Towing Issues: Towed from private lot, 2 different things, drive wheels

Question
Hi Richard:

I've read through a few questions you answered about towing companies and legality, so I wanted to ask you two questions.  First, is there a specific way a Dodge Dakota needs to be towed so the transmission will not be ruined?  I have read things online and talked to a dealer, and they have stated 2 different things - 1. it should be done with a roll-back; 2. it doesn't matter.   Secondly, Is there anything legally that can be done about walking away from your vehicle for 2 minutes and it getting towed?  Yes, literally 2 minutes, with 4-ways on outside an apartment building. Caught them pull away with the vehicle. And have witnesses on the time frame.

Thanks for any information you can provide

Answer
ok  thanks for the kind words.. I am glad that I can help people ...

Ok first of all, All vehicles can be towed on a regular wheel lift and dollies used if needed.. Flatbeds are great, but they have huge drawbacks and problems when towing.

Now 2 wheel drive verses 4 wheel drive,  nosed in or backed in all make differences.  How far can it be towed, well depending on lots of conditions, such as locked in gear, or drive wheels lifted make differences .
200 feet or 200 miles  hard to know what will happen when towing, but like anything else, its mechanical and things happen..

Now from the sounds of your second part, you must of been in a fire lane..  Parking enforcement of those areas is immediate .. That is a major safety issue where the apartments are fined by the fire department for vehicles parked in fire lanes. That is why they tend to be aggressive.

Now all the time I was towing and doing impounds, I have done lots of fire lane tows. 99% of them are done with the patrol method where the towing company drives though the complex and tows violators. Now in some areas this will be changing, such as California. But its usually the way it happens.
My personal thoughts and actions on the 4 way flashers being on, are  " LOOK HERE, I am parked illegally"  Sure it seems right to turn on the flashers when in the fire lanes, but its still in violation.

Hope this helps a bit with your questions.

Richard