Towed from a Private Lot After Parking With Permission

**calbear1212** · 07-09-2012, 04:16 PM

My question involves a traffic citation from the state of: California

A friend of mine gave me permission to long-term park in the lot of their house. My car was later towed by other residents of the house because they didn't know who the car belonged to. It cost me almost $500 to get my car back from the towing company--can I (legally) ask them to pay at least part of the bill? After all, it was a private lot, so they are allowed to tow other cars.

**Mr. Knowitall** · 07-09-2012, 04:33 PM

Who is "them"?

Why didn't you or your friend tell the other residents about the agreement to park there? What do the signs at the parking lot entrances/exits say?

**calbear1212** · 07-09-2012, 09:21 PM

By "them" I meant the residents of the house who called to have my car towed. I don't know the other residents, and I was under the impression that my friend had told the other residents that I would be parking there, but its a fairly large house with ~20 or so people living in it. The sign at the entrance was the typical "unauthorized vehicles would be towed" etc type of sign.

**Mr. Knowitall** · 07-09-2012, 09:46 PM

If you are stating that the lot was properly posted, and that you were not an authorized vehicle as defined by the signage, that would be your answer.

When you asked your friend why he didn't clear it with the other residents or the landlord for you to park in the lot before telling you to park there, what did he say?