The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has released updated information to help consumers understand new regulations regarding towing and vehicle immobilization, also known as booting. The PUC oversees these industries in Colorado to protect consumers from illegal or predatory practices.
Recent changes in state law have expanded the PUC’s authority over towing and booting companies. As part of a new information campaign, the PUC has updated its website with fact sheets and frequently asked questions for both consumers and operators. Businesses and housing complexes are encouraged to share this information with residents and customers.
“The best outcome for consumers is not to be towed or booted in the first place but when it does happen, the PUC is here to help drivers understand their rights, to investigate consumer complaints, and hold companies accountable if they violate our consumer protection rules,” said PUC Director Rebecca White. “Last year the PUC processed 447 complaints, secured over $68,000 in refunds to consumers and issued over $1.6 million in industry penalties and fines.”
Common reasons for being towed or booted include parking without a required permit, blocking driveways or roadways, improper use of handicap spaces, parking in fire lanes, occupying someone else’s designated space without permission, parking at a business while patronizing another business nearby, or parking at a closed business.
From 2021 through 2024, legislation has strengthened consumer protections related to towing. The PUC sets insurance requirements for towing carriers and regulates rates for different types of tows. If a vehicle is towed from residential or commercial property—or by law enforcement—the PUC provides guidance on how owners can retrieve their vehicles through resources available on its website in English and Spanish.
Consumers who believe they have been improperly towed can file complaints with the PUC Consumer Affairs team. Each year, the agency investigates more than a thousand towing-related complaints; most involve nonconsensual towing. Enforcement actions may result in refunds or fines against companies found violating rules. Between 2022 and 2024, the PUC obtained 469 refunds totaling $280,289.35 for customers: 86 refunds worth $71,917 in 2022; 259 refunds totaling $140,064 in 2023; and 124 refunds amounting to $68,307 in 2024.
The booting/immobilization industry has been regulated by the PUC since 2019. In 2025, House Bill 25-1117 increased protections for residents facing vehicle immobilization on residential properties. The commission ensures that booting companies are permitted, carry proper insurance coverage, adhere to maximum rate limits for device removal, follow standards for releasing vehicles promptly after payment is made using accepted forms of payment—and maintain appropriate signage.
If a vehicle is immobilized with a boot or similar device, consumers can consult dedicated FAQs on the PUC website about when such actions are allowed and what steps they should take next. Complaints about improper immobilization are investigated by the commission.
In addition to regulating towing and immobilization services, the PUC oversees other transportation sectors including taxis; sightseeing vehicles; shuttles; charter services; contract carriers providing exclusive services; household goods movers within Colorado; luxury limousines; charter buses; off-road scenic charters; children’s activity buses; as well as rideshare platforms like Lyft and Uber.
For assistance or more information about filing complaints regarding towing or immobilization incidents under Colorado regulations overseen by the PUC, individuals can contact the commission by phone at 303-894-2070 (option #2), toll-free at 800-456-0858 outside Denver, via email at dora_puc_complaints@state.co.us or online.
