Finding your parking spot empty and your car gone can be a stressful experience. While the immediate thought might be theft, it’s often the case that your vehicle has been towed. Understanding why cars get towed and what to do next is crucial for every car owner. This guide will walk you through the common reasons for car towing, especially in situations that might lead to needing car repairs, and what steps you should take to retrieve your vehicle.
Why Was My Car Towed? Common Reasons Explained
Cars are towed for various reasons, usually related to parking violations or vehicle-related issues. Here are some of the most frequent causes:
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Illegal Parking: This is perhaps the most common reason. Parking violations can include:
- Parking in no-parking zones, fire lanes, or bus stops.
- Blocking driveways or sidewalks.
- Parking too close to fire hydrants.
- Expired parking meters or exceeding time limits.
- Parking in areas with temporary restrictions due to events or street cleaning.
- Ignoring posted signs indicating parking restrictions.
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Traffic Obstruction: If your vehicle is involved in an accident or breaks down and is blocking traffic flow, it will likely be towed to clear the road and ensure safety. This is especially true on busy roads or highways.
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Abandoned Vehicle: Vehicles left unattended for extended periods, especially if they are unregistered or in disrepair, can be classified as abandoned and towed.
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Snow Route Parking Violations: Many cities have designated snow routes with parking restrictions during winter months, regardless of whether snow is present. These restrictions are in place to allow snowplows to clear streets effectively.
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Vehicle Impoundment for Violations: In more serious cases, your car might be towed and impounded due to legal violations such as:
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI).
- Driving with a suspended or revoked license.
- Involvement in illegal activities like narcotics, firearms violations, or illegal dumping.
- Unpaid parking tickets or other outstanding fines.
Finding Your Towed Car: Step-by-Step Guide
If you suspect your car has been towed, act quickly. Here’s how to locate it:
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Check for Signs: Before assuming your car is towed, quickly check the surrounding area for any temporary parking restriction signs you might have missed.
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Call 311 (or Local Non-Emergency Number): This is the fastest way to determine if your car has been towed by the city. Provide your car’s license plate number and make/model if possible. They can usually tell you if your car is in a city impound lot and, if so, which one. In Chicago, you can call 311 or visit the city’s website to search for your vehicle.
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Search the City’s Website: Many cities have online tools where you can search for towed vehicles by license plate number. For Chicago, the website is provided: http://findyourvehicle.cityofchicago.org
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Contact Local Auto Pounds Directly: If you have a suspicion of which pound your car might be in (e.g., based on the area where you parked), you can try contacting them directly. However, calling 311 or using the online search is generally more efficient.
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Rule Out Relocation (Chicago Specific): In Chicago, vehicles may be relocated for street work. Before reporting your car stolen, especially if the pound doesn’t have it listed, call 311 to inquire about possible relocation.
Retrieving Your Car from the Pound: What to Expect
Getting your car out of the impound lot involves several steps and costs. Be prepared to:
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Confirm Location and Requirements: Once you locate your car, confirm the exact impound lot and understand their specific requirements for release.
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Gather Necessary Documents: You will typically need:
- Valid photo identification (driver’s license, passport).
- Proof of ownership:
- Vehicle title
- Current registration card
- Bill of sale (less than 30 days old)
- Lease agreement (if you are leasing)
- If you are representing the owner, a notarized letter from the owner authorizing you to act on their behalf.
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Pay All Fees and Fines: You must pay all towing fees, storage fees, and any outstanding parking tickets or fines associated with the vehicle. In Chicago, towing fees are around $150 (more for larger vehicles), and storage is about $25 per day. Acceptable payment methods are usually cash or credit/debit cards (VISA, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, Diner’s Club). Checks and money orders are generally not accepted.
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Ensure Vehicle Compliance: Your vehicle must be properly registered and have current license plates. In some cities like Chicago, you might need a city vehicle sticker.
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Visit the Impound Lot: Go to the designated auto pound with all required documents and payment. Be prepared for potential wait times and procedures at the pound. Chicago Auto Pound locations include:
- Central Auto Pound: 500 E Wacker Dr. (Lower Level)
- O’Hare International Airport Auto Pound: Bessie Coleman Drive, O’Hare International Airport
- Auto Pound #2: 103rd and Doty Avenue
- Auto Pound #6: 701 N. Sacramento Avenue
Contesting a Tow and Addressing Issues
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Post-Tow Hearing: If you believe your car was wrongly towed, you have the right to a post-tow hearing to contest the validity of the tow and associated fees. You can request a hearing when you redeem your vehicle or within 15 days of release at the auto pound.
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Damage Claims: If you believe your car was damaged during towing or while at the pound, you can file a claim. For damage at Central or O’Hare Auto Pounds in Chicago, file a claim with the City Clerk’s office. For other pounds, contact the Pound Supervisor or URT.
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Customer Service Issues: If you experience rude or poor service at the tow pound, report it to 311 or email the city (in Chicago, [email protected]).
Preventing Your Car from Being Towed
The best way to avoid the hassle and expense of car towing is to be proactive:
- Park Legally: Always pay close attention to parking signs and regulations. Be aware of temporary restrictions and street cleaning schedules.
- Maintain Your Vehicle: Ensure your car is in good working order to avoid breakdowns that could lead to towing, especially in high-traffic areas.
- Keep Registration and Insurance Current: Expired registration or lack of insurance can be reasons for towing in some situations.
- Address Parking Tickets Promptly: Unpaid parking tickets can accumulate and eventually lead to vehicle impoundment.
Understanding the reasons why cars are towed and the steps to retrieve your vehicle is essential for responsible car ownership. By being mindful of parking regulations and maintaining your vehicle, you can significantly reduce the risk of experiencing the inconvenience and cost of having your car towed.
