It was a scorching day, and my aunt was shifted to an ICU of a well-reputed hospital in the capital. I rushed to check on him, leaving my car parked in an “inappropriate” place. Upon return, I found out that it had been towed away. I’m sure many of you would relate to this situation. We have been through that, right? This can be a frustrating and expensive experience, especially if you are in a rush or unprepared for the situation. However, you can do things to prevent your car from being towed. In this guide, we’ll discuss 13 actionable tips on how to stop your car from being towed and save you the hassle and expense that comes with it.
How to stop your car from being towed?
Follow these 13 actionable tips and strategies to save your car from being towed:
Understand the reasons for towing
Understanding why your car could have been towed will help you prevent it. Parking in a no-parking zone, a restricted location, a disabled place without permission, or obstructing a driveway or entry are some common causes of towing. To avoid these mistakes, familiarise yourself with local parking laws and regulations.
Park in designated areas
One of the easiest ways to avoid this situation is to park only in designated parking areas. This may include a parking garage or lot or on-street parking space. Ensure you are parked within the lines, and the site is not a no-parking zone or restricted area.
Read the signs
To prevent violating any parking restrictions, always read the signs where you park. Check for no parking, restricted hours, or accessible parking signs. If there are no signs, check around to ensure parking is safe.
Check for permits
Some areas require permits to park overnight or during certain hours. Thus, it is better to check beforehand if you have the proper license before parking in a residential or commercial area. If not, approach the local parking authority and obtain one.
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Pay for parking
Make sure you pay for parking if you park in a metered area or a parking garage. Nonpayment may result in a ticket or towing. Keep a tight watch on the clock to avoid exceeding your permitted parking time.
Keep your car up-to-date
Your car should have all necessary registrations, inspections, and upkeep. Vehicles that are out of date might be towed, so make sure you keep up with these regulations.
Check for street cleaning schedules
Many cities have designated street cleaning schedules. Make sure you are aware of these schedules and move your car accordingly to avoid being towed.
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Don’t leave your car unattended
Leaving your car unattended can make it a target for towing. Ensure you stay with your vehicle while it is parked, especially in a restricted area.
Keep your car visible
Keep your car in a well-lit and visible area to prevent towing. This can help deter towing companies from taking your car.
Use a steering wheel lock
A steering wheel lock can prevent your car from being towed, as it makes it more challenging to move the vehicle. This can be a good option if you are parking in an area where towing is common.
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Get a sticker or tag
Some areas allow you to obtain a sticker or tag that lets towing companies know that your car can be parked in a particular area. This can help prevent towing, but follow the guidelines for obtaining the sticker or tag.
Use an app
Some apps, such as ParkMobile or SpotHero, allow you to reserve parking spaces in advance. This can help ensure that you have a designated parking spot and can avoid being towed.
Be aware of local towing companies
Know the names and locations of local towing companies in the area where you park. This can help you quickly locate your vehicle if it has been towed.
Check for private towing signs
If you’re parking in a private lot or garage, make sure to look for signs indicating which towing company may tow your vehicle. This will help you know who to contact if your car is hauled.
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Keep essential documents in your vehicle
Always keep essential documents in your car, such as your registration and insurance information. If your car is towed, you can collect them immediately.
Know your rights
As a responsible citizen, you should know the laws and regulations for towing in your state/region/area. This information can help you take appropriate action if your vehicle is towed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to stop your car from being towed?
Disclaimer: It is important to seek advice from professionals when dealing with topics that can affect the safety and well-being of individuals. It is not advisable to rely solely on information found online.