Towing Laws in Nevada: What You Need to Know Before You Hit the Road

This article provides a comprehensive overview of towing laws in Nevada, focusing on both vehicle and trailer towing regulations. It aims to educate readers, especially those in the auto repair, car dealership, roadside assistance, and logistics industries, about their rights and responsibilities under Nevada law, making it a valuable resource for anyone involved in vehicle towing and recovery.

1. What Are the General Towing Laws in Nevada?

Nevada’s towing laws are designed to balance the rights of vehicle owners with the needs of property owners and the safety of the public. Here’s what you need to know about general towing laws in the State of Nevada:

• Public Roads: A vehicle can be towed from a public road if it’s illegally parked, obstructing traffic, or considered abandoned. Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) define an abandoned vehicle as one left unattended on a highway for over 24 hours.
• Private Property: Nevada allows property owners to tow vehicles parked in an unauthorized manner on their property, provided they follow specific requirements.
• Notification: Before a tow truck can remove a vehicle, the property owner or the person in lawful possession of the property must either notify the local law enforcement agency or post clear signage indicating that unauthorized vehicles will be towed at the owner’s expense.
• NRS 487.038 dictates specific procedures for towing from private property, including that the owner or person in lawful possession of any real property may tow a vehicle if the owner or person has reasonable cause to believe that the vehicle is parked in an unauthorized manner or if the vehicle has been left unattended for more than 24 hours without the property owner or person in lawful possession’s consent.

2. How Does Nevada Law Regulate Impoundment?

Impoundment laws in Nevada are outlined in NRS 487.037 and NRS 487.038. These statutes detail the circumstances under which a vehicle can be impounded and the process that must be followed. Here are key aspects:

• Law Enforcement Impound: Law enforcement can impound a vehicle for various reasons, including expired registration, involvement in a crime, or if the driver is arrested.
• Private Impound: A property owner can have a vehicle impounded from their property if it’s parked illegally or abandoned.
• Notification: The Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) must be notified within a specific timeframe after a vehicle is impounded.
• Release: To retrieve an impounded vehicle, the owner must pay all towing fees, storage fees, and any applicable fines.

3. Can a Vehicle Be Towed from Private Property in Nevada?

Yes, Nevada allows for vehicles to be towed from private property under specific conditions. Here’s a breakdown:

• Signage: The property owner must post clear and conspicuous signage at each entrance, stating that unauthorized vehicles will be towed. This sign must be displayed in plain view on the property declaring public parking to be prohibited or restricted in a certain manner.
• Authorization: The property owner or a person in lawful possession of the property must authorize the tow.
• Notification: The tow truck operator must notify the local law enforcement agency immediately after towing the vehicle. The date and time the vehicle was towed must also be given to the police.
• Reasonable Cause: The property owner must have reasonable cause to believe the vehicle is parked in an unauthorized manner or has been abandoned. For instance, a vehicle parked at a business after hours or left at a property long after the owner or person in lawful possession gave permission could be subject to a tow.
• Residential Complexes: Tow companies must register with the Nevada Transportation Authority to tow from residential complexes. The welfare of the residents of the residential complex must be considered before any tow can be made.

4. What Are the Rules for Towing Trailers in Nevada?

Trailer towing laws in Nevada are specific to ensure safety on the roads. Here are some key regulations:

• Safety Chains: Nevada requires trailers to be equipped with safety chains that are strong enough to prevent separation from the tow vehicle in case of a hitch failure.
• Brakes: Trailers exceeding a certain weight, typically 3,000 pounds, must have their own braking system.
• Length and Width: The total length of the tow vehicle and trailer combined cannot exceed 70 feet. The trailer width is generally limited to 8.5 feet.
• Lights: Trailers must have working taillights, brake lights, and turn signals that are visible from a certain distance. All trailers weighing more than 3,000 pounds must have trailer brakes on all wheels. The combined length of a tow car and any trailer or trailers being towed cannot exceed 70 feet.
• Towing Capacity: The tow vehicle must have a sufficient towing capacity to safely tow the trailer’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR).

5. How Much Can Tow Companies Charge in Nevada?

The cost of towing in Nevada is regulated by the Nevada Transportation Authority. Tow companies can charge reasonable fees for towing and storage.

• Towing Fees: These fees are typically based on the type of vehicle, the distance towed, and the time of day.
• Storage Fees: Storage fees are charged per day and vary depending on the size of the vehicle and the storage yard location.
• NRS 706.4477 limits the amount that can be charged to tow a vehicle.
• Maximum Rates: The Nevada Transportation Authority sets maximum rates that tow companies can charge.

6. What Should I Do if My Vehicle is Towed Without My Consent?

If your vehicle is towed without your consent in Nevada, and you believe the tow was unlawful, here’s what you should do:

1. Contact Local Law Enforcement: Report the incident to the local law enforcement agency.
2. Gather Evidence: Document the scene, take photos of any signage (or lack thereof), and gather witness information if possible.
3. Contact the Tow Company: Obtain the name and contact information of the tow company from the police or signage at the property.
4. Review NRS 487.038: Familiarize yourself with the statute governing towing from private property.
5. File a Complaint: You can file a complaint with the Nevada Transportation Authority if you believe the tow company violated regulations.
6. Seek Legal Advice: If you’re unable to resolve the issue, consult with an attorney specializing in towing laws. You can also contact the Civil Law Self-Help Center for assistance.

7. Are There Specific Regulations for Parking Areas and Residential Complexes?

Yes, Nevada has specific regulations for parking areas and residential complexes regarding towing:

• Signage in Parking Areas: Parking areas must have clear signage indicating parking restrictions and the possibility of towing for violations.
• Residential Complexes: Before towing from a residential complex, the tow company must be registered with the Nevada Transportation Authority and ensure the tow is necessary for the safety or welfare of the residents.
• NRS 487.038(6) outlines specific requirements for towing from residential complexes, emphasizing the need to protect residents’ rights.
• Apartment Complexes An owner of an apartment complex may have a car towed after giving a 72-hour notice by placing a written notice on the vehicle. The notice must specify the date and time the vehicle will be towed if it is not moved.

8. How Can I Retrieve My Vehicle from an Impound Lot?

If your vehicle has been impounded in Nevada, here’s how to retrieve the vehicle:

1. Locate the Vehicle: Contact the local law enforcement agency or the DMV to determine the location of the impound lot.
2. Gather Required Documents: You’ll typically need your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance.
3. Pay Fees: Be prepared to pay all towing fees, storage fees, and any outstanding fines to release the vehicle.
4. Inspect the Vehicle: Before leaving the impound lot, carefully inspect your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred during the tow or storage.
5. Business Hours: Impound lots are required to be open during normal business hours, which are 8 am to 5 pm. The tow car operator must be available to release the vehicle within 1 hour.

9. What are the requirements for Tow Trucks operating in Nevada?

Tow Trucks in Nevada need to follow specific requirements to ensure public safety and fairness.
Registration and Licensing: All tow truck operators must register with the Nevada Transportation Authority and get a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity.
Insurance: Tow trucks must have specific insurance policies, including liability coverage, to protect against damages during towing.
Equipment Standards: Tow trucks must meet certain equipment standards, such as having proper lighting, warning signals, and towing mechanisms.
Operator Qualifications: Tow truck operators need a valid driver’s license and may need additional certifications depending on the type of vehicles they tow.
Record Keeping: Tow truck companies must keep detailed records of their tows, including vehicle information, tow locations, and fees charged.
Fee Regulations: The Nevada Transportation Authority sets maximum rates that tow truck companies can charge for different services.
Inspections: Tow trucks are subject to periodic inspections by the Nevada Transportation Authority to make sure they meet safety and operational standards.
Ethical Practices: Tow truck operators must follow ethical business practices, avoiding predatory towing or charging excessive fees.

10. What Happens if I Abandon My Vehicle on Private Property?

If you abandon your vehicle on private property in Nevada, the property owner has the right to have it towed and potentially sold at auction.

• NRS 487.270 defines an abandoned vehicle as one left unattended on private property without the owner’s consent for over 24 hours.
• The property owner must notify law enforcement before towing the vehicle.
• The DMV will attempt to notify the registered owner and any lienholders.
• If the vehicle remains unclaimed after a certain period, it may be sold at a public auction to cover towing and storage costs.
• Any proceeds from the sale exceeding the tow and storage fees are typically held for the registered owner for a specific time.

FAQs

Conclusion

Here are the key takeaways from this article:

• Nevada has specific laws and regulations governing towing, both from public roads and private property.
• Property owners must follow specific requirements before having a vehicle towed from their property.
• Tow companies must be registered with the Nevada Transportation Authority and adhere to maximum rate regulations.
• Vehicle owners have rights and recourse if they believe their vehicle was unlawfully towed.
• Understanding trailer towing laws, including the use of safety chains and proper braking systems, is crucial for safe towing in Nevada.
• If your vehicle is impounded, you must pay all applicable fees to retrieve the vehicle.
• If you are a vehicle owner and need a tow truck contact us today. We at Wrecker Truck, Tow Truck Manufacturing plants have different types of tow trucks to suit your needs, such as Edible Oil Transporter 25.6m³ Capacity, Aluminum Alloy Oil Truck 25.5m³, and Fracturing Sand Tank Truck 31,000 KG Capacity. If you are looking to purchase a tow truck or require information on insurance policies for towing please contact us as we can help you with all your towing needs. We also have Explosive equipment transport truck.

By understanding and following these laws, both vehicle owners and property owners can help ensure a smooth and lawful towing experience in Nevada.