Portland, OR Business Licensing & Operations: Towing Companies (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing chapter
- City Code Ch. 7.24 (PPI Code)
- Permit required
- PPI tower registration, PBOT
- Boot devices
- Banned without owner consent
- Max civil penalty (tower)
- $1,000 per violation
- Max civil penalty (property owner)
- $700 per tow
Summary
Portland requires tow companies to register as PPI (Private Property Impound) towers with the Bureau of Transportation and follow strict conditions before towing an unauthorized vehicle from private property without owner consent.
Except for towing allowed under ORS 98.854(3), a PPI tower may lawfully tow a vehicle without the registered owner's permission from private property in the City only if: A. The PPI tower has express written authorization from the private parking facility owner...; and, D. The vehicle is towed directly to the PPI tower's storage facility within the Portland city limits; and, E. The vehicle is not occupied by any person or persons.
Full Breakdown
Under City Code Chapter 7.24, a towing firm must hold a PPI permit from the Portland Bureau of Transportation before towing from private lots, keep a storage facility inside city limits, and post Director-approved maximum rates. A tow is lawful only with written authorization from the property owner, direct contact at the time of the tow, delivery straight to the tower's in-city storage facility, and an unoccupied vehicle. Boot devices on private or public right-of-way vehicles are banned outright without owner consent.
Violations & Fines
Civil penalties run up to $1,000 per substantial violation for PPI towers and up to $700 per tow for property owners who authorize non-compliant towing or accept kickbacks; the Director can also suspend or revoke a tower's PPI permit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Portland lot tow my car without asking me first?
Can a Portland tow company boot my car instead?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Portland
Compare Portland to another location·View the Oregon business licensing & operations overview
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Towing Companies in Nearby Cities
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