Nebraska Revised Statutes § 60-2410 governs towing and storage fees as a lien on the vehicle, with required notice within 15 business days. Failure to provide this notice affects the lien's priority over other liens but does not eliminate the lien or the fees owed. No uniform statewide dispute process exists beyond verifying compliance with these rules and using the Nebraska DMV storage-repair lien process for certain unpaid storage fees. Credit card chargebacks or bank disputes do not override state lien law. Next, gather your tow notice, fee invoice, and proof of ownership, then contact the towing company to check notice compliance.
The Controlling Rule: Nebraska Revised Statutes § 60-2410
Towing and storage fees in Nebraska create a lien on the vehicle under Nebraska Revised Statutes Chapter 52, article 6, prior to all other liens except as provided by law. The towing party must send notice within 15 business days after towing the vehicle. If notice is not provided as required, the lien loses its priority status.
This framework focuses on lien creation, notice, and priority rather than direct fee refunds or waivers. For details, review the full statute at the Nebraska Legislature site.
| Key Element | Rule Under § 60-2410 |
|---|---|
| Lien Creation | Towing/storage fees form a lien under Chapter 52, article 6, prior to other liens (unless notice fails). |
| Notice Requirement | Within 15 business days after towing. |
| Consequence of Notice Failure | Lien loses priority over other liens. |
What Does Not Control Towing Fee Disputes
State lien law under § 60-2410 governs, not credit card chargebacks, bank EFT disputes, or federal FTC rules on unfair practices. Payment method disputes do not alter the towing lien.
The Nebraska DMV storage-repair lien process applies to unpaid storage fees where the owner agreed to storage terms. It does not cover initial towing disputes or non-consensual tows. Primary sources do not confirm statewide fee caps, uniform refund processes, or automatic waivers.
Local municipal ordinances may add rules, but no statewide uniform process overrides § 60-2410.
Practical Next Steps for Nebraska Consumers
Gather evidence: tow notice (or proof of non-receipt), fee invoice with breakdown, photos of towing circumstances, vehicle registration, and title proof.
Contact the towing company first. Ask if they sent notice within 15 business days and request fee justification under § 60-2410. Negotiate based on compliance.
If fees remain unpaid by the owner, the towing company may pursue a storage-repair lien through the Nebraska DMV, with a 30-day response window for the owner before potential lien release at title issuance.
For escalation, check with local law enforcement or the Nebraska Attorney General Consumer Protection Division. Primary sources do not detail a formal complaint form. Verify any city or county ordinances for additional rules. No firm dispute deadlines apply beyond the 15-day notice period.
| Action Checklist | Details |
|---|---|
| Verify notice | Confirm receipt within 15 business days; note non-receipt affects lien priority. |
| Document fees | Collect invoice and compare to circumstances. |
| Contact tower | Request compliance details and negotiate. |
| Check DMV lien | Review if storage-repair lien applies to your case. |
| Escalate if needed | Local authorities or AG Consumer Protection. |
FAQ
Does failure to get notice within 15 business days mean I don't owe the towing fee?
No. The lien still applies, but it loses priority over other liens.
Can I use a credit card dispute for towing fees?
No. State lien law under § 60-2410 controls, not payment disputes.
What is the DMV storage-repair lien process?
It allows lienholders to recover unpaid storage fees agreed with the titled owner. Owners have 30 days to respond or retrieve the vehicle before lien release at title issuance.
Are there fee limits for towing in Nebraska?
No statewide caps confirmed in primary sources; check local ordinances.