Towing Issues: illegal tow?, contract requirement, tow truck

Question
My van ran out of gas on a no parking street. I went to get gas and as i turned the corner on my way back to the van, it was already on the tow truck but i managed to stop it before it took off. Since the tow had not left yet and i was back with gas, can they still take the car?  

Answer
depending on the state and city where this happened you might even be able to get if for free, half price, or have to pay full price. I really can not say if they can charge or not.

And if it is hooked up and ready to go, then they can take the vehicle. But also it might depend on the contract requirement, city laws, and all that, up to and including the officer who is there.