Lobsters, Lighthouses, and Legendary Tow Fees
Maine...the Pine Tree State. Land of rocky coastlines, charming fishing towns, and parking lots that might as well be lobster traps for your car. From Portland to Bangor, this New England gem has its fair share of towing drama. The state may be known for scenic drives and small town charm, but get towed here, and you’ll discover that even the friendliest Mainer has a limit, especially if they drive a tow truck.
Who Can Tow?
In Maine, towing operators must be licensed, insured, and follow state and municipal laws. Police, private property owners, and local authorities can all authorize a tow. That means a simple wrong turn into a private lot or overstaying at a public beach could send your car straight to the nearest impound. Some apartment complexes even contract with patrol-based tow services, who make it their personal mission to keep lots “clean”—translation: towed and profitable.
When Can They Tow?
Maine law allows towing if a vehicle blocks traffic, fire lanes, driveways, or sits on private property without permission. Cars parked on public streets for extended periods can also be towed as “abandoned.” Unfortunately, Maine’s definitions are vague enough to leave room for interpretation. Leave your car near a snow plow route, or forget a parking ban during winter, and you’ll find out fast that “abandoned” can mean “just parked overnight.”
Notification Requirements
By law, tow companies must report to law enforcement when they remove a vehicle and notify the registered owner as soon as possible. Sounds reasonable—until you realize “as soon as possible” can stretch longer than a Maine winter. Many drivers only find out their car was towed after calling multiple agencies or discovering a small handwritten sign warning of towing “at owner’s expense.” The lack of consistency makes retrieving your car more of a quest than a process.
Fees and Storage
Maine’s towing fees vary depending on the region, but expect to pay $100–$175 for the hook-up alone, with daily storage fees of $25–$50. After-hours releases or weekend retrievals can push the total north of $300. Some companies even add mileage charges for tows that cross city lines, because why stop at “inconvenient” when you can go straight to “highway robbery”?
Vehicle Recovery
To get your vehicle back, you’ll need ID, proof of ownership, and payment in whatever form the yard accepts, which is usually cash, occasionally card (with a “processing fee,” naturally). Maine’s smaller towns can add a rural twist: limited hours, limited staff, and lots of “closed for lunch” signs. Tow yards operate on their own schedules, and your car’s freedom depends on their mood. Miss their closing window, and that’s another $40 tacked on overnight.
Legal Recourse
Maine law allows vehicle owners to challenge an illegal tow, but you’ll need patience, paperwork, and possibly a snowmobile to get through the red tape. You can file a complaint through the Bureau of Motor Vehicles or small claims court, but most Mainers just sigh, pay, and chalk it up to “wicked bad luck.” Tow companies know this—and they’re counting on it.
The Harbor Hustle: Reeling In Your Ride Before It’s Gone
In Maine, the ocean might be calm, but the towing game is anything but. Between vague rules, inconsistent communication, and hefty fees, recovering your car feels like trying to reel in a lobster with your bare hands. Don’t waste time arguing with the tide and head straight to OUTPOUND.com. There, you can track down your vehicle, verify where it’s being held, and plan your great escape. Because in Maine, the only thing harder to catch than a good parking spot is a break from your local tow yard.
