Towing Issues: my car got towed 2 minutes after I got out of it, tow driver, car wash

Question
I was at this car was that is right next to the public assitance office. They have signs posted saying Illegally parked cars will towed at owners expense, which is $240.00 by the way, anyways I walked into there and dropped off papers and walked out all of which took me 2 minutes and the car wash place had towed my car in 2 minutes time and made me pay the $240.00 to get it back. My question is can they do that? They keep a tow driver on site like a hunter waiting to prey.If they saw me step away from the vacuum they should have said to move my car.

Answer
If you used the car wash then I would complain to them. Predatory towing is a problem in many states, but they do have the right to have a vehicle towed if it is left on their property. I don't agree with it, but as long as they have it posted they are in compliance with the law. I would check with whatever state you are in to see if there have been any other complaints about predatory towing. You probably should have asked if they mind if you left your vehicle there for a few minutes. They are not responsible for asking you to move your car.