No — you can’t tow a car with someone in it. It’s unsafe, usually illegal, and towing companies aren’t allowed to do it because of serious safety and liability risks.
What Does “Can You Tow a Car with Someone in It?” Really Mean?
People usually ask this question during stressful moments—bad weather, a child asleep in the backseat, or someone who feels unsafe stepping outside. In moments like these, it’s tempting to think staying inside is fine, but towing a vehicle with a passenger inside is almost never allowed or safe.
Common Situations Where Someone Might Stay in a Towed Vehicle
Drivers often say things like, “My kid was sleeping,” “It was dark,” or “My elderly parent didn’t want to stand outside.” These all come from reasonable concerns—but none justify staying in a towed car.
Why Drivers Ask This Question
Many people simply don’t realize the risks. They assume “the tow truck controls the whole thing, so I’ll be fine.” But passengers face major dangers they can’t control, even during short-distance tows.
Is It Legal — Can You Tow a Car with Someone in It in the U.S.?
The short and clear answer: almost always NO.
Most U.S. states have laws that prohibit passengers from staying inside any towed vehicle because the practice is unsafe.
State-by-State Differences
Laws vary, but the general rule remains the same: passengers must exit the vehicle before towing begins. Even states that leave it up to towing operators still strongly discourage the practice.
When Is It Illegal?
It becomes illegal whenever:
- A tow truck is actively pulling your vehicle
- A person remains seated inside the towed car
- The road environment poses a risk
In other words, almost every towing scenario makes this illegal.
Safety Risks: Why You Shouldn’t Tow a Car with Someone in It
Even if the tow seems slow or simple, towing a car with someone inside is extremely unsafe.
Passenger Safety Concerns
A person inside the towed vehicle is exposed to:
- Sudden jerks and jolts
- Unexpected braking
- Unstable movement
- Shifting weight that can cause whiplash
They have zero control over what happens.
Injuries & Liability
If someone gets hurt, insurance companies can claim the tow was unsafe or unauthorized. This can lead to:
- Liability disputes
- Huge out-of-pocket costs
- Insurance claim denials
What Towing Companies Say About This
Ask any tow truck operator and you’ll hear the same thing:
“We’re not allowed to tow a car with someone inside.”
Policies & Insurance Restrictions
Towing companies follow strict rules because:
- Insurance won’t cover passengers inside a towed car
- Operators risk losing licenses if they allow it
- Company policies forbid towing with occupants due to safety hazards
What Happens If You Tow a Car with Someone in It?
The consequences can be far worse than people expect.
Fines, Liability & Insurance Denials
If authorities find someone inside a towed vehicle, you could face:
- Fines for violating towing safety laws
- Loss of insurance coverage if an accident occurs
- Financial responsibility for injuries or damages
Who Is Responsible If Someone Gets Hurt?
Often, both the vehicle owner and the tow operator share legal liability. That means shared financial responsibility, lawsuits, and denied coverage.
Safe Alternatives Instead of Towing a Car with Someone in It
The solution is simple: get everyone out of the car before towing.
Best Practices During a Breakdown
The safest actions are:
- Move passengers away from traffic
- Stand in a safe location
- Ride inside the tow truck cabin if allowed
What Operators Recommend
Tow truck professionals advise explaining your situation. They will help you find a safe, legal alternative, even during emergencies.
International Rules — Can You Tow a Car with Someone in It Overseas?
Countries like Canada, the UK, and Australia follow nearly identical standards:
Riding inside a towed vehicle is banned.
Global Standards
Most countries use industry-wide towing guidelines that clearly state:
No occupants are ever allowed inside a vehicle being towed.
Myths About Whether You Can Tow a Car with Someone in It
Some myths continue to circulate online.
Common Misconceptions
- Myth: “Slow towing is safe.”
- Fact: Even slow movement can cause violent jerks inside the towed car.
Why These Myths Persist
People share personal experiences without understanding the actual laws and risks involved.
Final Verdict — Can You Tow a Car with Someone in It Safely or Legally?
After reviewing laws, policies, and safety concerns, the answer is clear:
No — it’s unsafe, usually illegal, and not permitted by towing companies.
Always choose the safer option and exit the vehicle before towing.
FAQs
Q1.Is it ever legal to tow a car with someone in it?
Almost never. State laws and towing policies ban it across the board.
Q2.Can police tow a car with someone inside?
Only in rare, extreme emergencies—and even then, it’s highly controlled.
Q3.What happens if someone refuses to exit the car?
Tow operators may refuse service or contact law enforcement.
Q4.Is staying inside okay for a flatbed tow?.
No. Flatbeds do not eliminate safety risks.
Q5.What’s the correct action instead?
Exit the vehicle, move to safety, and ride with the tow operator if allowed.
