This form may take approximately 15 to 30 minutes.
Use our online Case Management System for filing a tow appeal
How to create a new user account
How to file a Tow Appeal Hearing Request
If you experience difficulty filing an appeal through the online case management system, you may use the fillable form below:
Note: when we enter your information from the PDF into the system, the system will send to you an email from the following address: USA-PHO-CMS-noreply@synisys.org
Check your junk/spam folder for this email notification. The Notice of Hearing (date/time/location of hearing) will be sent by the system to the email address you provided unless you complete the Opt-Out form. The system email address is unable to receive incoming emails. For all inquiries or emails, please contact the Hearings Office Clerks.
Late requests (More than 10 calendar days after the vehicle was towed)
Requests received in the Hearings Office more than 10 calendar days after the vehicle was towed must also show good cause for why the request is late. When filing through the online case management system, fill out the late request portion. When submitting a Tow Hearing Request Form, fill out Section B.
The Hearings Officer will review the request and determine if there is good cause for the late request. If the Hearings Officer finds good cause for the late request, a hearing will be scheduled.
Opt-Out form
If you want to receive notification via U.S. Postal Mail instead of email, you are required to submit the Opt Out Form with your Tow Hearing Request Form.
Statement of Rights and Procedures
Request to reschedule
All requests to reschedule must be submitted through the online case management system and received by the Hearings Office at least 48 hours prior to the start of the hearing (not including weekends and City of Portland holidays). If the vehicle is still in storage (still at the tow company), then the request to reschedule should be submitted as soon as possible. Sending an email is insufficient. If you have trouble using the online case management system’s reschedule feature, feel free to contact the Hearings Office Clerks for assistance or to request a PDF of the Request to Reschedule Form. The Hearings Officer will determine if the hearing will be rescheduled.
For vehicles still in storage: If the Hearings Officer grants the request to reschedule, the Appellant (person who requested the hearing) is responsible for all storage costs after the date and time of the originally scheduled hearing, even if the Appellant prevails (wins) at the hearing.
Hearings Office Online Case Management System
Relevant City Code Sections relating to tows
Title 16 is the City Code that relates to towed vehicles.
Chapter 16.10 Administrative Provisions
Chapter 16.20 Public Right-of-Way Parking
Chapter 16.30 Towing & Disposition of Vehicles
Chapter 16.35 Designated Parking Management Plan District
Tow Hearings Officer's Administrative Rules
These administrative rules apply to tow hearings.
ADM-9.03 Tow Appeal Hearing Rules and Regulations Before the Hearings Officer
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about tow hearings
What kind of tows does the Hearings Office have jurisdiction over?
Vehicles towed within Portland City limits ordered by the City of Portland or the Port of Portland. The Hearings Office does not have jurisdiction for tows that occur on private property, except tows initiated by the City of Portland Police Bureau.
How can I find where my vehicle was towed?
For vehicles towed from inside Portland city limits, contact Portland Police Auto Records at (503) 823-0044.
How much will it cost to retrieve my vehicle?
You will need to contact the towing company where your vehicle is located for this information.
How do I request a tow appeal hearing?
Please go to our website to file online or for more information.
Requests must be submitted through the Hearings Office online filing system.
If you experience problems filing your appeal online, please contact the Hearings Office Clerks for assistance. Requests must be received in the Hearings Office within 10 calendar days from the date of the tow. If the 10th day falls on a weekend or holiday, the next business day is the 10th day.
How do I request to have my hearing rescheduled?
You will need to complete the Rescheduling Request section in the online case management system. The request must be received in the Hearings Office at least 48 hours prior to the date and time of the scheduled hearing (not including Saturday, Sunday, or recognized City of Portland holidays). It is up to the Hearings Officer if a request to reschedule is granted. It is the requester's (appellant's) responsibility to timely inquire as to whether or not the hearing has been rescheduled.
What if I no longer own the towed vehicle?
You will need to contact the Bureau that sent you the notification letter.
Where can I find the City of Portland Code regulations for the "Towing and Disposition of Vehicles"?
See Portland City Code Chapter 16.30 Towing and Disposition of Vehicles
Where can I find the City of Portland "Towing Hearings Officer Rules and Regulations"?
See City Administrative Rule ADM 9.03 – Tow Appeal Hearing Rules and Regulations Before the Code Hearings Officer
Who do I contact for a Police vehicle release?
Police Auto Records: (503) 823-0044
I also got a parking citation, what do I do?
The Hearings Office does not handle parking citations. Please follow the directions on the citation itself.
What happens at the hearing?
The hearing will start on time. If you are late, you might miss the opportunity to testify and present evidence. Once the hearing record is closed, no additional testimony or exhibits will be considered.
You may testify at the hearing and other witnesses who you present may testify on your behalf. Anyone who testifies will be put under oath.
You may also bring exhibits such as photos, documents related to the tow, witness statements, and affidavits. If the documents have not already been uploaded to the case file in the online system, you will need to bring three (3) copies of any submissions to the hearing. All testimony and exhibits must be relevant, truthful, and from a reliable source. True copies of legal documents, such as vehicle registrations, may be submitted instead of the originals. Any exhibits you submit will not be returned to you.
Photographs submitted at the hearing must be printed. The Hearings Officer will not look at images on cell phones, digital cameras, or other devices.
May I withdraw my request for a hearing?
Yes, to withdraw your request you should notify the Hearings Office in writing before the hearing.
What does the Hearings Officer consider when making a decision?
In reaching a decision, the Hearings Officer considers the evidence in the record in light of what the law requires or authorizes a City representative to do. The Hearings Officer does not have authority to change the law or create law.
How do I appeal a tow hearing decision?
Tow hearing orders may be appealed to a court of competent jurisdiction pursuant to Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) 34.010 et seq. The Hearings Office cannot assist with an appeal of the Hearings Officer's decision.