The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) is proposing updates to our Private Property Impound (PPI) Tows administrative rules to align them with current practices and technologies. Many of these rules were last updated over a decade ago.
TRN-17.01 (PPI Tower Registration) – Removes language that referred to the eligibility of patrol towing. The changes clearly make patrol towing prohibited in accordance with State guidance.
TRN-17.02 (Towing Regulations) – Responds to feedback received from the Towing Advisory Committee seeking to clarify the requirements for lot signage. Removed language that referred to the eligibility of patrol towing, clearly making patrol towing prohibited in accordance with State guidance. Strengthens the regulatory tools available for enforcement.
TRN-17.03 (Fees for Private Property Impound Towing and Storage in the City of Portland) – Updates provide a COLA increase for regulated tow rates. These are the rates that towers are allowed to charge vehicle owners when their vehicle was towed, including storage rates, hook-up fees, and mileage fees. These are separate from fees that the City assesses in TRN-3.450 (Transportation Fee Schedule.)
TRN-17.04 (Conditions) –Strengthens and clarifies the minimum proof required to collect and report prior to initiating a PPI tow.
TRN-17.05 (Prohibitions) - Clarifies the means by which Portland Police Bureau (PPB) may take a PPI tow into their custody and requires PPB to pay the tower for the initial tow costs.
Portland City Code Section 3.12.010 establishes the authority of the City Administrator to adopt administrative rules.
Changes to these administrative rules will be effective 30 days after adoption.
Per PCC 1.05 and TRN 16.01 – Administrative Rules and Procedures, PBOT is publishing the proposed administrative rule for 30 days of public comment. PBOT will be accepting public comment for these Tier I updates until 5 p.m. on December 15, 2025. Comments on the proposed updates may be submitted to pbotpolicycomments@portlandoregon.gov. A summary of comments received and the City's response will be posted below.