Can Towing Company Charge Me to Get Possessions Out of Car

[Pilles]

My question involves towing laws for the State of: New Jersey
My 's car was towed after he was cited with driving while suspended. He no longer wishes to get the car back, but has been attempting to get his possessions out of the car for some time now. The tow company has refused, saying they will only allow him to get his possessions if he pays $200.00 and provides them with the title to the car. He's not trying to take anything "worth anything" out of the car (such as the stereo, etc.). He had clothes in the car, all of his ID, including birth certificate, legal papers, etc. Can they charge him to get his personal items out? I have looked for some type of statute addressing this issue, but I can not find anything. Thank you very much for any assistance.

[Mr. Knowitall]

This was a private towing company under contract with the police, with the vehicle impounded in association with an arrest? The vehicle is presently in a secure, private impound lot?

[Pilles]

Thank you for your time. Yes, it is a private towing company, I would assume under contract with the police as it was the police who had the vehicle towed after they cited him with driving while suspended. And yes, it is currently in a secure, private impound lot. We've called and went in person, and they say if we want the stuff bad enough, we will pay the $200.00.