Where Your Car Takes a Green Mountain Detour
Vermont: home of maple syrup, fall foliage, and tow trucks that seem to lurk behind every quaint village corner. From Burlington to Montpelier, one wrong parking move can see your car vanish faster than a leaf in the wind. Between private lots, municipal enforcement, and hilly terrain, parking mistakes quickly become expensive adventures.
Who Can Tow?
Towing companies in Vermont must be licensed and insured. Authorized tows happen under three main circumstances:
- Law enforcement – police can tow vehicles illegally parked, abandoned, or posing hazards.
- Municipal authority – towns and cities may authorize towing during snow emergencies, street cleaning, or local events.
- Private property – property owners or managers can request towing if vehicles violate posted rules.
Private property towing is particularly common in apartment complexes, ski towns, and downtown areas. Signage is required but often hidden behind snowbanks, trees, or small Vermont-style fences, giving tow companies all the justification they need.
When Can They Tow?
Vehicles may be towed for:
- Blocking driveways, fire lanes, or handicapped access
- Expired registration or license plates
- Abandoned or inoperable vehicles
- Violating posted private property rules
- Unpaid tickets or fines
Towns like Burlington and Stowe see towing spikes during festivals, ski season, and downtown events. Even a short stop can result in an impound if you misread a sign.
Notification Requirements
Vermont law requires that tow companies notify local law enforcement promptly after towing. Police log the vehicle so owners can locate it. Delays happen, and many drivers first discover their car is gone after visiting multiple impound lots or receiving a mailed notice.
Fees and Storage
Base towing fees generally range $120–$200, with storage around $20–$35 per day. Additional charges —after-hours retrieval, mileage, administrative fees, or “special handling”—can appear unexpectedly. Popular tourist areas often see higher fees due to demand and limited lot space.
Vehicle Recovery
To reclaim a vehicle in Vermont, you usually need:
- Government-issued photo ID
- Proof of ownership
- Proof of insurance
- Payment of all fees
While cash is still preferred, some lots will begrudgingly take cards. Expect your car to sit longer than planned thanks to slow-moving staff, forms ‘lost in the void,’ misentered VINs, or a random surprise audit. Even tiny hiccups like mismatched registration info, a leased vehicle, or an insurance snafu, can turn a simple pickup into a multi-day headache.
Legal Recourse
Vehicle owners may dispute illegal or excessive tows in municipal or small claims court. Evidence you’ll need: photos, tow notices, and receipts is essential. Despite legal options, most drivers pay first and argue later, because tow companies count on human impatience.
Get Your Car Back Before They Charge You for Every Snowflake
Vermont’s towing system is legal, structured, and efficient at frustrating drivers. From municipal ordinances to private property tows, fees can add up fast. OUTPOUND.com helps you locate your vehicle, verify charges, and plan recovery before the impound costs climb higher than the Green Mountains.
Because in Vermont, getting too close to a snowbank isn’t just risky—it’s a guaranteed impound adventure.
