after.

Source: 92 Ill. Adm. Code 1710.122(b)-(d), 1710.123 · Checked on October 6, 2026

How long do I have to ask for a hearing after a police or city tow in Chicago?

The owner or person entitled to a vehicle the City impounded under § 9-92-030 may request a hearing at the Department of Administrative Hearings, in person and in writing, within 30 days after the vehicle is seized and impounded. If the vehicle is still held, the hearing is within 48 hours (not counting weekends and holidays); if it was released, within 30 days of the request. The hearing decides whether the vehicle was subject to towing and whether the fees are valid; if it was not subject to towing, the vehicle is returned and the towing and storage fees already paid are refunded.

Source: Chicago Mun. Code § 2-14-135 · Checked on October 6, 2026

The City's towing page says the owner of an impounded vehicle is entitled to a post-tow hearing to contest the validity of the tow and any towing or storage fees: you can request it when you redeem the vehicle, or, if you already claimed it, at the nearest auto pound within 15 days of the release; you must attend the hearing.

Source: City of Chicago, Streets and Sanitation, Common Towing Questions · Checked on October 6, 2026

What are the rules for tow-away signs on private property in Chicago?

When a Chicago property owner contracts with a relocator, notice must be posted at all entrances and exits, in clear view, with the bottom of the sign 4 to 7 feet above ground, in letters at least 3 inches high, legible at night. It must say who may park; warn that unauthorized vehicles will be relocated; give the relocator's name, address and phone and the reclaim location; the fee and whether cash, check or cards are accepted; and that relocators are regulated by the ICC, with its phone and web address for complaints. It does not apply to driveways or lots for three or fewer vehicles.

Source: Chicago Mun. Code § 9-84-010(d), (e) · Checked on October 6, 2026

The ICC rule adds: the warning that unauthorized vehicles will be relocated must be in letters at least 3 inches high (other text at least 1 inch), in contrasting colors. Each sign must show the warning; the relocator's full legal name as on its license, its address and phone, and the address and phone where the vehicle can be reclaimed; the maximum fee the relocator will charge to reclaim the vehicle and any limits on payment; and the hours to reclaim it (a sign with no hours means any time, any day). Signs must be visible from each entrance and exit day and night, or within 100 feet of any space vehicles may be towed from, and may name only one reclaim location.

Source: 92 Ill. Adm. Code 1710.50, 1710.51 · Checked on October 6, 2026

Before a property owner removes or has a relocator remove an unauthorized vehicle, written notice must be posted: a sign in a conspicuous place in the affected area, at least 24 inches high by 36 inches wide, at least 4 feet but less than 8 feet from the ground, illuminated or painted with reflective paint (or both), stating the towing charges and the relocator's name, address and telephone number. No sign is needed on residential property that is clearly reserved for residents or their vehicles.

Source: 625 ILCS 5/18a-302; 18a-300(10) · Checked on October 6, 2026

Where can I file a complaint about a tow in Chicago?

The ICC Police investigate complaints about relocation towers (private-property tows) in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Will and Winnebago counties. The ICC's complaint form asks for your contact information, the company, the date and address of the incident, the type of complaint (Relocation Towing (Private Property)) and a description, and is mailed with copies of supporting documents to ICC Police, 9511 Harrison St., Des Plaines, IL 60016. The relocator must give you the form; it is also on the back of the Relocation Towing Invoice Receipt. The ICC does not handle police-directed tows, tows from public streets, or damage claims.

Source: 625 ILCS 5/18a-200(10); ICC Police page; ICC Complaint Form · Checked on October 6, 2026

What forms of payment must the tow company or storage lot accept in Chicago?

Relocators must accept U.S. currency, commonly recognized travelers checks, money orders, cashier's checks, certified checks, and commonly accepted credit and debit cards. The lien for relocation charges must be payable by any major credit card as well as cash, and no sign may show a payment restriction contrary to this rule.

Source: 92 Ill. Adm. Code 1710.122(a), 1710.51(b)(3); 625 ILCS 5/18a-501(a) · Checked on October 6, 2026

Can I get my belongings out of the towed car in Chicago?

Each relocator must post the Chicago Towing Bill of Rights (at least 11 x 17 inches) where people retrieve vehicles and give a paper copy to everyone retrieving a vehicle. Its terms include: written consent of the property owner; signs posted at least 24 hours before; rates published; no relocation if the owner arrives with the key and drives away; police notified within 30 minutes; cash, travelers checks, money orders, cashier's and certified checks, and credit and debit cards accepted; access to the vehicle to get personal belongings even if the owner can't pay right away; the pre-tow photo and video on request; and ICC complaints at (847) 294-4326 or icc.illinois.gov.

Source: Chicago Mun. Code § 9-84-036 · Checked on October 6, 2026

A relocator's lien for its charges does not cover child restraint systems and booster seats; eyeglasses; food; medicine; personal medical devices, including hearing instruments; perishable property; driver's licenses; cash, credit cards, checks or checkbooks; a wallet or purse holding IDs, cards or cash; higher education textbooks and study materials; and property that belongs to someone else who proves it. A spouse, child, parent, brother or sister can claim these with the owner's authorization. The lien also may not exceed the ICC rate or include other charges.

Source: 625 ILCS 5/18a-501 · Checked on October 6, 2026

What happens if I get back to my car before it is towed away in Chicago?

A relocator may not relocate a vehicle if the owner or other person entitled to it is present and offers to remove it voluntarily before the relocator attempts to relocate it, and then removes it immediately. Chicago's Towing Bill of Rights repeats the state rule: no relocation if the owner or agent arrives before the vehicle is completely removed from the property, has the key, and drives it away immediately.

Source: Chicago Mun. Code §§ 9-84-020, 9-84-036(b)(4) · Checked on October 6, 2026

A vehicle may not be relocated when the owner or the owner's agent is present or arrives before the vehicle is completely removed from the private property, produces the ignition key, and is able to and does remove the vehicle immediately. For a vehicle that needs a commercial driver's license, the relocator may charge a service fee of not more than half the posted rate.

Source: 625 ILCS 5/18a-300(9); 92 Ill. Adm. Code 1710.43 · Checked on October 6, 2026

How do I find out where my car was towed in Chicago?

The City says to call 311 to find out whether a car was towed and where; a car may also have been relocated to another street for street work, so call 311 before reporting it stolen. City auto pounds: Central (500 E. Wacker Dr., lower level), O'Hare (Bessie Coleman Dr.), Pound 2 (103rd and Doty Ave.) and Pound 6 (701 N. Sacramento Ave.), all open 24 hours, 365 days. Vehicles impounded for certain offenses are released only after a visit to 400 W. Superior. Booted vehicles: Department of Finance, 312-744-PARK.

Source: City of Chicago, Streets and Sanitation, Common Towing Questions · Checked on October 6, 2026

What rules apply when a car is booted in Chicago?

No person may boot a motor vehicle within Chicago, except the City or another government (or someone acting under its direction) when the law allows, or booting in compliance with Municipal Code § 4-6-230.

Source: Chicago Mun. Code § 9-84-015 · Checked on October 6, 2026