Towing Issues: Release of personal property, certified mail, tow companies

Question
Our sons vehicle was towed in salem oregon and impounded he has homework assignments in it as well as personal property the car is worth less than impound fees what are the laws on personal property release from tow companies in oregon?

Answer
Some towing companies may try to hold personal property to make sure they get paid for the towing. In most states they cannot do this legally. If they towed the vehicle because it was broken down and left abandoned you may have to obtain a release for the property, but you should be able to get it with proper ID. They are also required (in most states) to notify the owner and any listed lien holder by certified mail that they have the vehicle.