One of the major sources of business for towing companies in Atlanta, GA is removing cars from private property. Private property towing is applicable on residential or commercial properties under certain circumstances. If you decide to park on private property, you run the risk of having your car towed. Whether you’re a vehicle owner or the owner of private property, it’s important to understand towing basics and what it entails to avoid costly fees and liability charges.
The Basics of private property towing
Private property towing is the removal of illegally parked or abandoned vehicles from privately owned property. This can occur in residential driveways, commercial parking lots that have posted “No Parking” signage or unmarked private parking lots. Car towing might occur on private property for a few reasons. The most common reason is because the vehicle is parked illegally according to “No Parking” signs on the property. If the parking lot has clear signage, the car can be towed immediately. The vehicle may also be towed from private property if it in violation of parking rules. This can include parking in handicap spaces, in the fire lane or obstructing traffic. In some jurisdictions, cars that have outstanding parking tickets can be towed by police without warning.
How To Avoid Getting Towed on Private Property
When it comes to parking on private property the first you should do is look for proper signage or meters around the property. If none are visible it may be a good idea to ask the owner of the business or residents about the best place to park your vehicle. Another good option is to look for any available parking near the property like a parking garage, paid lot or public street parking.
Another key tip is making sure that your vehicle is not obstructing or blocking a roadway, sidewalk or driveway. Following these simple tips will keep you and your vehicle from an unwanted towing.
How to tow off your private property
If you own a residential or commercial property and need to remove an illegally parked or abandoned car, there are a few steps you should take:
- Ensure your parking lot has clear and visible signage. This will help deter people from parking in the lot and make them aware that it is illegal to park there.
- ONLY call the police if you suspect something illegal. They will investigate the vehicle, issue a citation and even have the car towed. This is helpful because it creates a paper trail and excuses you from towing liability.
If you need the car towed immediately, you can also hire Marietta Wrecker to remove the car from your property. In order to legally tow and impound a vehicle off of private property, companies like ours must be properly licensed and certified with a private property towing operator’s license. For this reason, make sure you are hiring a reliable and licensed company before you have them remove the car.
If you require the assistance of a towing service in Atlanta, GA to remove illegally parked cars from your property, call Marietta Wrecker for fast and friendly service!
CALL US TODAY! (770) 422-6614
Private Property Towing Law
The Georgia Department of Public Safety (DPS) enforces O.C.G.A. Section 44-1-13, which regulates non-consensual towing from private property. If the towing company tows from private property, it must have an agreement with the owner of the property as well as filing with the DPS. Please note that this Georgia law does not cover booting, non-consensual immobilization of an automobile, or consensual towing; nor does it cover towing from government property or towing within a municipality.