Cleveland Updates Vehicle Impoundment and Towing Fees

Cleveland City Council has passed an emergency ordinance to update the rules and costs associated with vehicle impoundment and towing operations managed by the Department of Public Safety. Identified as File No. 698-2026, this legislation aims to modernize administrative provisions that have not been updated in nearly forty years to better reflect current operating costs and modern administrative practices.

According to the 698-2026-Legislative Summary-Chapter 405 Towing Amendments, several fee adjustments were made to align with contemporary service costs. For example, the standard non-commercial tow fee is increasing from $125.00 to $190.00, while the fee for a recovered stolen vehicle tow will rise from $50.00 to $75.00. Other changes include a new $35.00 rate for transmission pin removal and a $35.00 per quarter-hour rate for unique towing preparation labor. The ordinance also repeals several obsolete provisions, such as an outdated bicycle impound rule and a vehicle diversion program that is no longer in use. Additionally, a new section has been added requiring the Director of Public Safety to review chapter fees before starting the competitive bidding process for towing, storage, or disposal contracts.

The emergency ordinance has officially passed. Residents can monitor future updates regarding Department of Public Safety operations and upcoming competitive bidding processes for city towing and storage services.

Source record

File
698-2026
Type
Emergency Ordinance
Status
Passed
Committee
City Council
Introduced
May 28, 2026

View on Cleveland Legistar

Official documents

Sources