Towed From A Private Lot
Idaho Code § 49-1806 and Idaho Code § 49-1811 — a posted sign naming the tow company, and the car back on proof of ownership and payment
The sign comes first. A person in control of property, commercial property included, may have an unauthorized vehicle towed or booted if a sign or notice in large print is posted in a clearly conspicuous place saying unauthorized vehicles will be removed or booted at the owner's expense and naming the towing firm.
Without such a sign, the person in control of noncommercial property may still have an abandoned vehicle towed by signing a release that identifies them and the vehicle and takes responsibility for the removal.
Getting it back. The owner or lienholder may take the vehicle at any time before it is disposed of by proving ownership and paying the towing and storage or booting costs. Vehicles held for investigation or as suspected stolen are the exception.
Taking a towed or booted vehicle without paying the charges is a misdemeanor. The tow procedure hearing for police tows does not apply to a vehicle removed from posted private property.
Sources for this section (3)
- Idaho Code § 49-1806 — Removal or booting of unauthorized and abandoned vehicles from real property
- Idaho Code § 49-1811 — Claiming of vehicle — Refusal to release vehicle
- Idaho Code § 49-1809 — Tow procedure hearing
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Idaho attorney.