Towing Issues: car go towed away, accured, towing company

Question
Hi I live in maryland and my car was towed last weekend while I was inside a club.  We were only inside for about 15 mins. and came out as the car was driving away.  The tow truck stopped and the workers said it would be 175 cash to get it off the truck.  I was told that since I came out before they had left that when they stopped I should have been given my car back at no cost.  Only if the car had been taken to the storage lot is a fee accured.  Is this true?

Answer
While you mentioned you are in Maryland, I do know that several Counties have additional rules and regulations regarding the removal of vehicles from Private Property..

I know there were some proposed changes last year in Prince George Country, and they were defeated as they were to restrictive for the towing company and would of forced changes which would of made most companies lose money on the tows, and also set rates to an amount which was charged about 20 years ago..

State law, and the various city and county laws are were you would find the information, and since you know where in the state you live, it would be easier to have you search the Internet than me of which I might provide wrong information...

Now as to catching the tow truck while it was moving, as a general rule, they get to charge at least a drop fee if they are caught before they start moving... If they are moving and out on the street, then it is usually full price for the tow... After all they did do the job they were requested to do at that point.

But like I said some areas of the state have no real regulation on towing vehicles which are trespassing on private property..