How to Report an Illegally Parked Car: A Quick Guide for Businesses

Illegal parking is a widespread issue for businesses throughout San Diego. Whether it’s unauthorized vehicles blocking entrances, customers occupying reserved spots, or abandoned cars taking up valuable space, these situations can cause disruptions and create safety risks.

As a property owner or business manager, you have the legal right to enforce parking regulations on your property. However, knowing the laws and the proper steps to report an illegally parked vehicle is essential. Professional towing services help maintain order by removing unauthorized cars, ensuring designated parking spaces remain available for those who need them.

This guide will outline how to report illegally parked vehicles and provide tips to prevent future parking violations.

2. Understanding Private Property Towing Laws in San Diego

Before taking action, businesses must understand the private property towing laws in San Diego. These regulations are in place to protect property owners while ensuring fair treatment of vehicle owners.

What Businesses Should Know About Towing Laws

• Businesses have the right to remove unauthorized vehicles from private property.
• Proper signage must be displayed to warn drivers of potential towing.
• Certain situations require law enforcement involvement before towing.

When You Can Legally Tow a Vehicle

• If a vehicle is parked in a designated “Tow-Away Zone Tow-Away Zone.”
• If the car is blocking driveways, fire lanes, or loading zones.
• If a vehicle is abandoned on private property beyond the legal timeframe.

The Importance of Posted Tow-Away Signs

• Signs must comply with city regulations, including size and visibility requirements.
• They should clearly state the towing company’s name and contact information.
• Proper signage protects businesses from legal disputes.

3. Steps to Report an Illegally Parked Car

If you encounter an unauthorized vehicle on your property, follow these steps to have it removed legally.

Identify the Problem

• Verify that the vehicle is parked illegally and not mistakenly.
• Check for signs that indicate parking restrictions.
• Ensure that the car is not owned by an employee or authorized visitor.

Gather Information

• Take clear pictures of the vehicle, including license plate, make, model, and location.
• Note the exact time and date of the violation.
• Document any visible signs that warn about towing policies.
• Contact the Right Authorities
• When to Call a Private Towing Company: If the property has proper signage and the vehicle is violating parking rules.
• When to Report to the Police: If the car appears abandoned or is involved in criminal activity.
• San Diego Parking Enforcement: Can be contacted for guidance on persistent parking violations.

Hiring a Towing Company for Illegal Parking

• Choose a reputable towing company that specializes in private property towing.
• Ensure that they comply with San Diego towing regulations.
• Understand the costs involved and confirm whether the vehicle owner or property owner is responsible for fees.

4. Dealing with Abandoned Vehicles

Sometimes, a car is left on private property for an extended period, becoming a potential hazard.

How Long Before a Car is Considered Abandoned?

• In San Diego, a vehicle left unattended for over 72 hours may be considered abandoned.

How to Report an Abandoned Vehicle in San Diego

• Contact San Diego Police Department or the city’s parking enforcement.
• Provide vehicle details, location, and how long it has been abandoned.

Differences Between Illegal Parking and Abandoned Vehicles

• Illegally parked vehicles violate parking rules but may be removed immediately.
• Abandoned vehicles require official reporting and may be impounded after due process.

5. Private Property Towing Agreements: What Businesses Need to Know

A Private Property Towing Agreement (PPTA) is a contract between businesses and towing companies to enforce parking rules efficiently.

Why a Towing Agreement is Beneficial

• Ensures immediate towing services when needed.
• Helps businesses avoid legal disputes with vehicle owners.
• Keeps parking spaces available for customers and employees.

How to Set Up an Agreement with a Local Towing Company

• Research and choose a licensed towing service.
• Clearly define towing policies and conditions.
• Establish 24/7 towing 24/7 towing availability to address parking violations at all times.

6. How to Prevent Illegal Parking on Your Property

Preventing illegal parking is better than dealing with it later. Here are some proactive steps:

Installing Clear Tow-Away Signs

• Place signs at entrances and throughout the parking area.
• Use large, reflective lettering to ensure visibility at night.

Working with an Authorized Parking Management Company

• Professional services monitor parking areas and issue warnings.
• Helps enforce rules without needing direct business owner involvement.

Enforcing Parking Rules Consistently

• Have a standardized policy for all vehicles.
• Regularly patrol the parking lot to identify violations.

7. What to Do If Your Car Was Towed?

If your vehicle has been towed, follow these steps to retrieve it.

How to Find Your Towed Car in San Diego

• Contact the towing company listed on nearby signs.
• Use San Diego’s online impound vehicle search tool.

Steps to Retrieve an Impounded Vehicle

• Bring identification and proof of ownership.
• Pay any applicable towing and storage fees.

Fees and Legal Considerations

• Fees vary depending on the length of time the car is stored.
• Some cases may require a release from law enforcement.

FAQ : Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I tow a car from my property without warning?

No, San Diego law requires proper tow-away signage and adherence to legal procedures before towing a vehicle.

2. Who pays for the towing fees?

In most cases, the vehicle owner is responsible for paying the towing and storage fees.

3. How long can a car stay parked before it is considered abandoned?

A car left unattended for more than 72 hours may be considered abandoned and reported to local authorities.

4. What should I do if someone repeatedly parks illegally on my property?

Consider working with a towing company and enforcing strict parking rules with proper signage.

5. How can I find out if my car was towed?

You can check with the towing company listed on the tow-away sign or use San Diego’s online impound search tool.

8. Conclusion

Illegal parking can disrupt business operations, create safety hazards, and frustrate property owners. By understanding private property towing laws and following the correct process, businesses can maintain control over their parking spaces.

If you’re dealing with unauthorized vehicles on your property, take action today by partnering with a professional towing service. At Freeway Towing El Cajon, we provide reliable private property towing services in San Diego, ensuring your parking spaces remain clear and accessible.