Tow Service Program
The Department of Public Safety developed the tow program to ensure:
- Safe, efficient and rapid removal of disabled vehicles or vehicles involved in collisions on Arizona state highways.
- Fairness in rates charged to the motoring public.
- Fair profit margin for contracted tow companies utilized by DPS.
- Safety of the motoring public, DPS troopers and Tow Truck Operators.
- Reductions in secondary accidents.
In accordance with Arizona Revised Statute 41-1830.51, the Director of DPS may enter into a contractual agreement with a towing firm or firms for towing and/or storage services. DPS utilizes Tow Service Agreements (TSA), with local towing firms for towing, storage and roadside assistance services to address this need.
Purpose: Meet the needs of the public, the towing industry and the Department of Public Safety.
Objective: Ensure the public receives ethical and fair business practices on the part of private towing companies utilized by DPS.
The TSA provides towing firms with clear requirements for acceptance and continued service to DPS. The agreement ensures statewide consistency in the interpretation and enforcement of its terms and conditions. The TSA also ensures that towing firms used by the Department are competent to respond to calls with minimal time delays.
Please be aware of Arizona's Move Over Law. If you see flashing lights, it is the law to move over one lane to allow for additional space or, if you are unable to move over due to other vehicles, you must slow down, or you can face a fine of at least $150. This law is to protect stranded motorists, road and highway workers, roadside-assistance providers, emergency responders and aw enforcement officers.
For general tow inquiries, email [email protected].
Please send inquiries regarding the DPS Tow Service Certification Agreement (TSCA) to [email protected]
Towing firms shall have and maintain at its place of business, completed and approved DPS Tow Truck Company Registration Application for its company and DPS Tow Truck Inspection Application for all tow trucks used during its day-to-day business operations and when performing work under the Tow Service Agreement (TSA).
Tow Truck Company Registration Application
Tow Truck Inspection Application
Tow Trucks
Towing firms under agreement with DPS shall have and maintain its tow truck(s) in accordance with all applicable sections of A.A.C. Title 13, Chapter 3 and/or any revisions, additions or deletions thereto that may be incorporated by the state during its day-to-day business operations and when performing work under the TSA. Towing firms' tow trucks shall also:
- have completed DPS tow truck inspection application on file with DPS
- have identification requirements that are not interchangeable from one tow truck to another tow truck
- e.g., use of temporary and/or magnetic type identification are expressly prohibited
- be properly maintained, mechanically sound and roadworthy
- have adequate supplies of road safety devices
- e.g., safety flares, lights, reflective highway stands, etc.
- be equipped with jack stands and tire sliding devices
- be equipped with sufficient safety and ancillary equipment required to safely clear vehicles and prepare them for towing to the firm's nearest storage facility, and perform all required "on-scene" site cleanup services
- e.g., chains, slings, bumper, snatch blocks, brooms, shovels, sand buckets, containers available for trash and vehicle debris, etc.
- be equipped with motorcycle tie down straps on rollback and/or tilt bed trucks
Tow Truck Drivers
All tow truck drivers ("agents") utilized by the towing firm shall be in, and maintain, compliance with all applicable sections of A.A.C. Title 13, Chapter 3, Article 12 and/or any revisions, additions or deletions thereto that may be incorporated by the state during the towing firm's day-to-day business operations and when performing work under the agreement.
Tow Truck Inspections
Tow truck inspections are completed by our Commercial Vehicle Enforcement unit.
DPS works with the towing industry to improve the safety and quality of towing and recovery firms in the state of Arizona
Per ARS 41-1830.51, Section F, if an owner of a towing firm has a common ownership interest in another towing firm or the assets, or shared uses of the assets of another towing firm, the owner may not participate in any other application for a contractual agreement within the same geographic towing area for that application. The Department or a county, city or town must determine that each towing firm is in compliance with the subsection. The Director or a county, city or town must view any complaints that are submitted with supporting documentation and that alleged a violation of this subsection.
Stolen or Abandoned Vehicles
If your vehicle was stolen or abandoned and located by DPS, no additional paperwork is required; go directly to the towing firm that is storing your vehicle. You can contact DPS Dispatch to determine which towing firm is storing your vehicle:
- DPS Main Line: (602) 223-2000
If you do not claim your vehicle immediately, the tow company will apply for an abandoned title. This is allowed under ARS Title 28 Chapter 11: Abandoned, Seized and Junk Vehicles. You are responsible for all tow and storage charges associated with the tow. If you feel your vehicle was not towed legally, you may request a Post Storage Hearing at (602) 223-2957.
Required Information to Release Vehicle
Vehicles can be released to the registered owner or owner's agent. In addition to paying the towing and storage fees, in accordance with ARS 28-4842, you will need to bring a government issued photo ID and one of the following to release your vehicle:
- A valid certificate of title
- Proof of current vehicle registration, not including a restricted use three-day permit
- A repossession affidavit, a hold harmless liability release from legal claims and, if applicable, a proof of lien on the vehicle
- An insurance company release pursuant to ARS 28-4847
- A certified motor vehicle record
- Proof of a bona fide security interest or other financial interest in the vehicle that exists at the time of the tow
Accepted Forms of Payment
The following forms of payment shall be accepted by storage lots:
- Cash
- Credit or Debit Cards
- Money Orders
- Cashier Checks
Storage Lot Fees
The following are the daily maximum allowed daily fees that can be charged by towing companies under agreement with DPS based on Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings (GVWR). You can find your vehicle's GVWR on the driver's door panel or on your vehicle title. Most cars and light trucks are light duty.
- Light Duty Vehicle (≥ 14,000 lbs. GVWR) Daily Maximum Rate - $32.50
- Medium Duty Vehicle (14,001-26,000 lbs. GVWR) Daily Maximum Rate - $39.50</p>
- Heavy Duty Vehicle (≤ 26,001 lbs. GVWR) Daily Maximum Rate - $57.00
Please send any questions regarding the DPS Tow Service to the [email protected] email address.
Below are a list of statutes related to the towing process. Additional information can be found on the Arizona State Legislature site.
- ARS 41-1830.51. Vehicle towing; rules; contractual agreement for towing services; weight exemption
- ARS 41-1830.52. Department of public safety contractual agreements; towing; maximum allowable rates
- ARS 41-1830.53. Heavy-duty rotator recovery vehicle classification; rates and guidelines; definition
- ARS 28-674. Traffic accidents; quick clearance
- ARS 28-775. Authorized emergency vehicles; approaching; following fire apparatus; passing stationary vehicles; defensive driving schools; driver license examinations
- ARS 28-872. Removal of vehicles; notice; liability for costs; hearing
- ARS 28-3512. Release of vehicle; civil penalties; definition
- ARS 28-4805. Towing company; reimbursement
- ARS 28-4834. Vehicle removal
- ARS 28-4836. Towed vehicles; notification; Arizona crime information center database; violation; classification
- ARS 28-4837. Towing and storage costs
- ARS 28-4841. Abandoned vehicle; notice of intent to transfer vehicle
- ARS 28-4842. Unclaimed vehicle; transfer of ownership; immunity
- ARS 28-4847. Insurance companies; release; fees; vehicle repair facilities; applicability; local laws violation; classification; definitions
- ARS 28-4848. Access to vehicle; ignition interlock device installer; lienholder; fee prohibited; violation; classification
- ARS 28-4882. Junk vehicle; disposition