Chattanooga, TN Business Licensing & Operations: Towing Companies (2026)
Key Facts
- Tow cap, light vehicle
- $125 under 7,000 lbs
- Storage cap
- $20/day, free under 24 hrs
- Police notice
- within 1 hour of tow
- Drop fee if owner present
- $75 two-axle / $150 three-axle+
Summary
Chattanooga caps non-consent tows from private property at $125 for vehicles under 7,000 pounds, requires signed property-owner authorization before towing, and makes wrecker operators notify police within one hour of every tow.
It is unlawful for any person, or the person's agent, to move or cause to be moved, any motor vehicle located on private property, from the property, if the owner of the motor vehicle has acquired any interest in the private property by virtue of a lease or any contract, without the express consent of the owner of the motor vehicle.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 40 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Sec. 35-171(a) makes it unlawful to tow a vehicle from private property without the vehicle owner's consent, absent a lease interest, court order, or security interest. Sec. 35-171(c) requires the wrecker operator to have written authorization from the property owner or a designated agent before towing, with no personal or business relationship allowed between that agent and the towing company. Rates are capped under Sec. 35-171(e) at $125 for vehicles under 7,000 pounds GVWR, plus a $20-per-day storage fee waived for the first 24 hours, and Sec. 35-171(b) requires police notice within one hour of any non-consent tow.
Violations & Fines
Towing without written owner authorization, exceeding the capped rates, or failing to report a tow to police within an hour violates Sec. 35-171 and is enforceable by the Chattanooga Police Department.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Chattanooga apartment complex just tow any car it wants?
How much can a Chattanooga tow company charge to tow my car from private property?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chattanooga
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