Towing rules in Rhode Island
What the state says about towing, with the page each rule comes from. It's a summary of the published rules, not legal advice, and your city or county can have rules of its own.
Updated October 6, 2026
Tow company licensing
The Rhode Island Division of Public Utilities and Carriers issues certificates to tow companies.1-2
Limits on police and private-property tow fees
Ask for the full price before your car is hooked up, and ask for an itemized receipt.
Storage fees
Ask the tow yard for its daily storage fee and the hours you can collect your car.
Towed from a private lot
In Rhode Island, the property owner must retain a certificated tower in writing and direct each removal in writing. The impound lot must be within 10 miles and open for release during the same hours it receives vehicles. Charges follow the published tariff.3
Where to complain
Keep your receipt and photos of your car, and ask the tow company in writing to correct a charge you think is wrong.
Get quotes from tow companies in your county
One request instead of calling tow companies one at a time. It's free, and you don't have to hire anyone. Your request may go to contractors nearby.
Sources
Tow companies in Rhode Island
Rhode Island has 187 tow companies listed, and 102 of them hold an active USDOT registration. Browse them by county and call one directly, or schedule a tow and we'll pass it to tow companies near you.
Cite this page
“Towing rules in Rhode Island.” FindTowingTruck.com, updated October 6, 2026. https://findtowingtruck.com/ri/rules/