Broken down on I-75, stuck in a ditch, or looking for a car that was towed? Start here.
Call (769) 215-1689Dayton sits where I-75 and I-70 meet, so breakdowns and fender-benders happen around the clock. Winter adds snow, ice and ditch slides on the county roads. Knowing which kind of tow you need, and your rights if your car was towed, saves time and money.
This page covers the common towing and roadside services, what Ohio law says about private-property tows, and exactly where to go if your vehicle was towed in the City of Dayton.
Jump starts, flat-tire changes, lockouts and fuel delivery often get you moving without a tow. On a highway shoulder, stay in the vehicle with your seatbelt on and hazards flashing if it is not safe to get out.
The whole vehicle rides on the bed, so nothing drags. It is the right choice for all-wheel-drive cars, lowered or low-clearance vehicles, motorcycles and anything with damage to the wheels or axles.
The truck lifts one axle and the other rolls. It is quick and fine for many front-wheel-drive cars over short distances, but not for AWD or damaged drivetrains.
After a crash, police often call a tow from their rotation list. You can usually request your own tow company if the scene allows it, but police decide when the road must be cleared.
Pulling a car out of snow, mud or a ditch needs the right winch and anchor points. A chain and a truck in reverse is how frames get bent.
Moving a car to another city or state is usually quoted per mile. Ask whether the vehicle is covered by the carrier's insurance during transport and get pickup and delivery dates in writing.
Vehicles towed by the Dayton Police Department are handled by the Auto Recovery Unit in the Safety Building at 335 West Third Street, first floor. You can reach the unit at 937-333-1058, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Vehicles towed for safekeeping after an accident or for other non-crime reasons may be released from the city's contracted tow yard, so call first to confirm where your car is.
Bring proof of ownership: the title, registration or memorandum title, plus photo ID. If someone else is picking up the car for you, the city requires a notarized statement from the owner. Cars held for a crime-related reason need a release from the Auto Recovery Unit before the tow yard can let them go.
For tows from private lots, Ohio law sets the rules. Under Ohio Revised Code 4513.601, a property owner can only have a car towed from a posted private tow-away zone, with signs that meet the law's requirements. For-hire tow trucks operating in Ohio must be registered with the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO), which also takes complaints about towing companies.
Start with the Auto Recovery Unit in the Safety Building, 335 West Third Street, first floor, 937-333-1058 (Monday to Friday, 8 to 4). They will tell you whether the car is at the city lot or a contracted tow yard and what you need to bring.
Only under Ohio's private tow-away zone rules, which require proper signs posted on the property. If you believe a tow broke the rules, you can file a complaint with PUCO.
All-wheel-drive vehicles, low-clearance cars, motorcycles and anything with wheel or axle damage should go on a flatbed. Many front-wheel-drive cars can be towed with a wheel lift for short distances.
Pull as far right as you can, turn on your hazards, and stay buckled in the vehicle unless it is safe to walk away from traffic. Call 911 if the car is blocking a lane.
Most tows are a hook-up fee plus a per-mile charge. Winching, after-hours service and storage are usually extra. Ask for the full price before the truck is dispatched.