🚗 GEORGIA VEHICLE IMPOUND FAQ – SIMPLE VERSION

Because you parked somewhere you weren’t supposed to. Or violated a rule in the community.
Private property means it’s not public. If the sign said “Unauthorized vehicles will be towed” and you parked there anyway, that’s on you. 

 No.
Interfering with a legal tow can get you charged with obstruction or disorderly conduct.
The proper way to contest a tow is afterward — by contacting the towing company, or taking the matter to small claims court if you believe the tow was unlawful. 

 Correct — towing from private property is a regulated legal service, not a crime.
Georgia law specifically allows it when the property owner authorizes the tow and all posting and permit rules are followed. 

Under Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 44-1-13), a property owner or manager has the legal right to remove a vehicle that’s parked without permission on private property.
The tow truck operator is authorized by the property owner — that means they’re invited onto the property to remove the trespassing vehicle.
Since they have permission from the property owner, they are not trespassing. 

Once your car is parked on private property without authorization, it becomes trespassing property under Georgia law. 

 No.
“Breach of the peace” means disturbing the public order — fighting, yelling, or using force.
Towing a car legally and quietly is a civil enforcement action, not a criminal disturbance.
As long as the driver doesn’t use violence or threats, it’s not a breach of the peace.

Georgia courts and the Department of Public Safety both recognize towing under § 44-1-13 as a lawful business activity, not a disturbance.

 The property owner’s rights.
Private property owners control who can and can’t be on their property.
When you park without permission, the law lets the owner have your vehicle removed just like they could ask a trespasser to leave.
The tow company acts as the authorized agent to carry that out. 

Most people who live in mobile home parks own their trailer (mobile home) but not the land underneath it because the park owner owns the property and rents out individual lots. Residents pay lot rent for the space where their home sits, which usually covers things like road maintenance, utilities, trash, and community amenities. So the management company owns the property not you.

 The property owner or manager or Property Management Company called a licensed towing company to remove your vehicle. Tow trucks can’t just “ride around” and grab cars — the property has to call them each time. If you see several trucks in there at one time that just means they have alot to pickup.

 It’s at the tow company’s impound lot listed on the towing sign.
Look at the sign where you parked or the paperwork you got. It will show the company’s name, address, and phone number. 

 Because you were on private property and your vehicle had to be removed and stored.
You pay for the tow and storage, just like paying a fine for breaking a rule.
The property owner doesn’t get the money — it goes to the towing company for the work they did. 

 Georgia law limits what tow companies can charge.
The Department of Public Safety (DPS) sets a maximum rate for non-consensual tows (that means tows you didn’t agree to).

👉 You can’t be charged storage for the first 24 hours after your car was towed.
After that, there’s a daily storage fee.

Please see signs for the min amount that is posted outside of neighborhood or business. Also drop fees can be charged at a min of $130 cash or certified funds if you choose to get it back while driver is on site.

• Your photo ID
   
• Your car’s title or registration (something proving it’s yours)
   
• Payment (cash, debit, or credit depending on the company)
   

You must pay the bill before they release the vehicle.

 Most tow yards must let you get your personal items (like your wallet, phone, or car seat) even if you haven’t paid yet. But they don’t have to let you take parts of the car (battery, wheels, stereo, etc.) until it’s fully paid. Also this only applies once it has reached the tow yard.

 No. Tow trucks can’t patrol parking lots or hide waiting to tow people.
They can only come when the property manager calls them for a specific vehicle. Again does not mean you want see several trucks in and out and driving around as they are looking for the vehicle that we sent them.

 The Georgia Department of Public Safety (DPS) makes the towing rules and sets the prices. 

 They can keep it until you pay the bill.
After 30 days, it may be declared abandoned under Georgia’s Abandoned Vehicle Act, and they can start the process to get the title and sell it. 

 Georgia defines and regulates towing of trespassing vehicles on private property without the owner/operator’s consent as “non-consensual towing.” Oversight sits with the Georgia Department of Public Safety (DPS), under O.C.G.A. § 44-1-13 and DPS Rule 570-38-7. 

• Georgia DPS: Issues NCT permits, enforces safety/insurance, sets statewide maximum rates via tariff, and may add operational rules by administrative order.
   
• Public Service Commission rule cross-reference: Georgia’s compendium also states you can’t exceed the tariff and no storage fees for the first 24 hours after removal.

 A vehicle may not be relocated from private property unless signs have been posted for at least 24 hours before the tow, and the signs meet format/location requirements in the Non-Consensual Towing rules. (There’s a small residential exception.) 

• Georgia’s Abandoned Motor Vehicle Act (Title 40, Ch. 11) governs notice to owners/lienholders, timelines, and disposition. Read the definitions (e.g., “abandoned” includes vehicles left on private property ≥30 days) and follow DOR procedural guidance for titles/notice & sale.
   
• When removal is at law enforcement request, § 40-11-15 covers firm duties, liability, and notice requirements.

If someone parks on private property (like a business lot, apartment complex, or shopping center) without permission or in violation of posted rules, the property owner or manager can have the vehicle towed — even though the vehicle’s owner didn’t agree to it.

This is completely legal in Georgia when done correctly, and it’s protected by this law.

• You must have clearly visible signs at every entrance or near parking areas.
   
• The signs must say something like:
   “Unauthorized vehicles will be towed at the owner’s expense.”
  and include where the car will be taken, the towing company’s name, and how to get it back.
   
• Signs have to be up for at least 24 hours before any towing happens.
   
• Homeowners with 4 units or fewer don’t have to post signs — they can just call to have a trespassing vehicle removed.
   

• Only towing companies with a valid Non-Consensual Towing (NCT) permit from the Georgia Department of Public Safety (DPS) can tow from private property.
   
• The company must have:
   
  • Proper insurance
     
  • A secure impound lot
     
  • Rates that comply with state limits (they can’t just charge whatever they want)
     

• Georgia sets a maximum tariff for non-consensual towing and storage.
   
• The company can’t charge storage for the first 24 hours after the tow.
   
• They can’t charge more than what the state allows.
   

 If you parked somewhere you shouldn’t have, it’s legal for them to tow you.
They have to post signs, be licensed, charge only legal rates, and let you get your stuff.

Because The property is private, they control who can and can’t park there.
If someone ignores the rules, Georgia law says they have the right to:

1. Call a licensed tow company,
    
2. Have the vehicle removed, and
    
3. Require the owner to pay the costs of removal and storage.
    

This prevents trespassing, parking abuse, or liability on your lot and keeps spaces available for your customers or residents.