What to Do If Your Car Gets Towed for Illegal Parking – A Step-by-Step Guide

Few things are as frustrating as walking to your parking spot, only to find your car missing. If your vehicle has been towed due to illegal parking,
don’t panic. Whether you were parked in a restricted area, an expired meter zone, or a private lot, this guide will help you locate your car, understand your rights,
and dispute any unfair towing charges.

Step 1: Confirm That Your Car Was Towed

Before jumping to conclusions, make sure your car was actually towed and not stolen. Here’s what to do:

• Check for parking restriction signs – Were you in a no-parking zone, tow-away zone, or blocking a fire hydrant?
• Look for towing notices – Some cities place stickers or signs with towing details.
• Ask nearby businesses or witnesses – A passerby or store owner may have seen your car being towed.
• Call the local police department or parking authority – They can confirm if your car was towed and provide retrieval instructions.

Step 2: Find Out Where Your Car Was Taken

Towed vehicles are usually sent to an impound lot. The responsible authority depends on where you parked:

• If you were towed from a public street, contact your city's parking enforcement agency or local police department.
• If you were towed from private property, the property owner or towing company should have posted their contact information on nearby signs.

Here are some helpful contacts for major U.S. cities:

Once you locate your vehicle, ask about towing fees, impound lot hours, and required documents for retrieval.

Step 3: Retrieve Your Car Quickly

The longer your car stays in the impound lot, the more fees add up. Make sure to bring:

• Your driver’s license
• Vehicle registration
• Proof of insurance
• Payment for towing and storage fees

How Much Will It Cost?

• Towing fees range from $150 - $400, depending on location.
• Impound storage fees are typically $20 - $75 per day.
• If you had unpaid parking tickets, you may need to pay those before retrieving your car.

Step 4: Can You Dispute the Towing?

If you believe your car was towed unfairly, you have the right to challenge the fees or dispute the tow.

Common Grounds for Disputing a Tow:

• Insufficient or unclear "No Parking" or "Tow Away" signage.
• Your vehicle was legally parked, but towed in error.
• You were overcharged for towing and storage fees.

How to File a Dispute:

1. Document everything – Take photos of the parking area, signs, and any receipts.
2. Request a fee breakdown – Ask for an itemized bill to ensure fees are within legal limits.
3. Contact your local consumer protection agency – Many states have laws that regulate predatory towing practices.
4. File a complaint with small claims court if necessary.

Step 5: Avoid Getting Towed Again

To prevent future tows, follow these best practices:

• Always read parking signs carefully before leaving your car.
• Use a parking app like Parking Cupid to find legal spots.
• Set an alarm to move your car before parking restrictions kick in.
• Keep your vehicle registration and fines up to date.

Final Thoughts

Having your car towed is stressful and expensive, but knowing your rights can help you retrieve it quickly and dispute unfair charges if necessary.
The best way to avoid the hassle? Use Parking Cupid to find safe, legal parking before you even leave home.

Looking for stress-free parking? Join Parking Cupid today and never worry about towing again!