Towing Issues: Car got towed in handicap space, handicap parking space, bearer of bad news

Question
Hello,

We live in an apartment complex in Austin, TX with very limited parking.  There are some additional garages and some covered parking, all for which you have to pay an additional price for every month.  My husband and I have elected to not pay this price because we already pay a lot for rent.  Last night we got home late and there was absolutely no "uncovered" parking.  We know that if we park in the covered parking the car will be towed because there are signs stating so.  Therefore, we chose to park in an available handicap parking space because we figured we might get a fine but the car would not be towed.  This handicap space has a sign stating it is so but it does not say anything about getting towed.  Can the tow truck legally take a vehicle in this situation?  Where there is not sign saying the car will be towed?  The apartment complex has admitted they do not have enough free parking for everyone.  They have also suggested parking outside of the complex.  However, we pay a lot of rent to live in a gated community and feel it is very unfair to have to park outside in an unprotected area.  I really appreciate your response.

Answer
I really don't like to be the bearer of bad news but most cases the vehicle would be towed and fined for parking in a handicap parking space without proper authorization. Be thankful that you didn't get a fine because handicap violations are expensive, usually double or triple the price of a tow in some cities. It sounds as though you recognize the error and wish to not park illegally. Recommend suggestions to management for the parking problems so this doesn't happen again to you or any other tenants.