04/13/2025
Take time to understand your righs: (LOOK IT UP IF YOU WISH)
In Georgia, a towing company can be requested by police or the owner of a disabled vehicle to tow the vehicle. Towing companies must also be registered with the local police department. If a vehicle is towed without the owner's consent, it's considered a non-consensual tow, and towing companies require a non-consensual towing permit to perform this type of towing.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
1. CONSENT and NON-CONSENSUAL TOWING:
Consensual Towing: This occurs when the vehicle owner or driver requests the towing service.
Non-Consensual Towing: This happens when a vehicle is towed without the owner's or driver's consent, typically authorized by law enforcement or for reasons like parking violations.
2. Towing Requests from Police:
Law enforcement can request a towing service to remove a vehicle from public property after an accident, for impoundment, or for other legal reasons.
Towing companies must follow instructions from the officer directing the removal.
3. Towing Requests from Owners:
Vehicle owners can directly contact towing services to have their disabled vehicles towed.
They can also authorize a tow company to remove their vehicle from private property.
4. Non-Consensual Towing Regulations:
Towing companies engaging in non-consensual towing must have a valid non-consensual towing permit from the state.
The property owner (or their agent) must request the removal and identify the vehicle.
If a vehicle is towed without the owner's consent, the towing company must notify the owner.
5. Responsibilities of Towing Companies:
Due Care:
Towing companies must exercise due care when removing vehicles and follow the directions of law enforcement.
Debris Removal:
Towing companies are responsible for removing any debris, including broken glass or fluids, from the road after an accident.
Documentation:
They must keep records of tows, including the date, time, location, and the reason for the tow.
Storage:
Towing companies must store towed vehicles at a designated location and maintain a clear process for the owner to reclaim their vehicle.