Towing Issues: illegal towing, tow truck operator, tow truck driver

Question
my question is this, yesterday my vehicle was parked at a friends townhouse directly in front of her garage just for 5 minutes when a tow truck operator began to tow my car at this point the home owner and myself came running out at which time the operator suggested either i pay 89 dollars or my car would b impounded.So I had no choice but to pay the 89 dollars,and my car was released.I would like 2 no if this is legal practice on the part of the tow truck driver,or illegal.Because I heard somewhere that as long as you r present before the leave they have to release your car at no charge to the owner. true or not

Answer
That answer is TRUE and FALSE...

It depends on where you are as each State and even Cities have different rules and regulation regarding the towing of vehicles from private property.

California has some laws like that, where if the tow truck is "present and not even hooked up" you have to pay.

Other States say that the truck has to be at least partially hooked up.

And others say it has to be totally hooked up but not in motion.

Wish I could help more, but without specific information its hard to answer the question...