Towing Issues: predatory towing/proper towing procedures, tow truck drivers, tow truck driver

Question
Hi Richard,

I live in Northern VA and I had my car recently towed by Dominion Towing (a company used  by my HOA). They towed the car b/c the driver "suspected" that the parking pass was fake (which it wasn't), so he towed the vehicle and then broke into it to get the pass out to check it.  I should probably mention that this truck driver has had a personal vendetta against me and my family since last summer b/c we prevented him from ILLEGALLY towing another vehicle of ours (which, of course, made him mad).  So he has been trying to tow our cars for one reason or another ever since.  My question is, can a tow truck driver actually break into the vehicle if there is no mechanical necessity for the break-in?  How do you determine whether or not the break-in is necessary? What laws/regulations allow them to enter the vehicle? and finally, is there a way to tow a vehicle with a lifttruck without breaking into it?
Also, after I contacted the company about this tow and asked for the name of the driver, they wouldn't release it to me.  I understand where they are coming from, but i still want to know his name to check his criminal background (my HOA is aware of this and they are going to have a meeting about it some time soon).  I am afraid that these allegedly "legal" and "necessary" tows will continue and i am tired of not knowing what they can and cannot LEGALLY do.  the police is unhelpful b/c it's a private matter and I've had a very difficult time find answers to most of my questions on the Internet.  If you could also recommend any source/website that would have information regarding the guidelines/standards tow truck drivers have to follow, i would really appreciate it.

Thank you so much for your help!

Sincerely,

Mariya

Answer
Virginia has many laws, and is in the process of changing many of them, dealing with towing from private property...

But generally, it is not an "ethical practice" to enter vehicles. The "bag of diamonds" under the seat always comes up missing.

But from what ever reason you and the tow company, it does sound very fishy to me...

But I would suggest that some form of legal action would be best to take. Either small claims court, or if you can get a lawyer to take the case you might get some more action.

I had a web site for Virginia towing laws, but a recent computer crash took most of them out. I know there is one with the DMV or the state legislature and that would be where to check out...
I know there was also a new "agency" created to regulate and change rules regarding towing, but I also know that part of the proposed laws were overturned or cancelled recently.