What is the New Towing Law in Colorado? A Guide for Drivers in 2024

If you've ever faced the inconvenience of a towed vehicle, you know how frustrating and costly it can be. To make towing practices fairer for everyone, Colorado recently updated its towing laws, implementing new regulations in 2024 that aim to protect vehicle owners and ensure transparency. In this blog, we at SWFT Towing in Colorado Springs, CO, will help you understand the key changes in the new towing law, how it affects you, and what you need to know to stay informed.

Understanding Colorado's New Towing Law

In January 2024, Colorado introduced several updates to its towing regulations, designed to provide better protection to vehicle owners and increase transparency in the towing process. These changes primarily focus on how towing companies operate, the fees they charge, and the rights of vehicle owners. Here are the key elements of the new towing law:

1. Increased Notice Requirements

Under the new towing law, towing companies must provide increased notice before towing vehicles from certain locations. For instance, if a vehicle is parked in a private lot without proper authorization, property owners must clearly post visible signs stating parking restrictions and the towing company's contact information. This change is meant to ensure drivers are adequately informed of where they can and cannot park, reducing the chances of a surprise tow.

2. Permission Required for Non-Emergency Tows

One significant update is that towing companies must obtain written or electronic authorization from the property owner or an authorized agent before towing a vehicle in non-emergency situations. This is to prevent predatory towing practices and ensure that a vehicle is only towed when absolutely necessary. This change particularly impacts towing from private properties, where disputes over towing can often arise.

3. 24-Hour Grace Period for Residential Properties

The new law also introduces a 24-hour grace period for vehicles parked at residential properties. If a vehicle is parked without authorization, the property owner must wait at least 24 hours before having the vehicle towed, except in cases where the vehicle is blocking access or posing a safety hazard. This grace period provides vehicle owners with more time to move their vehicles and avoid unnecessary towing fees.

4. Cap on Towing Fees and Storage Costs

To address concerns about excessive towing fees, the new law sets a cap on towing and storage fees that towing companies can charge. This means that there is now a limit to how much you can be charged for the towing service and for storing your vehicle at a tow yard. The cap helps prevent unexpected, exorbitant fees and ensures that vehicle owners are not taken advantage of in stressful situations.

5. Payment Options and Release of Vehicles

Under the new regulations, towing companies must accept multiple forms of payment, including credit and debit cards, for the release of a vehicle. Additionally, towing companies are required to release a vehicle to its owner upon payment of applicable fees, without unnecessary delays. This change aims to make it easier for vehicle owners to retrieve their vehicles without facing restrictive payment requirements.

6. Right to Retrieve Personal Property

If your vehicle has been towed, you now have the right to access and retrieve personal belongings from your vehicle, even if you cannot pay the towing fees immediately. Towing companies must allow vehicle owners to collect essential items such as wallets, medication, and important documents from their vehicles without any additional charges. This change is designed to protect your rights and minimize the impact of a tow on your daily life.

How Does the New Towing Law Affect You?

The new towing law in Colorado is designed to create a fairer environment for both vehicle owners and towing companies. As a driver, it’s important to be aware of your rights:

Check for Proper Signage: Always look for visible signs when parking, especially in private lots. The new law requires clear signage, so if signs are missing, you may have grounds to contest a tow.

Know Your Rights for Vehicle Retrieval: If your vehicle is towed, you have the right to collect personal items from your vehicle without having to pay the full towing fee upfront.

Understand Fee Limits: Be aware that there are now caps on how much towing companies can charge for towing and storage. This can help you avoid overpaying in case your vehicle is towed.

Why the New Towing Law Matters

These updates to Colorado’s towing law are significant because they help ensure that towing practices are fair and transparent. Predatory towing has been a concern for many vehicle owners, with unexpected tows and excessive fees causing stress and financial burden. The new regulations aim to curb these practices by holding towing companies accountable and providing vehicle owners with more rights and information.

At SWFT Towing, we fully comply with the new towing laws and are committed to providing ethical, transparent, and professional towing services in Colorado Springs and the surrounding areas. Our goal is to help drivers in need without adding unnecessary stress or financial burden.

How SWFT Towing Can Help

At SWFT Towing in Colorado Springs, CO, we understand how stressful it can be when your vehicle needs to be towed. Whether you’re dealing with a breakdown, an accident, or an unauthorized tow, our team is here to help. We offer 24/7 towing services, including emergency towing, roadside assistance, and specialized towing for electric and hybrid vehicles.

With the new towing law in effect, we ensure that all our practices are in full compliance with state regulations. We provide transparent pricing, prompt service, and multiple payment options to make the towing process as smooth as possible for our customers.

Need Towing Assistance? Contact SWFT Towing Today!

If you find yourself in need of towing services in Colorado Springs, CO, SWFT Towing is here to help. Our professional and friendly team is available 24/7 to provide reliable towing and roadside assistance services. With our commitment to transparency and compliance with Colorado’s new towing laws, you can trust us to handle your towing needs ethically and efficiently.

Contact us today for fast and reliable towing services in Colorado Springs.