Few things are more frustrating than walking back to where you parked, only to find your car has vanished. Sometimes it’s a legitimate tow because of clear signs, unpaid parking, or a breakdown. But what if you’re convinced your car has been towed illegally? It can be stressful, but knowing what to do next will save you time, money, and a lot of headaches.
Step 1: Stay Calm and Double-Check
First things first—don’t panic. Double-check you’re in the right spot. It sounds obvious, but it’s easy to second-guess yourself, especially in busy city areas. Look around for tow-away signs, time limits, or clearway zones that might explain why your car was taken.
If everything looks in order and you’re sure you didn’t break any parking rules, it’s time to take the next steps.
Step 2: Call the Local Council or Police
In Australia, most legal tows are logged with either the local council or police. Call the council where you parked and ask if your vehicle has been towed and where it was taken. If they have no record, that’s a red flag—it could mean your car was towed illegally.
Step 3: Gather Evidence
If you believe the tow wasn’t legitimate, start collecting evidence right away:
- Take photos of the area where you parked.
- Capture any signs (or lack of them).
- Note the time and date.
- Ask nearby businesses or people if they saw what happened.
The more information you have, the easier it is to prove your case later.
Step 4: Find Out Where Your Car Is
Even if the tow was illegal, you’ll still need to locate your vehicle. Sometimes dodgy operators move cars to a private lot and demand cash before releasing them. If this happens, ask for their company name and ABN. Legitimate towing businesses should provide this without hesitation. If they refuse, it’s a strong sign of illegal activity.
Step 5: Know Your Rights
In Victoria and other states, there are strict rules about when and how a car can be towed. For example, private property tows must follow specific guidelines, and you should always be given clear information about where your car has been taken and how to collect it.
If those rules weren’t followed, you have the right to lodge a formal complaint or take legal action. Consumer Affairs Victoria (or your state’s equivalent) is usually the first place to start.
Step 6: Don’t Pay on the Spot Without Receipts
If someone demands cash to release your car, be cautious. Always ask for an invoice or receipt, and don’t hand over money if something feels off. Scammers often rely on people paying quickly out of frustration or fear.
Step 7: Lodge a Complaint
If you’re confident the tow was illegal, file a complaint with:
- Consumer Affairs (in your state or territory).
- The police, if you believe it was theft or a scam.
- Your local council, especially if it involved public land.
In some cases, you may even be able to recover your towing fees through legal channels if the tow was proven unlawful.
A Real-Life Example
We once heard from a Melbourne driver whose car was towed from a private car park despite being a paying customer. The towing company demanded $350 cash for its release. After gathering photos of the parking ticket and signage, the driver took the case to Consumer Affairs and successfully got a full refund.
Bottom Line
Having your car towed is stressful enough, but an illegal tow makes it even worse. The key is to stay calm, collect evidence, know your rights, and contact the proper authorities. With the right steps, you can fight back against dodgy operators and avoid being ripped off.
If you are in Oakleigh, and looking to sell your car or get cash for trucks, below is the best way to visit us.
Eastern Cash For Cars
720 High St Rd, Glen Waverley, VIC 3150
(03) 7035 7830
www.easterncashforcars.com.au
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