Vermont features 87 registered towing companies across 61 cities, providing a high level of service with a 4.5-star average rating. South Burlington and Rutland serve as the primary hubs for recovery operations, while towns like Danville and Newport offer coverage in more remote northern regions. Major transit routes including Interstate 89, Interstate 91, and Route 7 see significant traffic year-round, requiring specialized response for mountainous terrain and severe winter conditions. Approximately 34% of providers offer 24/7 emergency assistance, which is necessary for drivers traversing the Green Mountains or rural Northeast Kingdom stretches. From heavy-duty recovery on steep grades to local towing in urban centers, Vermont’s network provides reliable assistance for residents and visitors alike across the state's diverse geography.

Towing Regulations in Vermont

REGULATORY AUTHORITY

Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles

Operators must obtain a Vermont Towing and Recovery license to perform nonconsensual tows from private property.
Tow companies must notify local law enforcement within one hour after removing a vehicle without the owner's consent.
The Move Over Law requires drivers to vacate the lane adjacent to stationary emergency vehicles on all highways.
Storage facilities must be open for vehicle retrieval during normal business hours and provide clear fee disclosures.
No statewide maximum fee cap exists, but rates must be reasonable and consistent with local market standards.

Move-Over Law: Vermont law 23 V.S.A. § 1033 requires drivers to move over or slow down for stationary vehicles with flashing lights. Violations result in a fine of approximately $243 and two points on the driver's license.

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ROAD CONDITIONS

Road Hazards in Vermont

SnowstormsHigh

Heavy snowfall frequently impacts I-89 and I-91, especially in the Green Mountains. Recovery often requires winch-outs or heavy-duty equipment to clear vehicles from steep, snow-covered embankments during winter months.

Black IceHigh

Rapid temperature fluctuations create dangerous black ice conditions on Vermont bridges and shaded hollows. State Route 9 and Route 100 are particularly prone to these invisible hazards, leading to frequent multi-vehicle accidents.

Wildlife CollisionsMedium

Deer and moose crossings are common along rural corridors like Route 2. These collisions often cause significant vehicle damage requiring flatbed towing, especially during dawn and dusk hours in the Northeast Kingdom.

Mountain PassesMedium

Steep grades on Smugglers' Notch and Sherburne Pass strain engines and brakes. Overheating or brake failure frequently necessitates emergency towing for both passenger cars and commercial trucks in these high-elevation zones.

Average Local Tow Cost

$85 – $155

$50$300

Mountainous terrain and steep grades increase winch-out complexity and total labor costs in central Vermont regions.

Remote locations in the Northeast Kingdom often require higher fuel surcharges due to long travel distances.

Severe winter weather events trigger surge pricing for emergency recovery during active blizzards or ice storms.

After-hours calls between 9 PM and 6 AM typically incur a $50 to $75 premium across most providers.

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COST GUIDE

Towing Costs in Vermont

Local Tow

$85 – $150

Long Distance (per mile)

$4.00 – $7.00

Heavy Duty Towing

$250 – $600

Roadside Assistance

$65 – $125

Motorcycle Towing

$95 – $175

Winch-Out/Recovery

$100 – $250

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HELPFUL RESOURCES

Towing Guides & Resources

How Much Does Towing Cost? Complete 2026 Breakdown

Average rates, per-mile pricing, and how to avoid overpaying.

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Types of Tow Trucks: Flatbed, Wheel-Lift & More

Which tow truck type is right for your vehicle and situation.

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Car Got Towed? Step-by-Step Guide to Getting It Back

What to do immediately, who to call, and how to minimize fees.

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Best Roadside Assistance Programs Compared

AAA vs. insurance vs. manufacturer programs — which is worth it.

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Towing Fees Breakdown: What You're Really Paying For

Hookup fees, mileage charges, after-hours surcharges explained.

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Towing Capacity Guide: What Your Truck Can Really Pull

How to find your tow rating and stay safely within limits.

Read guide →

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COMMON QUESTIONS

FAQs About Towing in Vermont

Response times vary significantly by location. In urban areas like South Burlington or Rutland, you can expect a truck within 30 to 45 minutes. However, in rural regions like the Northeast Kingdom or deep in the Green Mountains, wait times can exceed 90 minutes. Weather conditions, especially during winter storms, also play a major role in how quickly a driver can reach your Vermont location.

If you return to your vehicle before it has been fully hooked up or moved, you are generally allowed to reclaim it. However, Vermont operators may charge a 'drop fee' or service call fee to cover their travel expenses. Always document the situation with photos and request a receipt if any payment is made to the driver on-site at a Vermont scene.

Vermont does not have a statewide cap on towing fees for private property or breakdown tows. Rates are determined by the individual company based on market competition and operational costs. For police-ordered tows, rates are often pre-negotiated through municipal contracts. It is best to ask for a price estimate over the phone before the truck is dispatched to your Vermont location.

First, check for posted signage at the entrance of the parking lot which should list the towing company’s contact information. Under state guidelines, the company must notify local Vermont police within one hour of the tow. Contact the local police department non-emergency line to locate your vehicle and confirm the storage facility's address and hours of operation.

Yes, Vermont’s Move Over Law specifically includes tow trucks and recovery vehicles displaying amber flashing lights. When you see a stationary tow truck on the side of highways like I-91, you must move to the far lane if safe or significantly reduce your speed. This law protects operators working in high-risk Vermont zones and carries heavy fines for non-compliance.

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FULL DIRECTORY