Most of the time, the people allowed to request towing for an illegally parked vehicle are pretty boring: the property owner (or lessee), a clearly authorized agent like a property manager or security, or a law enforcement or parking enforcement officer depending on where the car is sitting. Random neighbors, angry guests, and “I live here too” energy usually do not count, even when the parking violation is real and infuriating.

And yes, I know the fantasy. Someone blocks your driveway or squats in your assigned spot and you want one phone call, one tow truck, problem gone. In real life, the tow company wants protection, the law wants paperwork, and you want to avoid becoming the villain in somebody else’s story because you skipped the part where you’re actually authorized.

Key Takeaways

• On private property, a tow request typically must come from the property owner, lessee, or an authorized agent with the legal authority to request vehicle removal—not simply a resident or bystander.
• On public streets, towing is generally initiated by law enforcement, parking enforcement, or another authorized public agency rather than by an individual reporting the violation.
• If a vehicle is blocking a driveway or creating another parking violation, documenting the situation with photos, timestamps, and accurate location information can help support the request for enforcement.
• Towing rules are governed by applicable state laws, local ordinances, and, in some cases, county regulations. As a result, procedures and enforcement practices may vary from one jurisdiction to another.

Here’s a quick orientation table before we get into the messy stuff.

Who can authorize removal on private property?

Private property towing often becomes confusing because people assume that being inconvenienced automatically gives them the authority to request a tow. Someone may think, “It’s my parking space,” “It’s my building,” or “It’s my driveway,” but the law focuses on who has the legal authority to make decisions regarding the property.

In most situations, non-consensual towing from private property can only be authorized by the property owner, the lessee, or someone who has been officially authorized to act on their behalf. Towing companies are generally careful about accepting requests because removing a vehicle without proper authorization can create significant legal liability.

Owner Authority

Property owners generally have the highest level of authority when it comes to removing unauthorized vehicles from their property. This may include owners of parking lots, private driveways, apartment communities, commercial centers, or other privately owned parking areas.

Many laws specifically recognize that a property owner, lessee, or their authorized representative may request the removal of a vehicle that has been parked without permission. However, this authority is not unlimited. Vehicle removal typically must follow established legal procedures, which may include proper signage, documentation, required notices, and the use of a licensed towing company that complies with applicable regulations.

Simply owning the property does not eliminate the responsibility to follow the legal process before authorizing a tow.

Authorized Agents

Not everyone associated with a property has the authority to request vehicle removal.

For example, a friend of the property owner, a tenant, or a front desk employee is not automatically considered an authorized agent simply because they are familiar with the property or are frustrated by an improperly parked vehicle.

An authorized agent is someone who has been formally given the authority to act on behalf of the property owner or lessee. Depending on the property, this may include:

• Property managers
• Management company representatives
• Contracted security personnel
• Designated employees
• Other individuals specifically authorized by the owner or lessee

Proper documentation is important throughout the towing process. Written authorization and accurate records help demonstrate that the request came from someone with legal authority and can help reduce disputes if questions arise later.

Homeowners Associations (HOAs) and Condominium Communities

Homeowners associations (HOAs) and condominium associations may also have the authority to arrange vehicle removal in common parking areas when permitted by their governing documents and applicable laws.

Before authorizing a tow, associations typically must follow established procedures regarding parking rules, required signage, notices, and other legal requirements. These procedures help protect both property owners and vehicle owners by ensuring that towing actions are properly documented and legally supported.

If you are a resident rather than a board member, property manager, or authorized representative, the best approach is usually to report the issue through the association’s official reporting process. This helps ensure that any towing request comes from the appropriate authority and complies with applicable regulations.

Who can authorize removal on public streets?

Public street towing is generally more straightforward in theory than in practice. While an illegally parked vehicle may be frustrating, personal inconvenience alone does not usually determine whether it can be towed. Because public roads are managed by government authorities, towing decisions are typically made by the agencies responsible for enforcing traffic and parking laws.

Police Authority

If a vehicle is illegally parked on a public roadway, blocking a fire hydrant, creating a traffic hazard, parked in a restricted zone, or involved in another parking violation, law enforcement officers may have the authority to authorize its removal under applicable laws.

Depending on the location, this authority may rest with local police, highway patrol, sheriff’s offices, or another agency responsible for traffic enforcement.

If you want the issue resolved as efficiently as possible, report it through the appropriate non-emergency reporting channel or parking enforcement system so there is an official record. Providing accurate information and allowing enforcement personnel to document the violation can help speed the decision-making process and ensure the appropriate procedures are followed.

Parking Enforcement

Many communities have dedicated parking enforcement personnel or departments responsible for monitoring parking violations and enforcing local parking regulations. These agencies may issue citations, authorize vehicle impoundment, and coordinate with licensed towing companies when removal is legally justified.

Parking enforcement decisions are generally based on established procedures rather than individual complaints alone. Officers evaluate whether the vehicle violates applicable parking rules and whether towing is authorized under the circumstances.

Emergency Exceptions

Certain situations may require immediate vehicle removal because they present an urgent safety concern. Examples include:

• Blocking fire lanes
• Obstructing emergency vehicle access
• Blocking travel lanes
• Creating an immediate traffic hazard
• Vehicles suspected to be stolen
• Other situations that threaten public safety

these cases, authorities may have the legal authority to order immediate towing without following the standard waiting period that may apply to other parking violations.

If a vehicle creates an immediate danger or interferes with emergency access, contacting law enforcement promptly is generally the most appropriate course of action.

When can a tenant or resident request removal?

Many tenants are told they cannot request a tow, leading them to believe that this rule always applies. In reality, the answer depends on the property’s policies, the rental agreement, and the laws that apply in the area.

Leases and Assigned Parking Spaces

If your lease includes an assigned parking space, you generally have the contractual right to use that space. However, having an assigned space does not automatically give you the authority to request the removal of another vehicle from private property.

Many apartment communities and residential complexes require the property owner or management company to initiate any towing request because they have the agreement with the towing company and are responsible for ensuring that all legal requirements are followed.

In smaller rental properties, the process may differ. Some jurisdictions allow tenants to request towing under limited circumstances, provided that specific notice, documentation, and authorization requirements are met. Before taking any action, it is important to review your lease and understand the rules that apply to your property.

On-Site Manager Requirements

Many private property towing laws require a property owner or an authorized representative to verify that a parking violation has occurred before a vehicle can be removed. In many cases, this means an on-site manager, property manager, or another authorized agent must inspect the situation and approve the towing request.

As a result, a tenant who contacts a towing company directly may be told that management approval is required before the vehicle can be removed.

Small Property Exceptions

Rules for smaller residential properties may differ from those for larger apartment communities. In some jurisdictions, tenants in smaller buildings may be permitted to request towing from their assigned parking space when certain legal requirements have been satisfied, particularly if no on-site manager is available.

Because these rules vary, tenants should avoid assuming that procedures used at one property apply everywhere else. The safest approach is to follow the property’s established procedures, review the lease agreement, and comply with any applicable laws before requesting vehicle removal.

When questions arise, working through the property owner or property manager is usually the most effective way to ensure that any towing request is properly authorized and legally supported.

Follow these legal prerequisites before any removal

One of the best ways to avoid disputes during a private property tow is to approach the process with thorough documentation. Every party involved—the property owner, towing company, storage facility, enforcement agency, and vehicle owner—benefits from having clear records that show the removal was properly authorized and conducted according to applicable laws.

Signage Requirements

Proper signage is often one of the first things reviewed when questions arise about a private property tow. Many jurisdictions require parking areas to display signs informing drivers that unauthorized vehicles may be towed.

Depending on local regulations, signs may include information such as:

• A notice that unauthorized vehicles are subject to towing
• The towing company’s contact information
• The location where towed vehicles may be stored
• Hours during which parking restrictions are enforced
• Other information required by applicable law

Even where signage requirements are less detailed, clearly posted notices help demonstrate that drivers were informed of the parking rules before enforcement action was taken. If a dispute reaches a legal proceeding, proper signage is often an important piece of evidence.

Written Authorization

A non-consensual tow from private property generally requires written authorization from the property owner or an authorized representative for each vehicle being removed.

This written authorization helps establish that the towing company acted with proper permission rather than removing the vehicle without legal authority. Keeping accurate records protects both the property owner and the towing company if questions arise later.

Documentation Checklist

If an unauthorized vehicle is blocking access to your property, careful documentation can help support the towing request and reduce the likelihood of future disputes.

Before the vehicle is removed, consider documenting the following:

• Take wide-angle and close-up photographs showing the vehicle, license plate, and how access is being blocked.
• Record the date and time the vehicle was observed.
• Keep a record of everyone you contacted regarding the issue and when those communications occurred.
• Photograph any posted parking or towing signs that apply to the area.
• If you speak with law enforcement or another public agency, record any incident or reference number provided.
• Carefully review and retain copies of any documents you are asked to sign by the towing company.

While this level of documentation may seem unnecessary, it can be extremely valuable if the vehicle owner later challenges the towing decision.

Towing vs. Vehicle Repossession

It is also important to understand that private property towing and vehicle repossession are separate legal processes.

Private property towing involves removing a vehicle because it is parked without authorization or otherwise violates applicable parking rules. Vehicle repossession, on the other hand, is a process used by a lender or creditor to recover a vehicle when a borrower has defaulted on a loan or other financial obligation.

Although both situations involve the removal of a vehicle, they are governed by different legal requirements and should not be confused.

What happens after the vehicle is removed?

Once a vehicle has been removed, the focus shifts from who had the authority to request the tow to what rights the vehicle owner has and what steps are required to recover the vehicle. While specific procedures vary by jurisdiction, the overall process is generally similar.

Owner Notice Rights

The registered owner is typically entitled to receive information about where the vehicle was taken and why it was removed. In many jurisdictions, the towing company or storage facility must provide this information promptly. Law enforcement agencies or vehicle impound units may also maintain records that help owners locate their vehicles.

When a tow is authorized by law enforcement or parking enforcement, the process is often well documented through a tow order, vehicle report, and impound record. For private property tows, notification requirements may still apply, but they are generally governed by applicable laws and consumer protection regulations.

Retrieval Steps

To reclaim a towed vehicle, owners are usually required to provide proof of identity and proof that they are legally entitled to possess the vehicle.

Commonly requested documents include:

• Government-issued photo identification
• Vehicle registration
• Proof of ownership, when applicable
• Proof of insurance, if required
• Written authorization if someone else is retrieving the vehicle on the owner’s behalf

Before the vehicle is released, payment of applicable towing and storage fees is generally required. Depending on local requirements, accepted payment methods may vary, so it is advisable to confirm payment options before arriving at the storage facility.

Fees and Timelines

Towing costs can increase quickly because storage fees are often charged daily. Common charges may include:

• Towing or hook-up fee
• Mileage charges
• Daily storage fees
• After-hours release fees
• Administrative or processing fees, where permitted

Some fees are regulated by law, while others are determined by applicable contracts or local regulations. Because procedures and fee structures vary, vehicle owners should review the information provided by the towing company or the agency responsible for the impound.

The longer a vehicle remains unclaimed, the more storage charges typically accumulate, making it important to begin the retrieval process as soon as possible.

General Comparison

Dispute an improper removal and recover losses

Sometimes a tow is completely justified because the driver violated the parking rules. Other times, mistakes happen, procedures are not properly followed, or required documentation is missing. Most towing disputes arise in these situations.

Common Illegal Scenarios

Some of the most common issues that lead to towing disputes include:

• Missing or improperly posted towing signs
• Authorization provided by someone who did not have legal authority
• The vehicle was not actually parked in violation of applicable rules
• Unauthorized patrol towing where it is prohibited
• Fees that exceed legal limits
• Refusal to accept legally permitted payment methods
• Refusal to allow the owner to retrieve personal belongings from the vehicle
• Requiring the owner to waive legal rights before releasing the vehicle

Regardless of the jurisdiction, one principle remains consistent: a non-consensual tow should only occur when proper legal authority and required procedures are in place.

Evidence to Gather

If you believe a vehicle was improperly towed, begin gathering documentation as soon as possible. Strong evidence can be valuable if you need to dispute the tow or request reimbursement.

Helpful documentation includes:

• Photographs of the parking area, including any posted towing signs or the absence of signage
• Photos showing exactly where the vehicle was parked
• Receipts for all towing, storage, and administrative fees
• Copies of any written authorization or towing documentation, if available
• Names of individuals involved in authorizing or processing the tow
• Records of phone calls, emails, or reference numbers provided by law enforcement or parking enforcement
• A written timeline documenting when the vehicle was parked, removed, and recovered

Filing a Complaint

While it may be tempting to argue directly with the towing facility, formal complaint channels are often more effective.

Depending on the circumstances, available options may include:

• Consumer protection agencies
• Licensing or regulatory agencies
• Law enforcement agencies for public-authorized tows
• Administrative review or impound hearings, where available
• Small claims court
• Civil court

If a hearing or appeal process is available, pay close attention to filing deadlines. Many jurisdictions require disputes to be submitted within a limited time, so acting promptly can help preserve your rights.

Understanding the applicable laws and following the proper complaint process can significantly improve your chances of resolving a towing dispute successfully.

Conclusion

If you came here hoping the answer was “whoever is mad enough gets to call a truck,” sorry. That’s not how this works, and frankly it shouldn’t be, because non-consensual towing is a weird mix of property rights, consumer protection, and public safety, and it gets abused when it’s too casual.

If you’re dealing with an illegally parked vehicle right now, I’d still take the quickest route, just not the laziest: document it, use the proper local channel, and make sure the person making the request is actually the one the law recognizes as having authority. That’s how you get the obstacle removed and keep your hands clean.

FAQ

Can I tow a car that’s blocking my driveway?
If it’s your private driveway, you often have a strong argument for removal, but the smartest move is still to route it through the proper authority for your city or county so there’s a record. Some places treat driveway blocking as a public safety or traffic issue and want police or parking enforcement involved. If you just call a random tow company and it goes sideways, you can end up spending more time proving you were right than you would have spent getting it handled properly.

Can a tenant call a tow company directly?
Sometimes, but usually only under narrow rules: assigned space, proper notice, and local law that allows tenant initiation. Many properties require an on-site manager or the property manager to sign written authorization.

Do I always need to call the police first?
No. On private property, many jurisdictions allow owner or agent authorization without police involvement, assuming signage and documentation rules are followed. On public streets, police or parking enforcement is often the route because they control citations and impoundment authority.

What if the tow company refuses to tow?
That’s often a sign you’re not the authorized requester, the documentation is missing, or the tow company doesn’t want the liability. It’s annoying, but it’s also them protecting themselves, which usually means you should switch to the city channel or the property manager channel.

Abandoned & Illegally Parked Vehicle Towing Services

Nothing frustrates property owners, tenants, and customers faster than finding parking spaces occupied by vehicles that don’t belong there. Whether it’s an abandoned car that’s been sitting for weeks, a vehicle parked without permission, or someone ignoring posted parking rules, unauthorized vehicles can create safety concerns, reduce available parking, and leave a negative impression on your property.

Hero Towing provides fast, professional Abandoned & Illegally Parked Vehicle Towing services throughout Walnut Creek and the surrounding communities. We help business owners, apartment complexes, HOAs, retail centers, and private property managers quickly remove unwanted vehicles and restore access to their parking areas.

Our experienced team understands that every minute an unauthorized vehicle remains on your property is another minute of inconvenience for residents, employees, customers, and guests. That’s why we respond quickly, handle every tow professionally, and ensure removals are completed in compliance with local regulations. Whether you need a single vehicle removed or ongoing support for parking enforcement, we’re ready to help.

At Hero Towing, we make the process simple. Fast dispatch, dependable service, clear communication, and 24/7 availability give property owners confidence that help is always just a phone call away. When abandoned and illegally parked vehicles become a problem, trust Hero Towing to protect your property, free up valuable parking spaces, and keep your lot safe, accessible, and under control.

Call Hero Towing today for reliable Abandoned & Illegally Parked Vehicle Towing services you can count on.

Disclaimer 

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