How Much Are Impound Fees in New Jersey?
Getting a car out of impound in New Jersey typically costs about $170-$410 on day one: an initial tow of $150-$350 plus daily storage of $20-$60/day. Retrieve it fast - fees add up every day.
Rate-setting authority is at the municipal/local level: for law-enforcement-authorized tows, fees must be set by a municipal ordinance/resolution or by a municipality-towing company contract (N.J.A.C. 13:45A-31.4); private-property tow fees are operator-set subject to a reasonableness standard (13:45A-31.5). The $750 figure in N.J.S.A. 56:13-16 is a conditional storage-charge ceiling that applies only when the operator fails the 30-day notice requirement, not a standard daily or aggregate cap.
Reviewed by Daniel Richardson against New Jersey statutes and regulator schedules.
New Jersey Impound Cost by Days Held (2026)
| Time in impound | Estimated total |
|---|---|
| 1 day | ~$170-$410 |
| 3 days | ~$210-$530 |
| 7 days | ~$290-$770 |
| 14 days | ~$430-$1,190 |
Estimate = a typical tow + storage. New Jersey has no single statewide dollar cap, so actual fees vary by lot and vehicle.
Max tow fee: No statewide cap; a fee above the town's fee-ordinance maximum, where one exists, is presumed unreasonable (N.J.A.C. 13:45A-31.5)
Storage: No statewide cap; billed per full 24 hours and presumed unreasonable above the town's fee-ordinance maximum (N.J.A.C. 13:45A-31.4, 31.5)
Notification: For police-authorized tows, the towing company must notify the owner, operator, lessor and lienholder within 30 days of the car arriving at its lot; if it does not, it may charge no more than $750 in storage (N.J.S.A. 56:13-16).
Sources & Legal References
- P.L. 2023 c.132 (approved Aug 7, 2023) - NJ Legislature
pub.njleg.state.nj.us · PDF
Regulated by New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs.
Last reviewed by Daniel Richardson against New Jersey's official state statutes and regulator schedules.
How to Get Your Car Out Fast
- Call the local police non-emergency line to confirm which lot holds your car and get a case number.
- Bring a photo ID, proof of ownership (registration or title), and payment.
- Many lots require proof of current insurance to release the car - if yours lapsed, get a policy or SR-22 quote first.
- Ask for an itemized receipt and retrieve personal belongings (allowed during business hours in most states).
Can't find the title, or the fees are more than the car is worth? See how to sell a car without a title in New Jersey.
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Get the documents to dispute my bill →New Jersey Impound FAQs
How much does it cost to get a car out of impound in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, expect an initial tow of roughly $150-$350 plus daily storage of about $20-$60 per day, plus any administrative/release fees. The longer the car sits, the more you pay - so retrieve it quickly. No statewide cap; a fee above the town's fee-ordinance maximum, where one exists, is presumed unreasonable (N.J.A.C. 13:45A-31.5).
How much is the daily impound storage fee in New Jersey?
Daily storage in New Jersey runs about $20-$60 per day. State rule: No statewide cap; billed per full 24 hours and presumed unreasonable above the town's fee-ordinance maximum (N.J.A.C. 13:45A-31.4, 31.5). Fees accrue every calendar day (sometimes counting partial days), which is why retrieving the vehicle fast saves the most money.
What do I need to get my car out of impound in New Jersey?
Bring a government photo ID, proof of ownership (registration or title), and payment. Many lots also require proof of current insurance to release the vehicle - if your coverage has lapsed, get a policy or SR-22 quote first so you can release the car.
Can I dispute impound or towing fees in New Jersey?
Yes. If you were charged more than the local or posted rate allows, or the tow broke New Jersey rules, request an itemized receipt, demand a refund of any illegal charges, and file a complaint with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs. Keep every receipt and photograph the signage.
What are the towing rates in New Jersey?
NJ towing rates are set by each municipality. Typical rates range from $125-$250 for standard tows. Contact your local municipal clerk office for the official rate schedule in your area.
Can tow companies in NJ refuse credit cards?
No. Licensed tow companies in New Jersey are required to accept major credit cards. If a company demands cash only, report them to the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs.