Knowing When It’s Legal to Call for a Tow Truck
Most people have seen signs outside nearby businesses warning that vehicles parked illegally will be towed. These signs are typically successful in preventing non-customers from parking in front of a particular establishment for an extended period, but what happens when someone breaks the rules and is caught? Since so many factors could be at play, there is only sometimes a clear answer. You should learn as much as possible about the circumstances surrounding a parking infraction to determine whether you have the legal authority to hire a towing truck to remove the offending vehicle and bill the owner for the associated fees.
Towing on Private Property
If you own a home and a parked car is obstructing your driveway or loitering on your property without your consent, you have the right to call a tow truck to remove the vehicle immediately. This only applies if your home is a residential building with three or fewer units. If you reside in a multi-family home, you must notify the property manager of any unauthorized vehicles and defer to them to make towing arrangements.
It’s crucial to post signs near parking areas on private non-residential property to alert drivers to any applicable parking regulations. If you have visible signs and state the terms of parking, you can choose to have a car towed at your discretion if it is not following the rules. If there is no signage, you must wait at least 24 hours before contacting a towing service to remove an illegal vehicle.
Towing on Public Property
Local law enforcement or public officials are in charge of cars illegally parked on public property. A vehicle obstructing traffic or posing a safety risk can be towed immediately. If vehicles are parked illegally in public garages or lots, they may also be immediately towed. A vehicle may be immediately towed if a driver leaves it in a parking space intended for guests of a public facility. If you see a car improperly parked in a public space, you should report it to a public official so they can ask for emergency towing.
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