Towing Issues: Towing, fire lane, maryland street

Question
I was visiting a client to fix her computer on Sat 12-27-2008. I parked on the street down from her house. My car was towed. Know one seems to know why. It was dark. Client states and then to find out per towing company that I was parked in a fire lane. There are no signs stating fire lane. Other cars were parked in front of mine. When I asked the towing company they stated I was parked in a fire lane and had a contract with the Home assoc. The towing company did not know the name of the home assoc. She said they drive around in the development and pick up cars. There are no signs on any of the roads stating that towing is enforced. Or where a car is towed to. The client did not know either. I had to knock on someones door and call around to the towing companies. They chargd 211.50. I did not signed any receipt. They just ran the card. The total are $4.00 for milage, $135.00 tow and $27.50 for misc. It totals $166.50. They charged my card $211.50. I also asked why they could not just give a ticket. She stated they had a contract to tow. I was in Prince George's county in Maryland. Street not well lite.
What should I do. Can I call the back on stop the transaction-(this is a debt card/credit card)?

Answer
Steven,

We don't accept credit cards on privately impounded vehicles for that exact reason. I don't know how that process works either.

The local laws regarding towing are what you need to find out. Also, I would go back and look for signs at the entrances and to see if the fire lane is marked at all, since you will have no leg to stand on if they are marked in accordance to state law.

Sorry I couldn't be more helpful

Donald