Understanding Parking Ticket Fees: Are You Being Overcharged for Towing Your Car?

Have you ever received a parking ticket for placing your car in a fire lane, only for it to be towed despite only a short distance? Did you wonder if you are being overcharged? In this article, we delve into the intricacies of towing and impoundment fees, and explore whether you have been unfairly billed.

Fire Lane Parking and Legal Implications

It is illegal to park in a fire lane, and the reason is simple: it poses a significant risk to firefighter safety. By blocking these crucial access points, your car can prevent emergency vehicles from reaching necessary locations in a timely manner. In New York State, after additional fees and surcharges, the total cost of an illegally parked and towed vehicle typically lands around $280. While this is a significant cost, it is ultimately a price paid for the safety of the community.

Towing Companies and Their Profits

In some cases, tow companies and impound lots may charge exorbitantly high fees, despite towing your car a short distance. These fees can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, tow companies often advocate for high fines to maximize their profits from operating impound lots. These lots are frequently located in remote and inconvenient locations, making retrieval of a towed vehicle far from straightforward. Additionally, these companies may install ATMs at their locations, further increasing their revenue through fees for cash withdrawals.

Towing Rates and Fees Explained

Towing companies charge according to the type of tow requested. Two primary rates are commonly observed:

Normal Tows: These involve the towing of a vehicle that is either at or near an owner's home or work and is not time-sensitive. A base hook-up fee of $75 is standard, with an additional $4.50 per mile. Priority/Traffic Tows: These are emergencies, often requested by central dispatch, where a tow is necessary to clear a roadway obstruction. These tows carry a base hook-up fee of $150 and may also incur an additional no-key fee of $50.

Impoundment fees can also vary significantly, ranging from $50 to $100 per day, depending on the facilities. If a vehicle is stored in secure impoundage, the cost can exceed $200 in a single day, not to mention any potential key-related fees.

Is 331 Too Much?

The $331 fee seems high at first glance. However, when broken down, it can become more understandable. The initial tow fee is a significant part of the total, but there are additional costs such as impound fees and storage. Thus, a basic impoundment, even without keys, can easily reach $250.

Conclusion

Towing and impoundment charges can be complex and variable. While they may seem high, they reflect the necessary costs of handling illegal parking and ensuring public safety. Understanding the types of towing services and associated fees can help you better comprehend these charges and possibly avoid some of them in the future.