Avoid Getting Towed: The Most Common Reasons and What You Can Do
Having your vehicle towed is never convenient. Whether it happens unexpectedly due to a breakdown or because of a parking violation, the experience can be stressful and costly. Understanding the most common reasons vehicles get towed can help you avoid unnecessary towing situations and protect your vehicle.
At Dick’s Towing, we provide professional towing and roadside assistance services while also helping drivers understand how to prevent avoidable tows whenever possible.
Below are the most frequent reasons for vehicle towing, and practical tips to help you avoid them.
1. Parking Violations
One of the most common reasons cars are towed is illegal or unauthorized parking. Vehicles may be towed for:
- Parking in fire lanes
- Blocking driveways
- Parking in handicap spaces without a permit
- Expired registration
- Parking in restricted or no-parking zones
- Parking on private property without authorization
Property owners and law enforcement agencies often contract towing companies to remove vehicles that violate parking rules.
How to Avoid It:
- Always check signage carefully before parking.
- Verify time limits in metered or permit-only areas.
- Make sure your registration and tabs are current.
- Avoid parking in unmarked spaces on private property.
When in doubt, it’s better to find another parking space than risk an impound.
2. Vehicle Breakdowns
Mechanical failures are another leading cause of emergency towing services. Common breakdown issues include:
- Dead batteries
- Overheating engines
- Transmission failure
- Flat tires without a spare
- Fuel system problems
If your vehicle becomes disabled in traffic or on the roadside, it may require professional towing to prevent safety hazards.
How to Avoid It:
- Follow a regular vehicle maintenance schedule.
- Replace aging batteries before they fail.
- Monitor dashboard warning lights.
- Keep your fuel tank above empty.
- Check tire pressure regularly.
Routine maintenance is one of the best ways to reduce the need for roadside towing services.
3. Traffic Accidents
After a collision, vehicles are often towed from the scene to clear the roadway and prevent additional hazards. Even minor accidents can leave a vehicle unsafe to drive.
In many cases, law enforcement will request a collision towing service to remove damaged vehicles.
How to Avoid It:
While accidents can’t always be prevented, you can lower your risk by:
- Driving defensively
- Avoiding distractions (like texting)
- Maintaining safe following distances
- Keeping brakes and tires in good condition
- Driving cautiously in poor weather
Safe driving habits significantly reduce your chances of needing accident towing.
4. Private Property Enforcement
Private property towing is common at:
- Apartment complexes
- Retail parking lots
- Office buildings
- Gated communities
Property owners have the legal right to remove unauthorized vehicles. This includes vehicles parked without permits, in reserved spaces, or left for extended periods.
How to Avoid It:
- Confirm guest parking rules before leaving your vehicle.
- Display required permits clearly.
- Avoid leaving vehicles parked long-term in commercial lots.
- Ask property management about parking regulations if unsure.
Misunderstanding parking policies is one of the most preventable causes of impound towing.
5. Abandoned or Inoperable Vehicles
Vehicles that appear abandoned or inoperable may be reported and removed. This can happen if a car:
- Has flat tires and hasn’t moved in weeks
- Is missing plates
- Appears damaged or stripped
- Is parked illegally long-term on public roads
How to Avoid It:
- Move your vehicle regularly.
- Keep registration current and visible.
- Store non-operational vehicles on private property legally.
- Cover or properly register project vehicles.
6. Expired Registration or Legal Issues
In some cases, vehicles are towed due to:
- Suspended licenses
- Expired registration
- Outstanding violations
- Court-ordered impounds
How to Avoid It:
- Renew registration on time.
- Resolve traffic tickets promptly.
- Keep your driver’s license valid and up to date.
Staying current on legal requirements helps prevent unnecessary towing expenses.
What To Do If Your Vehicle Is Towed
If your vehicle has already been towed:
- Stay calm.
- Contact local law enforcement if you suspect an impound.
- Call Dick’s Towing to confirm vehicle location.
- Ask about towing fees, storage fees, and required documentation.
- Retrieve your vehicle promptly to avoid accumulating daily storage charges.
Our team will walk you through the vehicle retrieval process and answer any questions clearly and professionally.
Contact Dick’s Towing
If you need professional towing services, roadside assistance, or information about a towed vehicle, Dick’s Towing is here to help.
Call us today for immediate assistance or to inquire about a towed vehicle. We’re committed to safe, efficient service and clear communication every step of the way.