Hillsboro, OR Business Licensing & Operations: Towing Companies (2026)
Key Facts
- Lien covers
- towing + storage charges
- Release requires
- full payment or bond
- Lien on contents
- starts 15 days later
- Owner notice
- mailed, per §8.24.120
Summary
A Hillsboro tow operator holds a lien on any vehicle towed for a parking violation and can keep it until towing, storage and City fees are paid in full or bonded.
A.A towed motor vehicle will not be released until full payment of all parking penalties, immobilization fee, if any, administrative fee as set by Council resolution, and towing and storage charges have been paid in full or a bond posted for an equivalent sum.B.The person towing the motor vehicle will have a lien on the vehicle, and its contents pursuant to HMC 8.24.110(C), for reasonable towing and storage charges and may retain possession of the vehicle until such charges are paid or some form of security, satisfactory to the person towing the vehicle, is posted.C.A lien under HMC 8.24.110(B) does not attach to the contents of a motor vehicle taken into custody from public property until 15 days after the vehicle is taken into custody.D.The motor vehicle will be immediately released to the owner upon payment of all penalties, fees and charges.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Municipal Code: Supplement 1 | Community Development Code: Supplement 1).
Full Breakdown
When Hillsboro police have a vehicle towed for a parking violation, it isn't released until all parking penalties, any immobilization fee, an administrative fee set by Council resolution, and the towing and storage charges are paid in full, or an equivalent bond is posted. The tow operator holds a lien on the vehicle for its reasonable towing and storage charges and can keep possession until paid or satisfactorily secured. The lien reaches the vehicle's contents only starting 15 days after the vehicle is taken into custody from public property, and the owner must be mailed notice of the tow under HMC 8.24.120.
Violations & Fines
Refusing to pay lets the tow company keep the vehicle under lien; tampering with or moving an immobilized vehicle without City removal of the device is a separate violation under HMC 8.24.130.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Hillsboro tow company keep my car until I pay?
Does the tow company get to keep what's inside my car too?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hillsboro
Compare Hillsboro to another location·View the Oregon business licensing & operations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Towing Companies in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Washington County handle towing companies.