No, you should never tow a car with someone inside it. This practice is extremely dangerous and illegal in all 50 states. The primary risks involve the complete lack of control over the towed vehicle, the potential for catastrophic failure of the tow equipment, and the severe injury or death of the person inside. The only person who should be in a vehicle being towed is a professional driver operating it under its own power as part of a specific recovery technique, not as a passive passenger.
When a car is towed, its steering and braking systems are disabled. If the towed vehicle begins to swerve or the tow line snaps, the person inside has no way to correct the course or stop the car. They are essentially in an out-of-control metal box. Furthermore, most consumer-grade tow equipment like straps or dollies are not rated for the dynamic forces and sudden jolts that can occur, leading to equipment failure.
The safest methods are a flatbed tow truck, which lifts all four wheels off the ground, or a wheel-lift tow truck that lifts the drive wheels. Using tow dollies for the non-drive wheels is another common, safer alternative. Having someone in the car negates the safety of these methods.
| Towing Method | Is Passenger Allowed? | Key Reason |
|---|
| Flatbed Truck | No | Vehicle is completely immobilized on the bed. |
| Wheel-Lift Tow | No | Drive wheels are lifted; steering is disabled. |
| Tow Dolly | No | Non-drive wheels are lifted; steering is unreliable. |
| Simple Tow Strap/Rope | No (and illegal on public roads) | Zero control over the towed vehicle; high failure risk. |
If a vehicle breaks down and needs a tow, the correct procedure is for all occupants to exit the vehicle and wait in a safe location away from traffic. They should then ride in the cab of the tow truck to their destination. This ensures everyone's safety and complies with traffic laws designed to prevent accidents.
