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Boston’s narrow streets, street-cleaning schedules and snowy winters mean towing comes up often. This page explains where to start if your car was towed, what the City of Boston says about its tow lot and private tows, and how to request a tow or roadside help.
If your car was towed in Boston
Start with the official source: City of Boston: How to Get Your Towed Vehicle Back. It is the place to confirm where a city or police tow was taken, current fees, hours and what to bring. For private-lot tows, the sign at the lot entrance usually names the tow company to call. Our impound lot guide and impound release cost estimator help you plan the pickup.
What the City of Boston says
The City of Boston’s towed vehicle page lists common reasons for a tow, such as street sweeping, illegal parking and several overdue tickets. It offers an online search by plate number and explains the next steps depending on whether the car is at the City of Boston Tow Lot or with a private tow company. For the city lot, it lists accepted payment methods and notes a fee for card payments, and describes a self-service kiosk. For private tows, it explains that rates are set by state rules overseen by the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities. It also explains hearings for some city street tows, with a short deadline. Check the page for current details.
Driving and breakdowns in Boston
Boston has winding streets, tunnels and older roads with tight clearances. If you break down in a tunnel or on a road with no shoulder, stay in the car with your seat belt on and hazards on unless you are in danger, and call for help with your exact location. Tell a provider if you are in a garage with low clearance, since some tow trucks may not fit.
Snow emergencies can bring parking bans and tows on posted streets, and cold weather drains batteries. The City of Boston offers towing alerts; sign up through the city site so you hear about street cleaning or snow tows. Potholes after winter can damage tires and wheels, so if the car pulls or a tire is damaged, consider a tow or tire service rather than driving on.
Boston local rules at a glance
- At the City of Boston tow lot, the tow fee is $90. Storage is $3 per hour, up to $15 a day. Card payments carry a 2.5% fee.
- For police-ordered or private-property tows, the state maximum is $132 for the tow (220 CMR 272.00). Storage is capped at $35 per 24 hours.
Source: How to get your towed vehicle back (boston.gov). Last checked Oct 31, 2026. Fees and rules can change, so confirm on the official page before you go.
Asking for a tow or roadside help in Boston
If you are hiring a tow yourself, get the full price in writing before the truck is hooked up, and ask how you can pay. Our checklist for choosing a tow company and avoiding scams covers what to ask, and the tow cost calculator gives a ballpark range.
Boston towing guides on TowCars.com
- My car was towed: what to do next
- Stuck on the highway: roadside checklist
- Tow bill checker
- Tow yard storage fee limits
- How to choose a tow company and avoid scams
Frequently asked questions
Search by plate on the City of Boston’s towed vehicle page or follow the phone instructions it lists.
The City of Boston says cards are accepted at its tow lot, with a card fee. Check the official page for current details.
No. We pass your free quote request to independent providers who serve the area. They set their own prices and terms.
Need a tow or roadside help in Boston? Tell us what happened and where, and we’ll pass your request to independent providers who serve the area.
