If you’re a business owner, you see to it that your customers receive the best service. One of them is providing them a space to park their cars. As a small business, you may not have a large area for parking. That limited parking space is meant for customers only but what if it is used by a non-customer? That can be frustrating for the owner and very inconvenient for the customers. So how should you handle this scenario?
The truth is, this kind of problem doesn’t only have a single solution. There are a few factors that can affect the solution. One of them is to tow away the car. As a business owner, you have to check the local jurisdiction for having the cars towed so that you don’t violate any laws.
The Tow Away Zone
The only way a business owner can have the car towed is if it is on an established tow-away zone. It has to be on private property because business owners don’t have the right to tow away cars from a public street even if the street is right in front of the business. The city, state or town is the only one who can determine if the car is parked illegally on the street.
If the car is parked in a private property, business owners also cannot just have them towed. The private property where the car is parked should be an established tow-away zone. Usually, parking areas that are on private property have a tow-away zone sign to warn non-customers about parking their vehicles. The signage posted should also meet the specifications provided by the local government.
Here are a few of the requirements that the local government may impose on the signages:
- Color and size of signs including the size of the lettering.
- The location where signs should be posted including entrances to the parking area.
- A sign indicating the area is a tow-away zone.
- Must include who is allowed to park in the area and at what time of day its cars can be towed.
- Include the name and contact number of the towing company that is responsible for towing the vehicle.
Compliant Towing Companies
When finding a towing company to work with, business owners should make sure that their chosen company complies with the rules and regulations provided by their state or locality. The best way to do this is to know your local rules and regulations. Don’t just rely on what the towing companies would say.
Conclusion
Business owners who have a problem with non-customers parking in their allotted parking space for their customers can do something about it. They can legally have the car towed if they follow the rules and regulations provided by the local government about tow-away zones.
If business owners don’t follow the rules and regulations while towing the parked cars, they can be fined for illegal towing of vehicles. Make sure to take the legal route so you won’t have to pay for fines and still be able to provide your clients with parking spaces.
