What Happens When Your Car is Towed for Private Parking Violations?

What Happens When Your Car is Towed for Private Parking Violations?

You return to your parking spot and your vehicle is gone. No broken glass. No signs of theft. Just an empty space where your car used to be. Then you see the sign: “Unauthorized Vehicles Will Be Towed at Owner’s Expense.”

Private property towing catches thousands of Ontario drivers off guard every year. Whether you parked in a business lot after hours, in a residential visitor space without authorization, or in a clearly marked fire route, the result is the same—your vehicle has been towed and you’ll need to pay to get it back.

This guide explains what happens when your car is towed from private property in London, Ontario, your legal rights, how much it costs to retrieve your vehicle, and steps to prevent it from happening again.

Why Vehicles Get Towed from Private Property

Private property owners have the legal right to remove unauthorized vehicles from their parking areas under specific conditions. Understanding these reasons helps you avoid violations and expensive towing fees.

Common Reasons for Private Property Towing

• Parking without authorization: Using designated spots like customer parking, tenant spaces, or visitor areas without permission
• Overstaying time limits: Remaining parked beyond posted time restrictions (e.g., “2 Hour Maximum”)
• After-hours parking: Staying in business parking lots after closing time
• Blocking access: Obstructing driveways, loading zones, or fire routes
• Disabled parking violations: Parking in accessible spaces without proper permits
• Private apartment or condo lots: Non-residents using spaces reserved for tenants
• Expired or missing permits: Parking in permit-required areas without valid authorization
• Abandoned vehicles: Leaving vehicles unattended for extended periods

In London, property owners frequently use professional private parking enforcement services to manage their lots and ensure authorized users have access to available spaces.

Legal Requirements for Private Property Towing in Ontario

Ontario law protects both property owners and vehicle owners by establishing clear rules about when and how vehicles can be towed from private property.

Proper Signage Requirements

For a tow to be legal, the property must display clearly visible signs that:

• Are posted at all entrances to the parking area
• Clearly state parking restrictions and rules
• Indicate that unauthorized vehicles will be towed
• Specify that towing will be at the owner’s expense
• Are large enough to be easily visible and readable

If a property lacks proper signage or the signs are unclear, ambiguous, or hidden from view, the legality of the tow can be disputed.

Consent and Authorization

In Ontario, towing from private property generally requires explicit consent from the vehicle owner or authorization from law enforcement, with important exceptions. Property owners can arrange for removal of vehicles violating clearly posted parking rules, and municipal by-laws allow towing in certain situations like fire route violations or public safety hazards.

The towing company must be authorized by the property owner and must follow all legal procedures during the tow.

Rate Disclosure Requirements

Towing companies must provide clear disclosure of their rates before providing service. They cannot charge more than the disclosed rate without consumer consent. All charges must be itemized on an invoice.

What Happens Immediately After Your Car Is Towed

Understanding the process helps you act quickly to minimize costs and retrieve your vehicle.

Tow Truck Arrival and Vehicle Removal

When a property owner or manager contacts a towing company about an unauthorized vehicle, a tow truck is dispatched to the location. The operator documents the vehicle’s condition with photos, notes the license plate and VIN, and removes it from the property.

Transport to Storage Facility

Your vehicle is transported to a secure storage yard or impound lot. By law, the towing company must notify you of the vehicle’s location within 24 hours, typically by mail to the address associated with your license plate registration.

However, waiting for this notification wastes time and accumulates storage fees. If you discover your vehicle is missing, act immediately.

Notification and Documentation

The towing company is required to maintain detailed records including:

• Date and time of tow
• Location where vehicle was towed from
• Reason for tow
• Authorization from property owner
• Photos of vehicle before towing
• Itemized fee breakdown

You have the right to request and review this documentation when retrieving your vehicle.

How to Find Your Towed Vehicle

If you return to where you parked and your vehicle is gone, follow these steps:

Check for Tow-Away Signs

Look for signs in the parking area that indicate the authorized towing company and contact number. Many private lots post signs with this information for situations exactly like this.

Contact the Property Owner or Manager

If you parked at a business, apartment building, or commercial property, contact the management office. They can tell you which towing company removed your vehicle and provide contact information.

Call Local Towing Companies

If you can’t find information at the parking location, call local towing companies and provide your license plate number. They can check their records to see if they have your vehicle.

Check with London Police

If you suspect your vehicle was stolen rather than towed, or if you can’t locate it after checking with towing companies, contact London Police Service to file a report and verify whether it was legally towed.

Costs to Retrieve Your Towed Vehicle

Private property towing costs add up quickly. Understanding the fee structure helps you know what to expect.

Typical Fee Breakdown

• Towing fee: $100 – $200 depending on distance and vehicle size
• Storage fee: $30 – $60 per day (starts immediately after towing)
• Administrative fee: $25 – $75 for paperwork and processing
• After-hours retrieval fee: $50 – $100 if picking up outside business hours

Example Total Costs

If your car is towed on Friday evening and you retrieve it Monday morning:

• Towing fee: $150
• Storage (3 days): $150 ($50/day)
• Administrative fee: $50
• Total: $350

The longer your vehicle remains in storage, the more expensive retrieval becomes. Acting quickly saves money.

Payment Methods

Ontario law requires towing companies and storage facilities to accept multiple payment methods including:

• Cash
• Debit cards
• Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard)

Most facilities require full payment before releasing your vehicle. They cannot accept partial payment or payment plans for private property tows.

Your Rights as a Vehicle Owner

Ontario’s consumer protection laws give you specific rights when your vehicle is towed from private property.

Access to Personal Belongings

You have the legal right to access your vehicle to retrieve personal belongings during regular business hours, even if you haven’t paid the towing and storage fees yet. The facility cannot charge you a fee for accessing personal items.

This is important if you have essential items in your vehicle like medications, work documents, identification, or electronic devices.

Right to Itemized Invoice

The towing company must provide a detailed, itemized invoice showing:

• Base towing fee
• Per-day storage charges
• Administrative fees
• Any additional charges and their justification
• Total amount due

You have the right to question any charges that seem excessive or unjustified.

Right to Dispute Charges

If you believe your vehicle was towed illegally or charges are excessive, you can:

• File a complaint with the towing company
• Contact the property owner about improper towing authorization
• File a complaint with Ontario’s Ministry of Government and Consumer Services
• Dispute charges through small claims court if necessary

Document everything—take photos of signage (or lack thereof), keep all receipts, and maintain records of all communications.

How to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you’ve located your towed vehicle, follow these steps to get it back:

Step 1: Contact the Storage Facility

Call ahead to confirm:

• Your vehicle is there
• Total fees owed
• Business hours and location
• Required documentation
• Accepted payment methods

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Bring with you:

• Valid driver’s license
• Vehicle ownership or registration
• Proof of insurance
• Payment method

If you’re not the registered owner, additional documentation may be required proving you have authority to retrieve the vehicle.

Step 3: Inspect Your Vehicle

Before signing any release forms or leaving the facility:

• Walk around your vehicle and check for new damage
• Compare its condition to the photos taken by the towing company at pickup
• Document any new scratches, dents, or damage with photos
• Note any issues on the release paperwork before signing

If there’s new damage, report it immediately and photograph everything. This documentation is crucial if you need to file a claim against the towing company.

Step 4: Pay Fees and Collect Documentation

Pay all required fees and ensure you receive:

• Itemized invoice
• Receipt showing full payment
• Release form
• Pre-tow condition photos

Keep all documentation for at least one year in case of disputes.

Preventing Future Private Property Towing

The best way to deal with private property towing is to avoid it entirely.

Read Parking Signs Carefully

Before parking anywhere:

• Look for posted signs at all entrances
• Read restrictions carefully—time limits, authorized users, permit requirements
• Note business hours if parking at commercial properties
• Check for fire route markings
• Verify visitor parking rules if visiting apartments or condos

Respect Time Limits

If parking has time restrictions:

• Set a phone alarm for 10-15 minutes before the limit expires
• Don’t assume you can exceed limits by a few minutes
• Move your vehicle before the deadline or find alternative parking

Get Proper Authorization

When parking at private properties:

• Ask for visitor passes if visiting apartments or condos
• Verify customer parking rules at businesses
• Obtain temporary permits when needed
• Register vehicles with property management if required

Use Public Parking

When uncertain about parking legality, use public lots or street parking instead. Municipal parking tickets are typically much cheaper than private towing fees.

What Property Owners Should Know

Property owners and managers using private parking enforcement must follow legal requirements to avoid liability.

Ensure Proper Signage

Install clear, visible signs that meet Ontario requirements. Work with professional signage companies to ensure compliance.

Work with Licensed Towing Companies

Use reputable, licensed towing companies that follow all legal procedures. Professional authorized parking enforcement services understand Ontario regulations and protect property owners from legal challenges.

Maintain Documentation

Keep records of:

• Authorization agreements with towing companies
• Photos of proper signage installation
• All towing requests and authorizations
• Tenant or authorized user lists

Other Towing Services Available

Beyond private property enforcement, comprehensive towing services cover various situations:

• Emergency roadside assistance: Available 24/7 throughout London for breakdowns, dead batteries, and flat tires
• Accident recovery: Safe transport of damaged vehicles after collisions
• Long-distance towing: Transport across Ontario for relocations or repairs
• Vehicle removal: If you have old, unwanted vehicles taking up space, scrap vehicle removal services can haul them away

Services are available across all London neighborhoods including Downtown, Hyde Park, Byron, Old East Village, White Oaks, and surrounding communities like St. Thomas.

FAQ: Private Property Towing

Can my car be towed from private property without warning?

Yes, if the property has proper signage clearly posted indicating parking rules and tow-away policies. The signs themselves serve as your warning. However, properties without adequate signage cannot legally tow vehicles without warning.

How quickly do storage fees start accumulating?

Storage fees typically begin immediately after your vehicle arrives at the storage facility. Even if it’s towed late at night, you may be charged for that partial day plus each full day until retrieval.

Can I dispute private property towing charges?

Yes, you can dispute charges if you believe the tow was illegal due to inadequate signage, improper authorization, or excessive fees. Document everything and file complaints with the appropriate authorities. However, you typically must pay the fees to retrieve your vehicle before pursuing refunds through dispute processes.

What if I can’t afford to pay the towing fees immediately?

Unfortunately, towing companies are not required to offer payment plans for private property tows. Your vehicle will remain in storage, accumulating additional daily fees, until you pay in full. Consider borrowing from family or friends to minimize total costs.

Can I be towed for parking in a visitor spot at an apartment building?

Yes, if the property has posted visitor parking rules that you violated—such as time limits, registration requirements, or restrictions on visitor eligibility. Many apartment buildings require visitors to register their vehicles with management or display temporary permits.

What if my vehicle was damaged during the tow?

Towing companies are required to handle vehicles carefully and are liable for damage caused during towing or storage. Compare the pre-tow photos to your vehicle’s current condition, document any new damage, and file a claim with the towing company’s insurance. Keep all documentation and consider consulting a lawyer if they refuse responsibility for legitimate damage.

Get Help with Vehicle Recovery

If your vehicle has been towed from private property, quick action minimizes costs. Understanding your rights and the retrieval process helps you navigate the situation efficiently.

For questions about private property towing, vehicle recovery, or roadside assistance in London, Ontario, call (519) 914-3677 or visit the contact page. Professional services are available 24/7 across London and surrounding areas to assist with emergency towing, accident recovery, and authorized parking enforcement.