Is it Legal?

Whelan · 02-13-2003, 06:07 PM

I got my car towed from campus today, cost was $45 and my wallet is in my car. So I call the place up after having a few words with the cop, and they arranged to pick me up at some point, the lady on the phone was nice. But I have work at 4 so who knows if I will make it. Anyways here is my question.

My car was parked in first gear with the Ebrake on. I called them and asked what they did for cars that were parked this way, he said that being in frist gear is not a problem, and also that they get into the car to put the Ebrake down!

Is that legal for them to break into my car without my consent and do that? What if they took something, i.e. my wallet, out of my car, I cant do anything about it cause they probably have a no liability clause. Anyone wanna help me out with this, I am wicked pissed right now.

ErikG92SL2 · 02-13-2003, 06:17 PM

I don't know if you ever saw that show on Discovery Channel called "repo men", and there's another one but i forget what it's called. But on one of 'em there was a guy who was towing cars from the handicapped spaces when they shouldn't have been parked there. He was breaking into the cars to put the cars in Neutral, and to start the car to turn it around becuase it was FWD. So yeah, i guess it is legal as long as they don't steal anything. If someone did steal something, i'm sure you could sue or something.

By the way, what did you do to get your car towed?

Robert-sl2 · 02-13-2003, 06:18 PM

I duno about legality, but around here in a situation like that (in gear with e-brake on) they use the lift on the tow truck to lift the back end, put dollies under the back tires, then lift the front end with the tow truck and drive off. Just my 2 cents.

URtalking2CRASH · 02-13-2003, 06:20 PM

i'm pretty sure it's legal. but i could be wrong. they can be held liable if anything is stolen from the car while in their posession i believe.

Matt · 02-13-2003, 06:21 PM

That's sucks, I'd be very pissed myself. What exactly did you do to get it towed. It seems like they would have maybe had you pay small fine if it was minor, it's like that at my school. But busting in you car, it doesn't sound legal to me.

Whelan · 02-13-2003, 06:52 PM

I think it is legal as long as nothing is stolen, it there is then we have problems. Its a $45 fine and I have gotten tickets for parking in the wrong places before, but this is ridiculous.

http://pic5.picturetrail.com/VOL96/7...8/20036414.jpg

BrenSaSC2 · 02-13-2003, 07:40 PM

If you're illegally parked, no matter HOW out of the way it "seems", then you're the one who deserves to be towed. If they had to break into your car to put the E-brake off, you run the risk of getting something stolen, however, you did park illegally, so for them to move your car, it is legal. You gave up your parking rights when you illegally parked. Sorry-if you'd come to my school, you'd understand lack of parking. Most people come 1-2 hours before their first class to find a space, and most, like me, have to park a mile away and be shuttled to my dorm because of lack of parking. Anyone who lives near Montclair understands that Montclair State parking issues we have-even after building a parking deck. Sorry Whelan, but you gotta pay the price for parking illegally.

00saturn · 02-13-2003, 09:00 PM

ooh, harsh Brenda

but sadly she's right

Matt · 02-13-2003, 09:06 PM

I wonder if my car could get towed if I parked somewhere like Wal-Mart or Sears, and double parked. Since jerks always park so close to my car and I have to squeeze in, even though I park as far as I can from the store. I wouldn't be able to take it easy if my car was towed for something like that, some skulls would be getting cracked.

I'm glad my school has tons of parking so I can park a good distance keep the SC1 free from morons who decide to park all up on it.

00saturn · 02-14-2003, 03:46 AM

That reminds me. There's two good things about my school. One: super-wide, old geezer in a boat, got my license at 7-11 parking spots and Two: there are so many extra spots I can park not too far away and not have people park near me. I go to a Comm. college btw.