For property managers and HOA boards, abandoned and chronically parked vehicles are a recurring problem. They take up valuable parking spaces, frustrate residents, create safety and appearance issues, and can even expose you to liability if not handled correctly.
At the same time, towing a vehicle is a sensitive step. Handle it carelessly and you risk angry calls, complaints, and potential legal trouble. The goal is to remove truly abandoned or unauthorized vehicles in a way that is compliant, consistent, and well documented.
Working with a professional towing company and having a clear internal process makes this much easier.
Step 1: Document Before You Tow
Thorough documentation is your first line of defense if a tow is challenged.
For each suspected abandoned or unauthorized vehicle
Take clear photos:
- Full vehicle view
- License plate and any visible VIN
- Context showing where it is parked, including signage if relevant
Record details:
- Date and time observed
- Make, model, color, and plate
- Specific violation, such as fire lane, expired tags, or blocking access
If your policy calls for warning notices:
- Place a notice on the vehicle with date and time
- Photograph the notice in place
For multifamily properties, it’s often helpful to check with residents or office records to see whether the vehicle belongs to a current tenant before moving to the tow stage.
Step 2: Signage And Policies Are Posted
Most jurisdictions have specific rules around tow away signage on private property. Common requirements include:
Signs at every entrance or at clearly visible locations
- Specific wording such as “Unauthorized vehicles will be towed at owner’s expense”
- Contact information for the towing company
- Minimum sign size and letter height
Your internal policy should also cover:
- How long a vehicle may sit unmoved before action is taken
- Criteria for immediate tow such as fire lane or blocking an entrance
- Whether warning stickers or notices are used before towing
- Who has authority to authorize a tow
Make sure residents receive a copy of the parking and towing policy when they move in and whenever there are updates. For HOAs, include the policy in your governing documents and community communications.
Step 3: Partner With a Professional Towing Company
Trying to manage abandoned vehicle removal without a qualified towing partner is risky. A professional towing company experienced with property management and HOAs can:
- Help you understand and comply with local towing laws
- Provide and install compliant tow away signs
- Offer 24-hour towing and response
- Document tows with photos and logs
- Handle storage, fees, and owner retrieval
When evaluating towing partners, ask:
- Do you have existing relationships with apartments, HOAs, or businesses in this area
- Are you insured and properly licensed under state and local rules
- How quickly can you respond to a tow request
- Do you offer patrol services or only tow on request
- How do you document each tow
A good towing partner will also be willing to explain their procedure, so you know what happens from the moment a vehicle is authorized for tow through to storage and release.
Step 4: Communicate With Residents and Owners
Even when you are fully within your rights to tow a vehicle, poor communication can create unnecessary friction.
Consider:
- Including clear parking diagrams in move in packets or HOA welcome materials
- Sending periodic reminders about parking rules, especially before holidays or major community events
- Explaining when towing is immediate versus when warnings will be issued
- Providing contact details for questions and clarifications
Consistent enforcement and transparent rules help residents understand that towing decisions are based on policy, not personal preference.
What To Expect During an Abandoned Vehicle Tow
In a typical scenario:
- Property manager or authorized representative contacts the towing company with vehicle details and location
- Towing company arrives, verifies the violation, and documents the vehicle and surroundings
- Vehicle is towed to a secure impound lot
- Vehicle owner contacts the towing company directly to retrieve the car and pay any applicable fees, according to local regulations
In some areas, law enforcement must be notified of every private property tow. Your towing partner should handle those notifications as part of their process.
Benefits Of a Standing Towing Agreement
For many property managers and HOAs, having a standing agreement with a reputable towing company means:
- No delay in finding help when an issue arises
- Consistent pricing and procedures
- Preinstalled and compliant signage
- Clear understanding between all parties about when towing is appropriate
This structure allows you to focus on applying your parking rules fairly and consistently, knowing the operational side of towing is handled.
FAQs
How long must a vehicle sit before it is considered abandoned?
The timeframe depends on your local ordinances and your own community rules. Some cities define an abandoned vehicle as one left in the same place on public property for more than a set number of hours or days. On private property, your lease agreements or HOA documents often specify time limits. Always align your policy with local law.
Can an HOA tow a vehicle parked on a public street?
In many cases, HOAs have limited authority on public streets. Towing from public roads is usually handled by law enforcement or municipal departments. However, if your HOA has contractual control over certain streets, the situation may be different. Review your governing documents and consult with local authorities before towing from public roadways.
What if the owner appears while their vehicle is being towed?
Local regulations vary, but in some places if the vehicle is still on private property and not yet removed from the premises, the owner may be able to reclaim it on site by paying a drop fee. Once the vehicle is off the property or fully secured to the truck, different rules may apply. Your towing partner should be familiar with these rules and handle the interaction professionally.
How can property managers avoid disputes about towing?
Clear policies, visible signage, consistent enforcement, and thorough documentation are the best defenses against disputes. Use photos, written logs, and uniform procedures for all residents. Communicate rules up front and apply them equally. When questions arise, being able to show the policy, the posted signs, and the documented violation goes a long way toward resolving concerns.
Can a property manager tow a car without notice?
It depends on the violation. If a vehicle is blocking a fire lane, a fire hydrant, an entry/exit gate, or is parked in a clearly marked “No Parking” tow-away zone, it can generally be towed immediately without a warning sticker. However, for vehicles that are simply “stored” or have expired tags in a general spot, a warning notice (usually 24 hours) is typically required by law or best practice before removal.
Who pays for the towing fees?
In a private property impound scenario, the vehicle owner is responsible for all towing and storage fees. The property manager or HOA does not pay the tow truck driver. The towing company collects their fee when the owner retrieves the vehicle from the impound lot.
What happens if the vehicle owner claims they didn’t see the signs?
This is why compliant signage is non-negotiable. If your signs meet the statutory requirements regarding size, placement, and wording, the “I didn’t see it” defense is generally invalid. A professional towing company will often take photos of the vehicle and the nearby signage before hooking up the car to provide proof of the violation.
How do we start a towing enforcement program?
The first step is to contact a licensed towing company like Hi-Way Towing. They will inspect your property to ensure your signage is compliant with current laws. If you need new signs, they can often help provide or install them. Once the contract is signed and signs are up, you can begin enforcing the rules immediately.
Handling Abandoned Vehicles Without Unnecessary Headaches
Abandoned and improperly parked vehicles are an unavoidable part of managing residential and commercial properties. The way you handle them, however, does not have to be chaotic or confrontational.
This proactive approach protects your property values, keeps your lot clear, prioritizes tenant/customer parking. Don’t let abandoned cars take over your community; take control of your lot with a professional removal strategy with Hi-Way Towing.