Towing Hardship Application

Towing Hardship Application

The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) Towing Administration Program manages a hardship fund to help victims of auto theft and those living on a low income so they can more easily retrieve their towed and impounded vehicles within Portland city limits. Money for the fund comes from a $5 surcharge on tows collected as part of the city’s towing contracts.

Qualifying criteria

Those requesting a towing hardship must apply within 5 business days of the tow and before you've retrieved your vehicle. Tows from private property are not eligible.

INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL BE DENIED.

Applicants must demonstrate the following:

Valid personal auto insurance on towed vehicle
Proof of vehicle ownership - This benefit is for registered vehicle owners ONLY and is not transferable. Valid photo ID required.
No outstanding parking citations

Additionally, applicants must submit proof of ONE of the following:

Victim of auto theft
Must provide police report/report number

Eligible for for any one of the following programs
SNAP (submit benefits approval letter)
WIC Program for women, infants, and children (submit benefits approval letter)
Student financial aid (submit benefits approval letter)
SSDI (submit Social Security Disability Insurance benefits approval letter)
TANF (submit Temporary Assistance for Needy Families benefits approval letter)
PBOT’s Transportation Wallet Access for All (submit benefits approval letter)

Applicants may not apply more than once in a 2-year period (except for victims of auto theft).

The City of Portland ensures meaningful access to city programs, services, and activities to comply with Civil Rights Title VI and ADA Title II laws and reasonably provides: translation, interpretation, modifications, accommodations, alternative formats, auxiliary aids and services. To request these services, contact the Portland Bureau of Transportation at 311 (503-823-4000), for Relay Service & TTY: 711.