QuestionI own and live in a Condo complex in the city of Orange, Ca. I pulled in front of a commercial (rug cleaners)truck that was blocking my entrance into my private garage in our common interest driveway. I got out of the car, left the drivers door open and proceeded approx 4 feet around the commercial truck, I yelled for the carpet guy to move his truck and he came running...as I turned around to go back to my car and wait, the tow company had towed my car and was leaving the property rapidly, I yelled for him to stop, but he flew out of the driveway and turned right in the back of commercial buildings. I called the police and stated my car had been stolen..the operator put me on hold and came back to ask if my payments were paid up? I advised her that the car was 4 days old, she then put me on hold again and came back 6 min later stating "here's the tow companies number, your complex has a general tow contract on file" I tried to explain to her the events and she terminated the call. When I went to get my car, the tow company said that my vehicle was parked in a fire lane and that if I wanted it back I woud have to pay $200.00. I did so and returned home about 3 hours later (they didn't want to give me the car without proof of registration, new car, the regis was on the window..which they wouldn't consider, I had to drive back home and retrieve my purchase agreement to show my name), as I arrived, I see the SAME two drivers standing outside my garage with the carpet cleaners van up on a lift, I listened as they argued about how much it would take to put it down. They wanted 200.00 to drop the vehicle, I advised the carpet cleaner that was what I just paid for the frivioulous tow. These drivers dropped the truck and sped away. This causes me to think they are waiting for opportunity in a private parking lot, my question: Is it legal to tow ME when I have to get out of my car and request someone to move and I am towed while standing there making that request? I also mentioned my drivers door WAS open, so they closed the door and then towed it.
I have advised my association of this vulture towing and they said they would look into it. I am weary due to the same management for the last 6 years NOT doing anything about issues around here as it is. But I cannot consider this a lesson and shrug it off, I LIVE here I do not rent, so moving is not an option.
What do you suggest or recommend?
AnswerWell I read this question and I have issues here... First of all for a tow truck to tow the vehicle while you are 4 feet away sounds bad to me... Is there more here to the question..
I really feel that this has a few details which are not answered here and as such I can not offer any answers here...
Best thing to do since you have all the answers to questions I would have is to have you check out the various rules and regulations which govern towing of vehicles from private property in California...
Pay specific attention to section 22658...
************link to California DMV towing rules ***
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/vc/vc.htm
