Towing Issues: P.P.I. laws, car thieves, free tow

Question
I work for a towing company and although we do not do alot of private property impounds i would like to know what the laws are regarding P.P.I.s...as i understand it, the towing company must be summoned by either security, property management and each removal must be signed by them at each removal....towing companies cant just drive through apartment complexes and tow cars can they???

Answer
Not knowing your state I can't say for sure. I do know in most states towers must have authorization from either the property owner, management over the property or direction from law enforcement. Authorization is usually a signed contract which must be present at the time of removal or at the towing facility. Also, towers must call in the towed vehicle immediately. Not knowing your state I do not know the time limit. I make all my driver's call in BEFORE the vehicle is hooked. Car thieves like to abandon stolen vehicles in parking lots. If you tow one and call it in later in most cases you did a free tow with lots of paperwork! I'm getting off track here. So the answer to your question is yes, the tower just can't steal vehicles, excuse me tow the vehicle without proper authorization. There are conditions that apply other than signed authorization such as tow signs, notices, etc. Most state's statues can be found online for further research. Be safe and if you need more information just ask.