A Local Guide to Getting a Tow in Atlanta, GA

If you drive in Atlanta long enough, you’ll eventually need a tow — whether you’re stuck on the Downtown Connector, parked in Midtown, or stranded near Hartsfield-Jackson. Knowing how towing works in Atlanta, who to call, and what your rights and options are can save you time, money, and stress.

This guide walks through “a tow in Atlanta” from a practical, local perspective: emergency tows, private property tows, city impounds, costs, and what to do step by step.

When You Need a Tow in Atlanta: First Steps

If your car breaks down anywhere in the Atlanta area:

1. Get to safety

   • On the interstate (I‑75, I‑85, I‑20, I‑285, GA‑400), move to the shoulder if you safely can.
   • Turn on your hazard lights.
   • If you’re in a dangerous location, wait behind a guardrail or away from traffic if possible.

2. Decide what kind of help you need

   • Mechanical issue or breakdown? You probably need a standard tow or flatbed tow.
   • Accident? Police may arrange a rotation tow (a tow truck dispatched from a pre-approved list).
   • Dead battery, flat tire, or lockout? You might get help from roadside assistance without a full tow.

3. Call for assistance

   • Your insurance, auto club, or credit card may include towing or roadside help.
   • If you’re on a state highway or interstate in metro Atlanta, you may also see help from:
     • GDOT HERO / CHAMP units – They patrol major roads and can assist with traffic control, flat tires, and sometimes short-distance pushes off the roadway. They do not replace private tow services but can make things safer while you wait.

4. Stay cautious about tow offers

   • In Atlanta, “patrol” or “consent” tow trucks sometimes appear quickly at breakdowns.
   • You are not required to accept the first truck that shows up, unless police direct otherwise after a crash.
   • Before you agree:
     • Confirm company name
     • Ask for a printed or written price estimate
     • Clarify where they’re towing your vehicle

Types of Tows You’ll See in Atlanta

Understanding the type of tow you’re dealing with helps you know your options and what to expect.

1. Consent Tow (You Call and Approve)

A consent tow is when you choose the towing company and agree to the tow. Examples:

• Your car dies in Buckhead and you call a tow to your mechanic.
• Your vehicle won’t start in a Downtown parking garage.
• You request a tow from your roadside assistance provider.

Key points:

• You can choose where the car is taken (within the distance limits of your service).
• You can compare prices before agreeing, especially if it’s not an emergency.
• This is usually the best option for planned or non-emergency situations.

2. Non-Consent Tow (Accident, Blocking, or Private Property)

A non-consent tow happens when police or a property owner authorize a tow without your agreement. Common in Atlanta when:

• Your car is in a crash and APD (Atlanta Police Department) calls a tow from a rotation list.
• Your car is illegally parked, blocking a driveway, fire hydrant, or travel lane.
• A private lot or apartment complex has your car towed for:
  • No permit
  • Parking in a reserved or visitor space longer than allowed
  • Parking where signs say “unauthorized vehicles will be towed”

In non-consent tows:

• You typically pay the towing company or impound lot directly.
• Fees are often higher than a consent tow.
• There are rules about signage, fees, and access that companies must follow under Georgia and City of Atlanta regulations.

If Your Car Was Towed in Atlanta and You Don’t Know Where It Is

This is a very common situation, especially in busy areas like Midtown, Downtown, Little Five Points, and around college campuses.

Step 1: Confirm It Was Towed (Not Stolen)

• If you were parked:
  • Look for tow-away signs near where you parked.
  • Ask nearby businesses or security if they know which tow company patrols the area.
• If you left it on a public street or interstate and it’s gone:
  • It may have been towed for blocking traffic, being in a construction/film zone, or for parking violations.

If you think it might be stolen, contact Atlanta Police Department (APD) non-emergency and provide your plate and location.

Step 2: Contact APD to Track a Towed Vehicle

APD can often tell you if your vehicle was towed from within city limits and where it went.

• Atlanta Police Department Non-Emergency: 404‑658‑6666
  Have ready:
  • License plate number
  • Vehicle make, model, and color
  • Location where you last saw the vehicle
  • Approximate date and time

They may direct you to:

• A private tow yard (for parking or private-property tows)
• A city-approved impound (for some police-related tows or impounds)

Atlanta Impound & Where Cars Commonly Go

Within the City of Atlanta, vehicles towed at the request of APD may be taken to an authorized tow operator’s impound facility. Over time, the exact list of operators and addresses can change, but common patterns include:

• Vehicles from accidents on city streets: Towed by a rotation tow company to its own impound lot.
• Vehicles blocking traffic, hydrants, or loading zones: Also typically end up in a tow company’s impound in or near Atlanta.
• Vehicles involved in certain police cases (e.g., evidence holds): May be in a secured police-designated facility.

Because operators and addresses can change, APD’s non-emergency line is usually the safest starting point to confirm the current location of your car.

Private Property Towing in Atlanta (Apartments, Shopping Centers, Lots)

Many Atlantans encounter towing at:

• Apartment complexes and condos
• Shopping centers in Buckhead, Midtown, or along Ponce
• Paid parking lots around Downtown and special event venues

What to Look for on Private Lots

On private property, Georgia and many local rules generally expect:

• Clear posted signs at entrances or visible on the lot stating:
  • That unauthorized vehicles may be towed
  • The name and phone number of the towing company
  • Where vehicles are taken or how to locate them
• The towing company to be licensed and follow certain notice and fee rules.

If your car was towed from a lot:

1. Check the sign near the entrance; note the towing company name and phone number.
2. Call the company directly and ask:
   • Where your car is
   • Total amount due (towing + storage + any additional fees)
   • Accepted payment methods
   • What documents you need to bring

What It Typically Costs to Get a Tow in Atlanta

Actual prices vary by company and situation, but you’ll commonly see:

• Local consent tow (short distance):
  • A base hook-up fee plus a per-mile charge.
• Non-consent or private-property tow:
  • Higher base rates plus daily storage at the impound lot.
• Extra fees may apply for:
  • After-hours or weekend release
  • Use of a flatbed truck
  • Winching a car out of a ditch or tight space

You can usually:

• Ask for a full written or itemized quote before consenting to a tow.
• Request an itemized receipt when paying at an impound.

Documents You’ll Need to Retrieve a Towed Vehicle

When you go to pick up your car from a tow yard or impound in Atlanta, be prepared with:

• Government-issued photo ID
• Proof of ownership, such as:
  • Vehicle registration
  • Title
  • Insurance card with VIN, if accepted
• Payment method the lot accepts (commonly cash or card, but always ask in advance)
• If you’re retrieving a car for someone else:
  • A notarized letter of authorization may be required in some circumstances

📌 Tip: Many lots have specific release hours. Call ahead so you don’t arrive after closing and incur extra storage time.

Getting a Tow After a Crash in Atlanta

If you’re in a collision in Atlanta:

1. Call 911 if there are injuries or significant damage.
2. APD or other responding officers may:
   • Arrange for a rotation tow from an approved list
   • Direct that your car be moved immediately for traffic safety
3. You can ask:
   • “Where will my vehicle be towed?”
   • “What towing company is responding?”

Key things to know:

• You may have less choice about the towing company in emergency situations.
• Your insurance may later reimburse towing costs, depending on your policy.
• Get and keep:
  • Tow truck company name
  • Phone number
  • Tow slip or receipt
  • Location or address of the impound

Choosing a Tow Service in Atlanta for Non-Emergencies

If you have time to choose (for example, a breakdown at home in Grant Park or West Midtown):

Consider asking potential tow providers about:

• Service area: Do they cover your pickup and drop-off locations?
• Type of truck: Flatbed vs. wheel-lift (some vehicles require flatbeds).
• Estimated total cost: Including:
  • Base fee
  • Per-mile fee
  • Any surcharges (after-hours, heavy vehicle, etc.)
• ETA: How long until they can arrive?
• Drop-off flexibility: Will they tow to your preferred:
  • Mechanic or dealership
  • Body shop
  • Home or storage facility

Quick Reference: What To Do for “A Tow in Atlanta”

How Towing Interacts with Atlanta Life (Events, Traffic, Neighborhoods)

A few Atlanta-specific patterns to keep in mind:

• Event days (sports, concerts, festivals):
  Around Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, Georgia World Congress Center, and large venues, parking rules may tighten and towing becomes more active, especially in:

  • Temporary no-parking zones
  • Residential streets with restricted event parking

• Film and construction zones:
  Atlanta’s film production and ongoing development can create temporary tow-away zones:

  • Look for temporary signs with dates and times.
  • Vehicles in these zones are at higher risk of being towed even if they were fine the day before.

• Neighborhood permit parking:
  In some intown neighborhoods, permit parking is enforced, and non-permit cars may be ticketed or towed. Always check:

  • Street signs at both ends of the block
  • Special event or game-day restrictions

Practical Tips to Avoid Tows in Atlanta

• Read every parking sign, especially Downtown, Midtown, and near trip-attraction areas.
• Avoid:
  • Blocking driveways
  • Parking near fire hydrants
  • Stopping in clearly marked loading or bus zones
• In private lots:
  • Check for pay stations, QR code instructions, or “customers only” rules.
  • Make sure your license plate is correctly entered if using an app.
• Keep your registration and insurance updated and in the car to make retrieval easier if towing does occur.
• Store important numbers in your phone:
  • Your roadside assistance
  • Your insurance claims line
  • Atlanta Police non-emergency: 404‑658‑6666

Understanding how towing works in Atlanta — from who to call for a tow to how to locate a towed car — makes dealing with breakdowns, parking issues, and accidents far less stressful. With the right steps and contacts, you can navigate “a tow in Atlanta” quickly and with fewer surprises.