Everything You Need to Know About Massachusetts Towing Laws

Your vehicle could be towed in Massachusetts for a fine of up to $108, plus storage charges, if it’s illegally parked or abandoned.

Written by Cassandra Hamilton Reviewed by Jessica Barrett Updated on Jan 31, 2024

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In Massachusetts , police and private property owners can have vehicles towed if they are illegally parked or abandoned. You may have to pay high towing and storage fees to get your vehicle back after it’s been towed, so you need to know your rights.

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Massachusetts towing laws allow for police and private property owners to tow vehicles that are illegally parked or abandoned.

Fees associated with police-ordered or other tows range from towing and storage fees to administrative and transfer charges.

If your car gets towed in Massachusetts, you have certain rights, including the right to a quick hearing and to pay tow and storage fees by credit card.

Massachusetts towing laws for police Massachusetts state law allows the state police to tow your vehicle when : The vehicle was stolen or taken without the owner’s consent The vehicle is disabled and obstructing traffic and/or is an obvious hazard to public safety The operator of the vehicle is arrested and the vehicle would be left unattended on a public way The vehicle is improperly parked or standing in violation of a state or municipal law or regulation The vehicle is not validly registered or insured The vehicle, in its current condition, is too hazardous or dangerous to be driven Adverse weather conditions or other emergency reasons require the removal of the vehicle

There might be more reasons why law enforcement might tow your vehicle, but these are the big ones. If your vehicle is towed by the police, it will be taken to an impound lot.

The bottom line : Police may only tow your vehicle if it’s parked illegally or has been abandoned, or in certain emergency circumstances, like inclement weather.

MORE : My car got towed. Now what? How to get your car out of an impound lot in Massachusetts

If your vehicle is taken to an impound lot, make sure you recover it within 30 calendar days . After this, the vehicle will go to auction and you won’t be able to get it back.

Call the impound lot as soon as you can after your vehicle is towed to get instructions for recovery. If you’re the registered owner of the vehicle, you should be able to get the vehicle back by showing up during normal business hours and providing :