Towing and Private Property Impounding

The towing industry is regulated by the Georgia Public Service Commission for private property tows or non-consent tows.  Use the following link if you ever have any need to access information. http://www.psc.state.ga.us/transportation/non-consensual_towing.asp

I have attached their regulations and more importantly the allowable rates.  Many towing companies try to require cash only and charge crazy prices since they assume the citizen is not aware.  All impound fee are $125.00.  A regular car is charged $15.00 per day AFTER 24 hours.  Citizens should be certain no storage is added until after 24 hours.  Most say a minimum impound fee in case there are regulation changes, but all fees must comply with the Ga PSC.

As soon as a vehicle is impounded we have to notify the police department so they can update their system in case someone calls in thinking their vehicle is stolen.  A Tow, Inc. goes a further step by providing a website: http://ga.towedcar.com/ for the citizen to enter a license plate number or a vehicle identification number so they can find out immediately where the car is located, how to retrieve it and what agency requested the tow.  We feel it is important for the citizen to have the peace of mind even they may not have parked properly.  Towing companies also have to mail letters to all financially responsible parties as registered with the State.

The Ga PSC requires that a property owner completes a contract of authorized towers so it protects the integrity of the transaction.  Towing services should provide the document for the property owner or management team.  An example is attached.  There is no patrolling or property surveillance; each and every tow has to be initiated by the citizen.  ALL properties must be posted with the towing signs to include the company name, address, number and the Georgia code.  If anyone in the community needs an update on information or new signs then A Tow will provide them for those we serve.  All towing companies that are approved by the Ga PSC should have a permit available upon request.

The City of Atlanta further regulates by requiring only services within the City limits are allowed to tow private property impounds.  This is to avoid a company from Palmetto or Cartersville to come in and haul the vehicle at to nowhere and charge whatever they like.  That ordinance is attached for your reference.

I bring this to your attention because I picked up 2 vehicles from another Atlanta service that was charging $25.00 per day storage which is $10.00 more than allowed.  It was addressed, but it was our efforts to protect the customer from being overcharged.

You have my contact information and I am available for the Midtown community to ensure our team is doing the right thing on the street and protect those in the area.  I welcome the opportunity to help where I can address any issues that may arise.  I hope you find this information helpful.