Yes, Trespass Towing is regulated by Chapter 30C of the Montgomery County Code - Motor Vehicle Towing & Immobilization on Private Property. Download a copy of 30C here.

Do the parking lots have to have signs? What do the signs need to say?

Signs must be posted so that at least one sign is clearly readable from each parking area in the lot, and also at each vehicle entrance to the property. The signs must summarize ALL parking restrictions, indicate that violating vehicles may be towed at the owner’s expense, and must list the telephone number that is answered all hours of the day and night by someone who can tell you where your car was taken and how to redeem it.

If my car is towed, how can I find it?

The first thing to do is to look for signs around the parking lot. If there are no signs around the property, you should contact the Montgomery County Police Department at the non-emergency number

240.773.6411.

Why was my car towed?

There are multiple reasons why your car may be towed from private property:

Walk Off – If you park in a commercial parking lot and “walk off” the lot for any reason (to visit another business, to commute, etc), whether or not you have just patronized the business on the lot or plan to return to do so, you may be towed.

For example, you park in the lot at a grocery store, and after purchasing your groceries, you walk across the street to grab lunch. In this case, if the lot has signs stating “Customer Parking Only” or “No Walk Offs,” you may be towed.

Residential Parking Rules – These tows are most common in townhouse, condo or apartment community lots. Please be sure to read through your condo or rental agreement in its entirety, and be aware of the rules and regulations for your community.

The most common reason to be towed in this case is if your permit is not visible or not properly displayed. Again, make sure that you are aware of the rules in your community so that you can avoid your car being towed.

Illegally Parked – This includes not displaying current registration stickers, parking in a clearly marked fire lane, or blocking access to the property or a building.

Handicap Permit – If your handicap permit is expired, not visible, or not displayed properly, and you have parked in a handicap space, you may be towed. You may also be towed if you are parked in a clearly marked fire lane.

What can I be charged to redeem my vehicle?

Montgomery County regulates the fees and charges vary based on the weight of your vehicle. Effective 11/15/2011 the rates are as follows:

Vehicles under 8,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR):

Incomplete Tow - $50
Hookup - $100
Mileage - $4 per mile (12 mile maximum)
Storage - $20 for the first 24 hours, $25 for each subsequent 24 hour period.

Vehicles between 8,001 and 20,000 pounds GVWR:

Incomplete Tow - $80
Hookup - $160
Mileage - $5 per mile (12 mile maximum)
Storage - $25 for the first 24 hours, $40 for each subsequent 24 hour period.

Vehicles over 20,000 pounds GVWR:

Incomplete Tow - $160
Hookup - $320
Mileage - $10 per mile (12 mile maximum)
Storage - $40 for the first 24 hours, $80 for each subsequent 24 hour period.

What if I get back to my car before it is towed away?

If your car has not been lifted at least six inches off the ground, the tow company has to release your car without charge. If your car has been lifted at least six inches, the tow company has to release your car to you, and may not charge more than $50 for vehicles under 8,000 pounds GVWR or $80 for vehicles between 8,001 and 20,000 pounds GVWR.

What if I don’t have cash?

Tow companies, at both the storage facility and in trucks at the scene of a tow, are required to accept cash or traveler’s checks (with proper ID). Tow companies, at their option, must also accept Visa and/or MasterCard or personal checks (with proper ID) if the vehicle is registered in Maryland. Tow companies must accept another form of payment and cannot demand cash.

What should I do if I think I was towed improperly, or there was damage to my car?

If you were towed in Montgomery County, you can submit a complaint to the Office of Consumer Protection here. An investigator will review your complaint to make sure the County Code was followed when your vehicle was towed and attempt to resolve the matter. Chapter 30C also gives consumers the right to pursue a tow complaint in District Court. For information on how to file in Small Claims Court please click here.

Are there other types of tows that can involve consumers’ vehicles?

Yes, there are 2 other types of tows in Montgomery County that can involve consumers. The first is what is known as a consumer requested tow. This is when your car breaks down and you need to have it transported to a repair shop and you call for a tow truck. This type of towing is not regulated by the County other requiring the tow company to register with the Office of Consumer Protection and have the proper insurance coverage. The rates that the tow companies charge are not set by the County and therefore the companies are free to charge market rates for their services. If you have broken down on the road and call for a tow please be sure to ask the company for their rates prior to allowing them to attach to your vehicle. If you belong to a motor club, such as AAA, they will send a tow truck as part of your membership but be sure to ask the tow truck driver that comes to you aid for proof that your motor club sent him. There have been incidents of people impersonating motor club tow trucks and charging exorbitant fees for service.

The second type of tow is known as a police tow. This is when your vehicle is towed at the request of the Montgomery County Police from the scene of a crash or another type of incident. This type of tow is regulated by the Montgomery County Police and they set the rates that the tow companies can charge. For more information on Police tows click here.

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