There are times when a tow truck driver is a welcome sight. When you have car trouble, or have been locked out of your vehicle, or have been involved in an accident, a tow truck driver, and their expertise might be just what you need. .
Then, there are times when getting towed is the last thing you need. For those times, using common sense and avoiding any of the instances below, can keep you from an unwanted tow.
PRIVATE PROPERTY: You cannot park your vehicle in private property parking lots, driveways, or other spaces unless authorized to do so. The private property must have specific signs at the entrance warning that vehicles can be towed. Also, the private property owners have the right to call a tow company to tow vehicles immediately when your car or truck is not authorized to be there.
VEHICLES BLOCKING THE ROADWAY, SIDEWALK OR DRIVEWAY:Vehicles cannot block a street, lane of traffic, driveway, sidewalk, any other vehicle or any public right-of-way. Any vehicle obstructing the roadway, sidewalk, or driveway can be towed.
ILLEGALLY PARKED VEHICLES: Parking in areas marked “No Parking Anytime”, in construction zones, fire lanes, next to fire hydrants, in bus zones, or in red zones can result in your vehicle being towed. Also, parking in handicapped parking spaces without a valid handicap can get your car towed.
ABANDONED VEHICLES: If your vehicle is reported as abandoned on any public street, it may be towed if it has been observed as abandoned by a police officer for over 3 days.
REGISTRATION EXPIRED OVER 6 (SIX) MONTHS: If your vehicle has an expired registration and it’s found on the road, or in a parking lot, it can be towed and released only after the owner provides proof of valid registration.
PARKING VIOLATIONS: If you have received excessive (usually five or more) unpaid parking tickets, your car can be towed at anytime. Once the parking citations are paid, your vehicle can be released.
UNLICENSED DRIVER or SUSPENDED LICENSE: Obviously, it’s illegal to operate a vehicle without a valid driver’s license or when your driver’s license has been suspended. In this situation, a police officer will not leave a vehicle unattended, so if there is not a licensed driver to drive your vehicle it will be towed.
By being aware, and avoiding certain situations, you can ensure your vehicle is towed only when you want it to be.
