Ind. Code ch. 24-14-4

in effect

Ind. Code § 24-14-4-1 Application of chapter

Sec. 1. (a) This chapter applies to a towing company that engages in, or offers to engage in, private commercial property towing. (b) This chapter does not apply to the towing of a motor vehicle from a tow-away zone that is not located on commercial private property. As added by P.L.281-2019, SEC.5.

Ind. Code § 24-14-4-2 Commercial private property tow-away zones; exceptions

Sec. 2. (a) Except as provided in subsections (b) and (c), the owner of a commercial private property may establish a tow-away zone on the owner's property. A commercial private property owner that establishes a tow-away zone under this section must post a tow-away zone sign at the location of the tow-away zone that is at a height of more than five (5) feet and less than seven (7) feet from the ground, conspicuous, and clearly visible to the public. A tow-away zone sign described under this section shall provide the following information: (1) A statement that the area in the immediate vicinity of the sign is a tow-away zone. (2) Pertinent contact information. (3) A description of any person permitted to park in the affected area, if applicable. (b) A commercial private property owner may have a motor vehicle towed from the owner's commercial private property without first displaying signage concerning the tow-away zone if the motor vehicle is removed under IC 9-22-1-16. (c) A unit (as defined in IC 36-1-2-23) may adopt an ordinance that provides for different requirements than those provided in this section. (d) Except as provided in subsection (b), a towing company may not tow a motor vehicle from a tow-away zone if the tow-away zone sign is not at the height required under subsection (a). As added by P.L.281-2019, SEC.5. Amended by P.L.81-2026, SEC.4.

Ind. Code § 24-14-4-3 Emergency towing; distance restrictions

Sec. 3. A towing company that tows a motor vehicle under this chapter shall ensure that the motor vehicle is towed to: (1) a storage facility within forty (40) miles of the location of the tow-away zone from which the motor vehicle was removed; or (2) if there is no storage facility within forty (40) miles of the location of the tow-away zone, to the storage facility nearest to the tow-away zone that has been approved by the commercial private property owner from where the motor vehicle was towed. As added by P.L.281-2019, SEC.5.

Ind. Code § 24-14-4-4 Release of motor vehicle to owner or operator during tow; permitted fees

Sec. 4. If the owner or operator of a motor vehicle that is parked in violation of a tow-away zone arrives at the location of the tow-away zone while the motor vehicle is in the process of being towed, the towing company shall give the owner or operator either oral or written notification that the owner or operator may pay a fee in an amount that is not greater than half of the amount of the fee the towing company normally charges for the release of a motor vehicle. Upon the owner's or operator's payment of the amount specified, the towing company shall: (1) release the motor vehicle to the owner or operator; and (2) give the owner or operator a receipt showing: (A) the full amount of the fee the towing company normally charges for the release of a motor vehicle; and (B) the amount of the fee paid by the owner or operator. As added by P.L.281-2019, SEC.5.

Ind. Code § 24-14-4-5 Notice to law enforcement agencies

Sec. 5. If required by the local law enforcement agency, not later than two (2) hours after completing a tow of a motor vehicle from a commercial private property described under this chapter, a towing company shall provide notice of the towing to the local law enforcement agency having jurisdiction in the location of the private property. As added by P.L.281-2019, SEC.5.

Ind. Code § 24-14-4-6 Commercial private property towing procedure; reimbursement

Sec. 6. A towing company that performs commercial private property towing under this chapter shall do the following: (1) Properly secure all towed motor vehicles. (2) Take all reasonable efforts to prevent: (A) further damage (including weather damage) to; or (B) the theft of; all towed motor vehicles, including a towed motor vehicle's cargo and contents. (3) Except for a towing performed under IC 9-22-1, reimburse the owner of the motor vehicle for any damage caused by the towing company. As added by P.L.281-2019, SEC.5. Amended by P.L.81-2026, SEC.5.

Ind. Code § 24-14-4-7 Abandoned vehicles; rights of private property owner

Sec. 7. This chapter does not affect a private property owner's rights under IC 9-22-1 with respect to abandoned vehicles on the property owner's property. As added by P.L.281-2019, SEC.5.

Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://iga.in.gov/laws/2026/ic/titles/24Fetched: 10/17/2026