When Your Vehicle Can Be Towed Away: 10 Factors [Important]

Towing is one of those things that most people don't think about until it happens to them.

There are several reasons why a tow truck may be called to remove your car. One of the most common scenarios is when you are involved in an accident, and your car is no longer roadworthy. In this case, a tow truck will transport your vehicle to a repair shop or impound lot.

Another reason why your car may be towed is if you park illegally, such as in a no-parking zone or a handicapped space, without proper authorization.

If you violate a traffic law, a tow truck may also be dispatched to remove your car. Also, if you park on private property without permission, like in a parking lot or driveway, the property owner may call a tow truck to remove your car.

Unpaid parking tickets can also result in your car being towed. Uncover why tow trucks swoop in to take your car away from you. Dig deeper into all of its possibilities and see what solutions fit best for you.

When Your Vehicle Can Be Towed Away: 10 Factors

Did you know there are valid reasons why your car can be towed away? The law outlines specific situations that make it permissible, such as parking in a prohibited area and displaying expired tags.

So, to avoid being towed, watch for these illegal activities. Let's look closer at when your vehicle can be hauled away.

1. Accident

In the unfortunate event of a car accident, a tow truck may need to be dispatched to remove your vehicle from the scene. This is especially true if your car is unable to be driven or is a hazard to other drivers.

Your car may be towed to a nearby repair shop or impound lot, depending on the severity of the accident and your insurance coverage.

2. Illegally Parked

If you park your car in a restricted or prohibited area, a tow truck can legally take your car. No-parking zones, fire lanes, and blocked driveways are all examples of prohibited parking areas.

In these cases, the tow truck operator typically requires identification and proof of ownership before removing your vehicle.

3. Private Property

If you park your car on someone else's private property without their permission, they can call a tow truck and have your car removed.

This includes parking in a private driveway, parking lot, or other restricted area. The property owner may not tow your car if they have not posted proper signage indicating that unauthorized parking will result in towing.

4. Traffic Violation

If you break a traffic law, a tow truck will come to get your car. This includes parking in a handicapped spot without a permit, in a bike lane or crosswalk, or in front of a fire hydrant.

In these cases, law enforcement officials or traffic officers are typically responsible for calling a tow truck to remove the vehicle.

5. Abandoned Vehicles

A car left on the side of the road for an extended period may be considered abandoned, both a hazard and an eyesore.

As such, authorities are authorized to tow such vehicles to impound lots, where they will be stored until the owners claim them. It may be sold or scrapped if you do not retrieve your car from the impound lot within a certain period.

6. Mechanical Failure

A tow truck may take your car if it suffers from mechanical failure, rendering it incapacitated on the roadside.

This can happen for various reasons, such as engine failure, a flat tire, or a malfunctioning transmission. If a mechanic cannot fix the issue on the spot, the tow truck may transport your car to the nearest repair facility.

7. Unpaid Parking Tickets

Accumulating multiple unpaid parking tickets can lead to your car being towed. This is because city officials and law enforcement want to discourage illegal parking, which can block access to emergency vehicles and reduce the availability of parking spots.

Your car can be towed from public and private properties with enough unpaid parking tickets.

8. Expired Registration

Driving your vehicle with an expired registration can also result in a tow truck taking your car. This is because the registration indicates that the vehicle has the necessary insurance coverage and has been deemed safe for the road.

An expired registration, therefore, can be seen as a potential risk to other drivers and pedestrians, necessitating its removal.

9. Snow Removal

When snowstorms hit, many cities and towns rely on snowplows and other snow removal vehicles to keep roads clear and safe for drivers.

If your car is parked on a public street during a snowstorm, there is a chance that it may be towed to facilitate efficient snow removal operations.

To avoid having your vehicle towed during a snowstorm, it is best to avoid parking on public streets altogether.

If you must park on a public street, check for any posted parking restrictions and move your car promptly when snow removal operations are underway.

10. Hazardous Materials

When your car carries hazardous materials or fluids that potentially threaten public safety, a tow truck may be required to mitigate the risks. This is mainly because hazardous materials and liquids pose a danger to both human health and the environment.

Hence, the authorities may require the immediate removal of such cars from the public area to avoid any harm to people and the environment.

As a car owner, it's vital to follow every step when transporting hazardous liquids or materials. From ensuring they're tightly secured to displaying the correct signs on your vehicle, forget even one of these rules, and you could be slapped with significant fines or worse.

Reliable Assistance in Any Car Emergency: Tow Trucks to the Rescue

When you need a helping hand on the road, tow trucks are always there for you. Whether it's to keep people safe or help out in an emergency situation, these vehicles offer vital assistance.

From assisting police with parking regulations to getting your car off the side of the highway, no matter what kind of predicament you find yourself in, calling a tow truck can be really helpful.

Understanding when and why your car might be towed can help you avoid parking tickets or unintentional violations and take the necessary steps to get your car back quickly.

Keep all the information in mind, and you can rest easy knowing you can handle any towing need confidently and easily.