Most Common Reasons Why Your Car Gets Towed

Calling a tow truck is something that we don’t want to experience. May it be due to an accident or mechanical issue, getting your car towed might cause you a headache. As experts in the towing industry, we’ve become acquainted with the situations when a towing service is necessary. Let’s take a look at the top reasons why cars get towed.

Parking in a Handicap Zone

Handicapped parking spaces are only available for individuals with disabilities. There are reserved handicap zones in parking lots, streets, and public areas. Only a person with a disabled parking permit can park in these spots. If you don’t have a valid permit, your car will get towed and you’ll have to pay to get it back. Illegal parking in a handicap spot will result in a fine of $200 to $500. 

Parking Near an Entrance

Never park your car near the entrance of a building or apartment complex. Leaving your vehicle in front of a driveway will cause an obstruction. Since it’s blocking the entrance, your vehicle could be towed away. It will be towed immediately, especially if there’s “no parking” or “tow zone” signage. That’s because your vehicle will make it difficult for people to enter or exit the premises. 

Car Breakdowns

One of the most obvious reasons is vehicle breakdowns. No matter how well-maintained your vehicle is, it might still break down. Some of the causes of breakdowns are transmission trouble, flat tires, engine problems, and brake issues. You might also experience running out of gas or locking your keys in the car. When any of this happens, you’ll likely need a tow.

Aside from car breakdowns, you need to call a tow company during an accident. If you get into a car crash, your vehicle will no longer be operable. Call a tow truck to transport it to the nearest auto body shop or mechanic. 

Blocking Traffic

Vehicles will be towed away for blocking traffic or interfering with the normal flow of traffic. Standing or parking within 15 feet of an intersection is something that you shouldn’t do. Since you’re obstructing traffic, you will get penalized by the authorities. Your car will eventually get towed away for impeding the flow of traffic in any manner.

Parking Meter Issues

A parking meter is a device where you put your money for a parking spot. It is used to keep track of the time a vehicle is parked while maintaining parking availability. After paying the fee, the parking meter will give you a receipt that indicates the length of your stay in the parking area. If the meter expires, your vehicle can get towed away.

Parking Next to Fire Hydrants

Fire hydrants are crucial to the safety of the public. Firefighters should have access to these public hydrants in case of an emergency. As much as possible, avoid parking within 15 feet of a fire hydrant. In most states, parking your vehicle in front of a fire hydrant is illegal for obvious reasons. 

If you’re blocking a hydrant, you could get a ticket or your car might get towed immediately. Firefighters are also allowed to break your windows to gain access to the public fire hydrant.

Construction Zones

You should never park in a construction zone unless your vehicle is used in the project. Blocking the work zone will cause problems and interference for the construction workers. When your vehicle is parked in a construction area, they won’t be able to bring in their heavy equipment and materials. The construction team can call a tow truck to haul your vehicle away.

In addition, your car might get damaged by all the construction debris. Ensure your safety by not parking in work zones and off-limits areas.

Get in Touch With Our Towing Experts

When it comes to professional towing, Allentown Towing Company is a name you can trust. Our team has extensive experience and service equipment to serve your towing needs. We provide 24-hour roadside assistance, light-duty towing, and jump starts.

With our prompt response time and excellent customer service, you can get back on the road as quickly as possible. You can trust that our dispatch team is ready 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Give us a call today to learn more.