The Idaho Transportation Department is reminding drivers to act quickly if their vehicle is towed at the direction of law enforcement. A recent case in Idaho highlighted the consequences of delaying action: a driver who delayed responding to the notice sent by the department lost the title to the vehicle.
When law enforcement orders a tow, whether after a crash, arrest, medical emergency, or abandoned-vehicle situation, state law requires the towing company to report the vehicle to the Idaho Transportation Department within one day. The department then sends a notice to the registered owner explaining the steps needed to reclaim the vehicle.
ITD officials stress that the timelines in that notice begin immediately, even if the owner is unable to retrieve the vehicle right away.
“Responding to the notice is the key step,” said Lisa McClellan, DMV Administrator. “If someone receives a notice from the Idaho Transportation Department about a law-enforcement-directed tow, they should contact the towing company as soon as possible. To avoid consequences, do not delay.”
Customers can check the status of a law-enforcement-directed or private-property tow through the Customer DMV Portal. They can also review tow rates and the steps required to claim a vehicle on the ITD website. To log in or create an online DMV account, visit dmv.idaho.gov. Customers can sign up for e-notifications to receive towing notices and other DMV reminders faster than they would through the mail.
If you receive a notice from the Idaho Transportation Department about a towed vehicle, take action right away:
- Contact the towing company listed in the notice.
- Follow the timeline outlined in the notice to avoid additional fees or loss of the vehicle.
For more information or help locating a towed vehicle, visit the DMV portal (dmv.idaho.gov) and search “abandoned vehicle”, or contact the Idaho Transportation Department at 208-584-4343.