Can You Have a Car Towed for Parking in Front of Your House?

Last Updated on May 10, 2023 by QCity Editorial Stuff

Yes, it is possible to have a car towed for parking in front of your house, but it depends on the specific circumstances. If the car is parked illegally or in violation of local parking regulations, you can contact your local authorities, and they may arrange for the vehicle to be towed.

Overview of local parking regulations

Local parking regulations vary by city, state, and even neighborhood. In some areas, it is illegal to park in front of someone’s house without their permission, while in others, it is perfectly acceptable. Most cities have rules regarding the length of time a car can be parked on a public street, abandoned vehicle laws, and parking restrictions during certain times of the day or week.

 Many neighborhoods have their own parking regulations, such as requiring residents to display parking permits or prohibiting overnight street parking. It is important to familiarize yourself with the parking regulations in your area to avoid being ticketed or towed. If you are unsure about the rules in your neighborhood, contact your local city or town hall for information.

Differences between public and private property

Public and private property differ in various ways. Here are some of the key differences:

  • Ownership: Public property is owned by the government, while private property is owned by individuals or corporations.
  • Access: Public property is accessible to everyone, while private property is only accessible to the owner or those given permission by the owner.
  • Use: Public property is used for public purposes such as parks, schools, and government buildings, while private property is used for personal or commercial purposes.
  • Maintenance: Public property is maintained by the government and funded by tax dollars, while private property is maintained by the owner.
  • Regulations: Public property is subject to government regulations and restrictions, while private property is subject to fewer restrictions and regulations.
  • Liability: The government is liable for any accidents or injuries that occur on public property, while private property owners are responsible for any accidents or injuries that occur on their property.

Parking Regulations in Residential Areas

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Parking regulations in residential areas can be confusing, but it’s essential to follow them to avoid penalties and towing. Here are some guidelines you should know:

  • Private Property: If private property is properly posted, any unauthorized vehicle parked there can be immediately removed at the vehicle owner’s expense without permission.
  • Public Streets: Residential streets may have alternate side parking rules, meaning that parking is only permitted on one side of the street on designated days. Note that parking is not allowed on city streets between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. Monday through Saturday unless you have a valid permit or temporary permission.
  • Snow Emergencies: During a declared Snow Emergency, alternate side parking rules apply between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. Additionally, there may be specific parking restrictions posted on certain streets during the winter months.
  • Overnight Parking: Parking is allowed on both sides of certain streets from March 1 to December 1, but from December 1 to March 1, alternate side night parking is required.

Private Property Parking Laws

You can only tow a vehicle parked on private property if it is obstructing traffic or violating specific parking rules, which you must properly post. These rules are covered in California Vehicle Code section 22658.

  • Vehicles can only be towed after you have given proper notice to the owner or operator of the vehicle. This can be done by posting signs with the specific parking rules (such as “no parking” or “tow away zone”), and only after a reasonable amount of time for the person to move their vehicle has passed.
  • If you call a towing company, they must be licensed to operate in California and follow specific state laws and regulations. This includes a maximum towing fee and requirements for notifying the vehicle owner and law enforcement of the tow.
  • If you fail to follow these rules, the vehicle owner may have a claim for “wrongful towing” and can seek damages, including the cost of the tow and storage fees, as well as attorney’s fees and other penalties.

Legal Reasons for Towing a Car

1. Non-Consensual Towing:

When a vehicle is parked illegally or otherwise trespasses on private property, the property owner or agent has the right to tow it without the owner’s consent. In Georgia, companies engaging in non-consensual towing from private property must have a Non-Consensual Towing permit.

2. Repossession:

If a vehicle owner has defaulted on their loan payments, the lender has the right to repossess the vehicle. However, lenders cannot breach the peace while doing so and must follow state laws regarding repossession.

3. Abandoned Vehicles:

Property owners can have a vehicle towed if it has been abandoned on their property for an extended period. In Georgia, a vehicle is considered abandoned if it remains unattended for 24 hours or more and shows no evidence of being in use.

4. Traffic Violations:

Law enforcement officials can have a vehicle towed if it is obstructing traffic or parked in a no-parking zone. In these cases, the owner of the vehicle may be responsible for paying towing and storage fees.

5. Safety Concerns:

If a vehicle poses a safety hazard, such as blocking a fire hydrant, it can be towed immediately without the owner’s consent. In these cases, the owner may also be responsible for any fines or penalties associated with the violation.

Overall, there are several legal reasons for towing a car, but property owners and law enforcement officials must follow state laws and regulations to ensure they are within their rights.

What to Do If Your Car Is Towed

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If your car has been towed, the first thing you should do is find out where it has been taken. This information should be available from the local authorities, as they are responsible for authorizing and overseeing tow companies. Once you have located your car, you will need to pay any fees associated with the towing and impounding of your vehicle. This may include a release fee, storage fees, and possible daily fees if the car is not picked up immediately. It is important to act quickly, as fees can quickly add up and your car may even be sold if left unclaimed for too long. Make sure to also gather all necessary documentation, such as your driver’s license and registration, when retrieving your car to ensure a smooth and efficient process.

Conclusion

In conclusion, whether one can have a car towed for parking in front of their home depends on various factors, including location, duration, and ownership. If it is a private residential property and adequate signage prohibiting parking is available, one may have the car towed immediately without any waiting period. However, in public residential areas where the streets are public, a car cannot be towed as long as it has not been parked there for more than 72 hours.

References:

https://legalbeagle.com/7587502-georgia-rules-towing-vehicle.html

https://city.milwaukee.gov/Parking/ParkingRegulations

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