There are multiple reasons why vehicles get towed. It could be for parking in the wrong area, someone getting arrested, a person requesting their car to be towed or other reasons. There are certain procedures to follow in either of these cases, and not following them could lead to legal action. Of course these vary in different cities and settings, but the basic procedures are usually quite similar.
When the police or the city is involved in the towing, whether it be for criminal reasons or parking in a hazardous spot, there is paperwork to fill out. The authorities have to fill out documents, but the person who owns the car also has to fill out and sign the papers. There will also be a fee to pay.
Any type of towing that falls under these two categories must be lawful. There are different rules and regulations for each city or state. If a person feels that they have been violated, he has the right to take legal action.
The towing company has two hours to let the police know that the vehicle has been towed. If the person has not picked up the vehicle within two full days, he will be sent a notice about the tow. This is done usually by certified mail so that he has to sign it in order to receive it. The owner will have to pay fees to get the car back but not for any time in storage before he was notified. These fees have to be paid upon picking up the vehicle.
In the case that a garage is having the vehicle towed because of nonpayment, 30 days after the work has been completed, the owner will be served with a notification that they are intending to sell the vehicle. The owner will then receive the notice that it is being put up for auction after 90 days if the payment is not received.
The towing company can't do anything to the vehicle without the proper procedures being followed. These laws and time frames may vary from place to place, but they are usually pretty similar. If the car is not expected to be picked up, the towing company is still forbidden to perform any repairs, take it apart or sell it. They must wait for the correct timing before taking action.
Vehicles must be towed in the correct fashion for the type of vehicle, such as with the towing slings or flat beds, and the towing vehicle must not exceed 35 mph on rough road. The towed vehicle also has to be stored at the location of the towing company, and it must be open for reasonable hours during the day. The company can't give or receive any extra money other than allowed in the procedures. They may ask for proper identification and registration upon collection of the vehicle.
