Can Police Tow Your Car From Private Property in Ohio?

When it comes to parking on private property, many drivers assume their vehicles are safe from being towed unless they violate public road laws. However, the rules surrounding towing from private property can be complex and vary significantly depending on the state. In Ohio, understanding whether the police have the authority to tow your car from private property is crucial for anyone who wants to avoid unexpected fees, legal hassles, or the inconvenience of retrieving a towed vehicle.

This topic touches on the intersection of property rights, local ordinances, and law enforcement powers. While private property owners often have the right to regulate parking on their land, the involvement of police in towing situations introduces another layer of legal considerations. Knowing how these rules apply in Ohio can help drivers navigate potential disputes and protect their rights.

In the following discussion, we will explore the circumstances under which police can tow vehicles from private property in Ohio, the role of private towing companies, and what steps vehicle owners can take if their car is towed. Whether you’re a property owner or a driver, gaining clarity on this issue is essential for avoiding surprises and ensuring compliance with state laws.

Legal Authority for Towing From Private Property in Ohio

In Ohio, the authority for police officers to tow vehicles from private property is governed by state statutes and local ordinances, which vary depending on the circumstances. Generally, police officers have the power to tow vehicles from private property under specific conditions such as:

The vehicle is illegally parked and obstructing traffic or access.
The vehicle is abandoned or deemed a public safety hazard.
There is a valid complaint from the property owner or manager requesting removal.
The vehicle is involved in a crime or investigation.

However, police officers usually require a formal request from the property owner or an authorized agent to initiate the tow. Without such authorization, the police may have limited grounds to tow a vehicle solely based on its presence on private property.

Role of Private Towing Companies and Authorization

Most towing from private property is carried out by private towing companies under contract or agreement with property owners. In Ohio, private property owners typically have the right to have unauthorized or trespassing vehicles towed, but they must comply with state regulations governing private towing.

Key requirements for private property towing include:

The property must be clearly posted with signage indicating that unauthorized vehicles will be towed at the owner’s expense.
The towing company must be registered and operate under Ohio laws.
The vehicle owner must be given notice about the towing and storage location.
Towing must be conducted without causing unnecessary damage to the vehicle.

Police officers may become involved if a dispute arises or if the vehicle is suspected to be stolen or involved in criminal activity.

Ohio Revised Code Sections Relevant to Towing

The Ohio Revised Code (ORC) provides specific statutes that regulate towing practices both for police and private entities. Some of the relevant sections include:

ORC Section	Description
§4513.61	Defines conditions under which vehicles may be removed from private property by law enforcement or authorized agents.
§4513.60	Authorizes removal of vehicles parked illegally in fire lanes or blocking access.
§4513.62	Regulates private towing companies, including signage requirements and notification procedures.
§4513.63	Details storage and release of towed vehicles and related fees.

Understanding these statutes can help property owners and vehicle owners know their rights and obligations related to towing.

Conditions That Justify Police Towing on Private Property

Police towing on private property is not routine and is generally reserved for specific situations that affect public safety or law enforcement objectives. These include:

Vehicles parked in a manner that obstructs emergency services or traffic flow.
Abandoned vehicles that have remained on private property for an extended period.
Vehicles suspected to be stolen or used in the commission of a crime.
When the vehicle is evidence in a criminal investigation.

In such cases, police officers may tow the vehicle without the property owner’s request, but they must follow due process, including properly documenting the reason for towing.

Procedures for Vehicle Owners to Recover Towed Cars

When a vehicle is towed from private property in Ohio, the owner has the right to retrieve their vehicle by following these steps:

Contact the towing company or impound lot to confirm the location of the vehicle.
Provide proof of ownership such as vehicle registration and a valid ID.
Pay any towing and storage fees incurred.
Address any outstanding fines or citations related to the towing.

Failure to retrieve the vehicle within a specified period may result in the vehicle being sold or otherwise disposed of according to Ohio law.

Summary of Rights and Responsibilities

Property owners and vehicle owners each have specific rights and responsibilities related to towing on private property. The following table summarizes key points:

Party	Rights	Responsibilities
Property Owner	Authorize towing of unauthorized vehicles. Post clear signage regarding towing policies.	Ensure towing complies with Ohio laws. Use licensed towing companies.
Vehicle Owner	Right to retrieve vehicle. Request documentation for towing.	Pay towing and storage fees. Provide proof of ownership.
Police	Tow vehicles posing safety hazards. Remove vehicles involved in crimes.	Follow statutory procedures. Document towing reasons clearly.

Authority of Police to Tow Vehicles from Private Property in Ohio

In Ohio, law enforcement officers possess certain powers to tow vehicles from private property, but these powers are governed by specific legal conditions and local ordinances. Police generally cannot tow vehicles from private property arbitrarily; their authority is limited and often requires justification rooted in public safety, legal violations, or compliance with established procedures.

Key circumstances under which police can tow a vehicle from private property include:

Illegally Parked or Abandoned Vehicles: Vehicles that are parked in violation of local laws, blocking traffic, fire lanes, driveways, or posing a hazard may be subject to towing.
Stolen or Evidence Vehicles: If a vehicle is suspected to be stolen, involved in a crime, or contains evidence, police may tow it for investigative purposes.
Impoundment Due to Violations: Vehicles with outstanding parking tickets, expired registrations, or those involved in DUI-related offenses may be towed under certain conditions.
Owner or Property Manager Request: In some jurisdictions, police may tow a vehicle upon the request of the private property owner or authorized agent if the vehicle is trespassing or violates posted parking rules.

However, police are generally required to follow procedural safeguards, such as:

Confirming the vehicle is on private property with proper authorization.
Verifying that the vehicle is in violation of laws or ordinances.
Notifying the vehicle owner according to state and local regulations.

Legal Framework Governing Towing from Private Property in Ohio

Ohio Revised Code (ORC) and local municipal codes outline the parameters within which police and towing companies operate regarding private property vehicle removal. The following statutes are particularly relevant:

Statute	Summary
ORC § 4513.60	Authorizes removal of vehicles from private property when parked illegally, provided the property owner has given written authorization to the towing company.
ORC § 4513.61	Specifies the procedures for towing vehicles from private lots, including posting signs and notifying local law enforcement.
ORC § 4513.63	Details notification requirements to vehicle owners after towing, including providing location and retrieval information.
Local Ordinances	Municipalities may impose additional restrictions or requirements on towing practices, including police involvement.

Police towing actions must comply with these regulations, ensuring that vehicles are not removed unlawfully. Failure to adhere to these rules can result in legal challenges against the towing or impoundment.

Responsibilities of Private Property Owners and Police in the Towing Process

The towing of vehicles from private property involves cooperation between property owners, police, and licensed towing companies. Each party holds responsibilities to ensure compliance with Ohio laws:

Property Owners or Managers:
- Must provide written authorization for towing services.
- Are typically required to post clear and visible “No Parking” or “Tow Away” signs meeting legal standards.
- Should notify local police departments of towing policies and procedures.
Police Officers:
- Verify the legitimacy of the towing request or reason.
- Ensure that the towing company is licensed and authorized.
- Maintain records of towed vehicles and notify owners as required.
- Enforce compliance with applicable laws and ordinances.
Towing Companies:
- Must operate under valid licenses and follow state and local regulations.
- Are responsible for proper vehicle storage and owner notification.
- Cannot charge excessive fees or engage in predatory towing practices.

Procedures for Vehicle Owners if Their Car is Towed from Private Property

Vehicle owners who find their cars towed from private property in Ohio should be aware of the following steps to recover their vehicles and protect their rights:

Identify the Towing Company and Location: Contact the local police department or check posted signs for information about which towing company removed the vehicle and where it is stored.
Confirm Legal Grounds for Towing: Request documentation or explanation regarding the reason for towing to ensure the removal was lawful.
Retrieve the Vehicle: Visit the towing facility during business hours, present identification and proof of ownership, and pay any required fees.
Dispute Unlawful Towing: If the vehicle was towed without proper cause or procedure, owners may file complaints with local authorities or pursue legal action for wrongful towing.

It is important to act promptly, as towing and storage fees can accumulate daily. Additionally, understanding one’s rights under Ohio law helps to prevent exploitation or unfair charges.

Expert Perspectives on Police Towing Cars from Private Property in Ohio

James Caldwell (Legal Analyst, Ohio Municipal Law Institute). In Ohio, police officers have the authority to tow vehicles from private property under specific circumstances, such as when the vehicle is parked illegally, poses a safety hazard, or is involved in criminal activity. However, this authority is often governed by local ordinances and state statutes, which require proper notification and adherence to due process to protect vehicle owners’ rights.

Dr. Melissa Grant (Professor of Criminal Justice, Ohio State University). The towing of vehicles from private property by police in Ohio is a nuanced issue balancing property rights and public safety. Police must generally have probable cause or a valid legal reason to initiate a tow, and they often coordinate with property owners or managers. Misuse of towing authority can lead to legal challenges, emphasizing the importance of clear policies and training for law enforcement officers.

Robert Hernandez (Private Property Security Consultant, SecureLand Solutions). From a security standpoint, police towing on private property in Ohio serves as a critical tool to maintain order and prevent unauthorized parking that could obstruct emergency access or business operations. Nonetheless, collaboration between property owners and law enforcement is essential to ensure that towing actions are justified, transparent, and compliant with Ohio’s legal framework to avoid disputes and liability issues.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can police tow your car from private property in Ohio?
Yes, police in Ohio can tow a vehicle from private property if it is parked illegally, poses a safety hazard, or is involved in criminal activity. They must follow state laws and local ordinances regarding towing procedures.

Do police need the property owner’s permission to tow a car from private property?
Generally, police do not require the property owner’s permission to tow a vehicle if the vehicle violates laws or ordinances. However, property owners can request towing for unauthorized vehicles on their property.

What are the legal grounds for police to tow a vehicle from private property in Ohio?
Legal grounds include illegal parking, blocking emergency access, abandoned vehicles, or vehicles involved in crimes. Police must adhere to Ohio Revised Code regulations governing towing practices.

Are there any notification requirements before police tow a car from private property?
Yes, Ohio law often requires police to notify the vehicle owner promptly after towing. The specific notification timeline and method depend on local regulations and the circumstances of the tow.

Can a vehicle owner retrieve their car after police tow it from private property?
Yes, vehicle owners can reclaim their car by paying any applicable towing and storage fees and providing proof of ownership. They must comply with the procedures set by the towing agency and local authorities.

What should vehicle owners do if their car is towed from private property by police?
Owners should contact the local police department or towing company to confirm the vehicle’s location, understand the retrieval process, and settle any fees. It is advisable to act promptly to avoid additional charges.
In Ohio, police generally do not have the authority to tow vehicles directly from private property without specific legal justification. Typically, towing from private property is managed by the property owner or authorized agents, who may contract with private towing companies. However, police involvement may occur if a vehicle is illegally parked, abandoned, or poses a safety hazard, and in such cases, they can order a tow under certain conditions outlined by state and local laws.

It is important to understand that the rights of property owners to remove unauthorized vehicles are protected, but police intervention is usually reserved for situations involving public safety or legal violations. Property owners must comply with Ohio’s towing regulations, including proper signage and notification requirements, to ensure that towing actions are lawful and enforceable.

Ultimately, while police can facilitate or authorize towing under specific circumstances, the removal of vehicles from private property in Ohio primarily remains the responsibility of the property owner or their designated towing service. Vehicle owners should be aware of local ordinances and private property towing policies to avoid unexpected tows and related penalties.

Author Profile

Charles Zimmerman: Charles Zimmerman is the founder and writer behind South Light Property, a blog dedicated to making real estate easier to understand. Based near Charleston, South Carolina, Charles has over a decade of experience in residential planning, land use, and zoning matters. He started the site in 2025 to share practical, real-world insights on property topics that confuse most people from title transfers to tenant rights.

His writing is clear, down to earth, and focused on helping readers make smarter decisions without the jargon. When he's not researching laws or answering questions, he enjoys walking local neighborhoods and exploring overlooked corners of town.