Towing Issues: Illegal Tow?, americans with disabilities act, laramie wyoming

Question
My son's van was towed a couple of days ago out of his dormitory parking lot where he thought it was legally parked.  However, it was in Laramie Wyoming with 3 inches of snow on the ground and he overshot the parking space, ending up a few inches onto the sidewalk due to inability to see the lines.  When he talked to the towing company, they refused to give him any paperwork regarding the tow stating that they didn't have to until he paid to get it out.  The tow fee and the storage for 2 days was originally $240 but when my son asked the owner of the company for the paperwork, the individual told him he was now raising the price because my son was bothering him.  I'm needing info regarding the legality of towing the vehicle under the conditions and if a towing company can randomly change their pricing now that they have your vehicle "hostage".  Thanks!

Answer
if your son's vehicle was towed on campus, then I bet that he has got a copy of the 12 page parking regulations booklet

https://uwadmnweb.uwyo.edu/tap/ParkingRegs2009.pdf

Now I agree that a few inches is a bit overkill for towing, but they do have other issues to consider. One is that there are now rules on how wide sidewalks have to be under the Americans with Disabilities act. And vehicles which are intruding onto sidewalks cause the potential for fines...   I know its kind of silly but it happens now.

Now as to a receipt, they are right in not giving paperwork till the vehicle is paid for. That's  a standard practice.  Now as to changing the price, that does not sound legal or ethical.
But there are some companies who exploit each and every loophole they can find. Sounds like your son found one.

I would start with complaining to the property manager - owner even if it is the University. After all they have rules and regulations which are to be followed regarding parking, but at the same time if they find out that the tow company they are using is doing things wrong or illegal then they might have some recourse that they can do.


Now you always have the option to go to small claims court and see if you can get a judge to agree that something was not right. Its always an option and a chance to take.