Towing Issues: Vehicle Impound (Non Police Order), motor vehicle department, tow yard


Question
" I had some vehicles (21) in a storage lot that I was leasing. The owner of the property had them towed to impound yard. The impound yard said they will not release them to me unless my name is on the FRONT of the title. Curently my name is on the BACK of the title (on new buyers line). I do not wish to transfer the titles to my name at this point. Do they have to release them to me or not??? I have proof of ownership (titles.) They say my name must be on front. I am in Arizona and think ARS (Arizona Rivised Statute) says one must show proof of ownership,it does not say it must be on front of title. PLEASE HELP (time is of the essence) as they are tring to get ownership(titles)transfered to thier name!"
ANY AND ALL RESPONCES WOULD BE APPRECIATED! PLEASE HURRY  PLEASE HURRY  PLEASE HURRY         PLEASE POST ASAP   PLEASE POST ASAP
     Also God Bless and MERRY CHRISTMAS To All!


Answer
I'm in California so can only give advice as to this states laws.  However, it seems to me that if you are the leasor of property and the owner towed your property away there would be some civil violation there.  What gives him the authority to take your property unless he was ordered by local ordinace to clean up his property.

In California, and this may be true in most states, ownership must be proven before release of a vehicle.  In Calif. this means if you hold a title on a vehicle but have not transferred it into your name we would not release it to you. If you have a letter of authorization from the person who's name is on the title they may release it to you.

Check with your local Motor Vehicle Department and find out if you can get some kind of Moving Permit without having to do full title transfer.  Explain to them the situation.

It sounds like the tow yard is trying to get lien clearance to dispose of the vehicle.  Check your Motor Vehicle laws and find out what the minimum time they have before they can dispose of them.  In California we are required to notify by mail all Registered Owners prior to selling. That takes anywhere from 30 days to 90 days depending on the value of the vehicle.

I hope I have been of some help.  Good luck and Happy Holiday.