Denver towing questions, answered

Start with the city's Tow Tracker on denvergov.org, which searches by plate or VIN for cars taken to the City and County of Denver impound lot at 5160 York Street. If it isn't there, a private company probably towed it from a lot or an apartment complex. Look for the tow sign where you parked, or call the Denver police non-emergency line at (720) 913-2000. Colorado tow companies have to tell the state and the owner within 10 days, but you don't have to wait for the letter.

You usually can't avoid them, but you can keep them small. Get the car out fast, since storage runs by the day. Check the bill against the PUC's posted maximums for a private-property tow. If the car was reported stolen before the city towed it, Denver's impound charges no fees. And if a company broke the rules (no authorization, no photos, a tow over an expired plate without a police order), state law says it can't keep the fees, so file a complaint with the Colorado PUC.

Yes. Under HB22-1314, within 30 days of the tow notice you can get the car or your belongings by paying the lesser of 15% of the fees owed or $60 and signing a form that says you still owe the rest. If the car was towed from a residential lot, such as an apartment complex, the PUC says getting your things out costs nothing.

Proof you own it (current registration or the title), a photo ID with a matching name, and payment. To drive it out you also need valid insurance and a license, and the car has to be roadworthy. Otherwise it leaves on a tow truck. Personal checks are not accepted.

Pulling two trailers behind one vehicle is a question for Colorado's size and weight rules, which depend on the vehicles and the total length. We haven't found a plain-language state answer we would stake a page on, so ask the Colorado State Patrol before you hitch up. If you need a vehicle moved and don't want to risk it, a flatbed carries one car with no trailer rules for you to worry about.

It is a rule of thumb for pulling a trailer, not a law: keep the loaded trailer at or under about 80% of your vehicle's rated towing capacity, to leave a margin for hills and summer heat, and for braking. Along the Front Range, with I-70's grades a short drive away, that margin matters. Your owner's manual has the real capacity number.

Colorado doesn't issue a towing license. Tow companies need a towing carrier permit from the Colorado Public Utilities Commission, which also sets the maximum rates for tows you didn't ask for and takes complaints. Ask any tow company for its PUC permit number.

Not just for that. Under HB22-1314 a carrier can't tow over an expired registration shown on the rear plate unless a police officer orders it.

For a tow you call for, the company sets the price, usually a hook-up fee plus a per-mile charge, more for a flatbed or a winch-out, and more again in the middle of the night. Ask for one total before the truck leaves. For a tow you didn't ask for, the PUC caps it: $250.91 for a vehicle under 10,000 pounds after the March 15, 2026 adjustment, plus capped mileage and storage.

Often, if your policy has roadside or towing coverage, and some credit cards and new-car warranties include it too. Call the number on your card first. If they can't send someone in a reasonable time, ask whether they reimburse a tow you arrange yourself, and keep the receipt.

No. Denver Tow Desk is a free referral service. We pass your call or request to one independent towing company that works your area. That company prices the job, sends the truck and gets paid by you. It pays us for the introduction.

Where you are (cross streets, or the exit and direction of travel), the year and model, whether it rolls and steers, whether it is all-wheel drive, and where you want it taken. Those decide whether you need a flatbed and how far the tow is.