Towing Issues: wheel clamping, puc office, colorado springs co

Question
I am a tenant in a complex in Colorado Springs,Co. we the tenants of this complex are face with a dilemma of our cars being booted in the middle of the night by supposedly employees of a tow company that is employed by a security company the complex has hired. Some of us were parked in fire zones for brief periods of time, others are handicapped people in handicapped parking and getting booted. Here is the clincher, after your car has been booted by an unknown person in an unmarked car who fails to identify himself you have to pay $60 before the tow truck gets there. If your car gets towed you have to pay$180 in cash no charge or check for both. the tow company refuses to give you a location to come pick up your car but will bring it back to you. The Apartment complex claims that they have no involvement with the towing company but has a contract with the security company that accompanies them. Does this sound like extortion or a scam to you? Thanks

Answer
I have a friend in Colorado who has a tow company in the Denver area and from what I understand from him and from reading the laws which the Public Service commission (PUC) has in place to regulate tow companies this is what they do out there.

The security company would have no real connection to the tow company as it is a separately owned business and not under control or regulation by the PUC laws.

My understanding is that your question describes a legal operation and the prices fall in line with what I have heard for the State.

If you feel that you were illegally towed or charged you have the small claims court route you can take and also you might be able to get the PUC office to do something for you or provide you with guidance.


Now parking in fire lanes, even for a minute to unload groceries or parking in handicapped spaces and not being legally able to park there you did break the law and you got the penalty. But remember that laws will also protect you if they are doing illegal tows and the courts rule in your favor.


(Colorado laws here   http://www.dora.state.co.us/puc/rules/723-6.pdf    )