Can the tow yard really hold my belongings until I pay the tow bill?

No. Under O.C.G.A. § 40-11-18, Georgia law gives vehicle owners the right to retrieve personal property from an impounded vehicle for 30 days from the date the notification letter was sent. They cannot condition access to your belongings on payment of the tow bill.

What counts as 'personal property' under Georgia law?

Personal property includes items that are NOT attached or affixed to the vehicle. This includes: phones, laptops, medications, clothing, tools, child seats, and other portable items. It does NOT include aftermarket parts that are installed in/on the vehicle like stereos, rims, or tinted windows.

Can they charge me a fee to retrieve my personal property?

Georgia law allows reasonable labor charges for property retrieval in some circumstances, but they cannot refuse access entirely or charge unreasonable fees. If they're demanding excessive fees or refusing access, document it and file a complaint.

Do I need to make an appointment to retrieve my property?

Most impound lots require you to come during business hours and show valid ID plus proof that the vehicle is yours (registration, title, or proof of being listed as an authorized driver). Call ahead to confirm their specific requirements.

What if my medication is in the car and it's an emergency?

For prescription medications, especially life-sustaining ones like insulin or heart medication, explain the medical necessity. Most lots will accommodate urgent requests. If they refuse and it's a genuine emergency, contact local police for assistance.

How to Get Your Phone and Meds Out of Impound (Without Paying the Bill)

Q: What if they still refuse to let me get my stuff?

Document the refusal (get names, dates, record the conversation if legal). File a complaint with the Georgia Department of Public Safety. You may also have grounds for a civil lawsuit if their refusal violates O.C.G.A. § 40-11-18.

Georgia law gives you 30 days to retrieve personal property from your impounded vehicle. The tow yard cannot hold your belongings hostage until you pay the tow bill.

Last verified: January 2026 | Based on O.C.G.A. § 40-11-18

Your Legal Right Under Georgia Law

O.C.G.A. § 40-11-18

Georgia law explicitly states that towing and storage firms must allow the owner to retrieve personal property from the vehicle for up to 30 days from the date the notification letter is sent.

What This Means

• You can get your stuff without paying the tow bill
• They must provide reasonable access during business hours
• The 30-day window starts when they send notice

What They Cannot Do

• Refuse access to your personal property
• Demand you pay the tow bill first
• Charge unreasonable fees for access

What Counts as "Personal Property"?

"Personal property" under the statute excludes items attached or affixed to the vehicle. Here's what you can and can't retrieve:

Prescription medications

Always retrievable — critical for health

Cell phone

Personal electronics you own

Laptop/tablet

Work or personal devices

Wallet/purse

Including contents

Child car seat

Safety equipment for dependents

Work uniforms/tools

Items needed for employment

Aftermarket stereo

Attached to vehicle — NOT personal property

Custom wheels/rims

Attached to vehicle — NOT personal property

What to Say (The Script)

If the tow yard tries to refuse access or demand payment first, use this script:

"I am not here to discuss the tow bill right now.

I am here to exercise my right under Georgia Code Section 40-11-18 to retrieve my personal property from my vehicle.

This law specifically states that towing and storage firms must allow the owner to retrieve personal property for up to 30 days from the notification date.

If you refuse to allow me to retrieve my [medication / phone / laptop], I will document this refusal and file a complaint with the Georgia Department of Public Safety."

Pro Tips

• Stay calm and professional — don't argue
• Have the statute citation written down or printed
• Ask for a supervisor if the clerk refuses
• Record the conversation (Georgia is a one-party consent state)

Step-by-Step Process

Call Ahead

Confirm their business hours and ask what ID you'll need. Mention you're coming for personal property retrieval.

Bring Documentation

Valid photo ID, vehicle registration or title (or proof you're an authorized driver), and the statute citation (O.C.G.A. § 40-11-18) printed out.

Be Specific About What You Need

List exactly what items you need to retrieve: "My prescription medication for diabetes, my cell phone, and my work laptop."

Document Everything

If they refuse or give you trouble, get the employee's name, note the date and time, and record the conversation if possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & Official Resources

Related Georgia Guides

Georgia Impound Overview Was Your Tow Illegal?1205 Form 30-Day Deadline

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