Imagine that you return to the parking lot, and your car is not there. If we discard theft, the most likely reason is vehicle impoundment and towing. This is often due to unpaid tickets for parking violations totaling more than $101, with subsequent court visits included. Where is your vehicle getting towed to, and what do you do in this situation? Let’s find out.
A tow truck can pick up a vehicle if the driver has parked it in non-authorized areas where parking is strictly forbidden: next to a fire hydrant or where it obstructs the traffic. There are usually special signs informing you about this.
If the police have towed your car, first, you need to visit the Department of Finance Business Center, pay the tickets and legal fees, and get a Vehicle Release Form. After that, you can go to the impound lot, pay for the tow truck’s service, and get your vehicle back.
If you have unpaid tickets totaling $350 and higher, and your car is registered in your name, your car has been towed by a sheriff. In this case, the sheriff and their deputy had explicitly been looking for your vehicle. Remember that they may take your car from any city and at any time.
Another option is towing by a city marshal. Note that the marshal starts looking for your vehicle at the same time as the sheriff. Go to the marshal's office in the area where the car is missing, and they will tell you what to do next.
Remember that the vehicle must be registered in your name so you would have no problems at the Marshal's Office.
If you violate the rules, the following fines apply:
If the driver has unpaid fines over $350, the police first put a parking cuff on the car, which can only be removed after the fines are paid. Call the phone number, give them your credit card number, pay what you owe, get a code, enter it on the cuff, and remove it from the wheel. Then within 48 hours, it has to be returned to one of the designated points. Interestingly, the blockers are placed on the cars of violators not by the city service but by a specially hired company, whose inconspicuous cars drive around the city and search for debtors with the help of special cameras and databases. It costs around $160 to remove the cuff. If it is not removed within 48 hours, the car will be taken to the impound lot by order of the bailiffs. Then the total loss will be $160 (cuff removal) + $80 (bailiff fees) + $185 (evacuation) + $20 (storage per day). The total is $445, not including the sum already accumulated.
Important: If you do not pick up your car from the impound lot within 72 hours, the process of automobile auctioning will begin, which will take place ten days after the towing. So, it’s best to be swift about it and take your car back as soon as possible.
- Valid driver's license (or bring a person with a valid driver's license)
- Original vehicle registration or title
- Valid vehicle insurance card
- Vehicle release form
- The required amount of money (ask in advance what kinds of payments are accepted at the particular impound lot)
Suppose you want to avoid paying fines and, possibly, losing your car. In this case, park only in authorized areas. Always pay attention to your surroundings, and if your automobile happens to be impounded, recover it until the 72-hour mark. If you’re quick about it, you should have absolutely no issues.
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