Did you park your car at a place, and when you came back, your car was not there? It might be a tow-away zone. In this guide, we will explain tow away zone meaning, rules, reasons and expert tips to avoid towing.
What is a Tow Away Zone?
A tow-away zone is a specific area where parking is not allowed. Therefore, if you park your car in a tow away zone then traffic police can take action. A towing truck will lift your car and take it to the car yard (government area).
Suppose your car is dropped off in the car yard, then you have to pay fines and penalties to the towing company, as it is the only way to take your car back.
Common Tow Away Zones
Fire Lane Tow Away Zone
Fire lane tow away zone is a place where you can’t stop or park your car. Actually, this place is used to park emergency vehicles. Moreover, these vehicles also need space for their emergency movement like fire brigades and ambulances.
Temporary Tow Away Zone
Temporary tow away zone means that this area is restricted to park your vehicles for a short time. So, you will see temporary tow-away signboards at special events or during road construction.
8 Reasons You May Have Been Towed Away
Why did my car get towed from my house? Below are many reasons behind this question.
- The first one is that you have parked your car in a restricted area where proper “No Parking” sign boards are placed. For example: You park your car near a fire hydrant or railroad crossing.
- Sometimes, if your car’s registration is expired, the traffic police can tow away your car.
- In case of excessive rule violation your car can be towed. For instance: you have not paid your parking tickets for a long time or you don’t have a parking permit.
- If you park your car at such a place where the intersection or lane gets blocked for others then your car will be towed on the spot to clear the way.
- When you park on private property, your car will definitely be towed away.
- If you don’t have a driving license or your license is cancelled, suspended or revoked then your car can be towed even from the parking area.
- Suppose your car gets damaged (battery dead, tire flattened) on a busy road or intersection. At such a place, you might not be present. The municipal department may tow your car to clear the path.
- If your car is suspected in a criminal activity then city police can tow your car.
Tow Away Zone Signs
No Parking Tow Away Zone Sign
This is a general warning sign that tells you parking is not allowed for anyone in this area. If you park your car at such a place, your car can be towed right-away. Actually, this restriction sign board is placed near hospitals, busy streets or rescue offices.
Towing Enforced Sign
On the other hand, towing enforced sign tells you that you can park your car. But you have to follow some rules and regulations. These rules are mostly written on the sign board. Moreover, if “Towing Enforced At All Time” is written on the board then even a small mistake is not accepted at any cost.
Unauthorized Vehicles will be Towed Sign
This type of sign board is placed on private parking areas like near private buildings or offices. Basically, this sign board warns you that this place is only for some selected persons. For example: office staff, doctors, visitors and workers of that specific institute.
Tow Away Zone Sign Rules
- You should install your tow away sign board at such a place where your board is visible to all, for example at the entrance. Additionally, your tow away board must be 5 to 7 feet long.
- Clearly mention about timings and rules that you want to enforce on drivers. For example “ Tow Away Zone from 6 to 8 PM”.
- Each letter should be at least 1 inch wide on a red background so your drivers can easily read it from a distance.
- Your board should be 18 inches wide and 24 inches tall. In addition, prefer weather resistant material for your sign board.
- After the placement, you should check it weekly to assure that it is still in good condition and visible to others.
- At the bottom of the board you should mention the contact of the towing company. So, if a car is towed the driver can call to get it back.
How Much is a Tow Away Fine?
Basically, there are two types of charges that you have to pay in such a situation.
One is the towing fee, which is approximately $50 to $470. And the other one is a parking fine, which can be $40 to $200. Moreover, these charges can change according to the rules and regulations of your country and region.
How to Prevent Towing?
- Don’t park your vehicle in a restricted or enforced area. Plus, avoid parking in an unauthorized area without a permit.
- Read all the sign boards with their details that are mentioned on them.
- You should carry your driving license, car’s registration and other important documents with you.
- Never leave your damaged car alone on the road or at an intersection.
- Always pay your parking tickets on time.
What is Predatory Towing?
Predatory towing is basically a scam of towing companies which is very common nowadays. In predatory towing, your car is towed illegally to make money. That’s why they use unclear signs and invisible boards to trap you.
Their main goal is to take over your car if you do not pay charges. According to a recent study of ATRI 30% of your towing bills are overcharged by towing companies.
What is Double Towing?
Double towing is known as tandem towing and triple towing. Double towing means your single vehicle pulls 2 trailers at the same time. In some states, double towing is not allowed as it can be dangerous for you and others on the road.
What is Private Tow-Away Zone
A private tow away zone is an area on private property where you can’t park your car without proper authorization. For instance a mart, office and apartment parking which is owned by a local person. Mostly, proper sign boards are installed at such places to warn you.
What is Tow Impound?
Tow impound means your car is towed by the police or higher authorities. They take legal custody of your car and move it to an impound lot. Mostly, this happens when you park in a no parking area or break any parking rule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Car be Towed With Someone in it?
No, you can’t tow a car when someone is present inside because it is illegal as well as dangerous. In addition, it can cause severe injuries to that person.
What is the Tow Away Zone Number?
Tow away zone number is basically a contact number that is mentioned on the “Tow Away Zone” sign. You can call on this number to confirm where your car is taken.
Can my car be towed without warning?
Yes, your car can be towed away without warning if your car blocks the road for emergency and rescue vehicles.
What Happens if You Take Your Car From a Tow Yard Without Paying?
Actually, this is considered as theft. That’s why you can face legal actions if you take your car without the payment of fines.
Can You Legally Stop Your Car from Being Towed?
No, you can’t stop it legally. When the towing truck starts to tow your truck then you can’t do anything.
Are Tow Straps Legal?
Yes, you can tow a car with the help of straps. But you have to follow some rules and regulations to make it safe.
How to Get a Car Towed Away for Free?
Usually, this is not possible. You have to pay money to the towing companies for their service and storage with your parking fine.
How to Get a Car Towed that is Illegally Parked?
Well, you can call traffic police and a legal towing company to tow the car. If someone has parked his car in the wrong place.
Can Your Car be Towed if There is No Sign?
Yes, it is possible if you park your car on private property. The owner can call the towing company to tow your car even if there is no sign board.
How to get Towing Fees Refunded?
If you think that you have not violated any parking rule, you can appeal in the court. So, go to the court and ask for a refund from the towing company.
Conclusion
To summarize, we can say now you are able to understand what is a tow away zone and how you can identify it. So, if you want to avoid fines and penalties, you must follow the rules and regulations.
Are you looking for road safety products and parking signage? Talk to us today and see our large stock of traffic signs, road barriers & road construction equipment.
EN 
ES 
PT 
FR 
DE