Getting your car towed is frustrating and expensive. Whether you’re parking in a city or a private lot, knowing the rules can save you time, money, and stress. Here’s what you need to know to keep your car safe from being towed.
Don’t Park Too Close to a Fire Hydrant.
One of the most common parking violations is parking too close to a fire hydrant. You cannot park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant because firefighters need immediate access in case of an emergency. Parking in front of a fire hydrant, even for a short time, can slow down firefighters.
Avoid Parking in Front of Driveways
It is important to be considerate and courteous to residents or property owners by not parking in front of their driveways. Driveways are private entrances to homes and businesses, and parking in front of them can affect traffic flow and hinder people from accessing their property.
Don’t Abandon Your Car or Leave It Unsecured
If you do not plan on using your car for an extended period, it’s better to lock it up in the garage or make arrangements for a secure, paid parking area. It is dangerous to leave your car out for too long in public parking lots, including malls and grocery stores. It might get stolen, or the authorities might tow it, thinking it’s been abandoned.
Never Block Traffic Flow
Your car can be towed if you park it in such a way that it blocks other vehicles. Even if you’re in a hurry to go somewhere, don’t park your vehicle in a spot that could obstruct other drivers. For example, don’t park near a parking lot entrance or too close to an intersection.
Make Sure Your Registration Is in Order
The authorities can tow your vehicle if it has registration issues. In many states, law enforcement has the authority to tow a car if:
- It doesn’t have license plates
- It has fake registration and /or plates
- The vehicle’s registration has been expired for more than six months.
Make sure your vehicle’s registration and licenses are up to date to avoid being towed, among other reasons.
Use Parking Apps and Maps
There are so many parking apps and maps that can help you find a place to safely park your car. These apps give real-time information on the available parking spaces, together with their prices. You can even reserve a spot in advance. This saves you the time and effort of looking for a secure parking spot for your vehicle.
What to Do After Your Car Gets Towed
Towing happens quite often. Therefore, it’s important to know what to do when it happens to you.
Stay Calm
It’s easy to get angry and frustrated when your car gets towed, especially if you have errands to run. No matter how angry you are, you should stay calm so you can think clearly and figure out your next move.
Find Out Where Your Car Has Been Towed To
If you had parked your vehicle in an illegal spot, you should ask around where cars are usually brought when towed. If you cannot determine the location of your car, contact the police.
Do not dial 911. Rather, dial the police department’s number for non-emergency issues. In some cities, you can find information about towed vehicles on the city’s websites.
Get Ready for the Expenses
If your car gets towed for overstaying in an area with metered parking, you must get ready to pay a fine. You should check with the impound to find out how much you will be expected to pay and what form of payment is accepted before getting your vehicle.
Some impounds impose a day’s storage charge, and if that is your situation, do your best to get your car as soon as possible to avoid paying lots of money.
Prepare the Necessary Documents
Ensure you prepare the necessary documents before you get your car. Normally, they will demand to see a driver’s license, proof of ownership, proof of insurance, and registration.
Park Smart to Keep Your Car Safe
Towing can leave you stranded and inconvenienced, especially if it happens in the middle of a work day or when running errands. However, you can always avoid the hassles of being towed by following parking rules and ensuring your vehicle’s registration and license plates are up to date. A little caution can save you from the trouble and expense of retrieving a towed vehicle.
