Towing Issues: Car Towed from Handicap spot from Handicap Apartment, handicap spot, handicap parking

Question
Pasadena, TX

If I live in a handicap apartment am I able to park in the handicap marked parking spot that belongs to that apartment without a handicap parking permit/placard?  I thought my vehicle was stolen, but the office said that it was towed away for parking in what I thought was my parking place for the apartment I was renting.  It is going to cost me $288.30 (cash) to get it back.  The apartment complex just contracted with a towing company to come into the area anytime they want to tow violators.  I did not think I was doing anything wrong, and apologize if I should have known better.  

Thank you for shedding some legality on this situation.


Answer
If you mix the permit parking issue in Apartments and then the Handicapped - Disabled parking permit issue, you always have a mess...


I really do hate these questions as it is a real can of worms...


But check out this link below and pay attention to section 4... Its a starting point...

http://law.onecle.com/texas/transportation/684.011.00.html



The apartment signing a tow contract to "patrol - cruise" the lots and look for violations is a big problem maker especially with the combination like your problem...

I would see if you have "AN ASSIGNED PARKING SPACE" for your apartment as that will clear up the issue, and also if the apartment requires permits I would get one and have it displayed along with the Handicapped permit... Better to be covered than towed...