Steps to Follow When Your Two Wheeler Gets Towed

It can be very frustrating when you find out that your two-wheeler has been towed away but if you are aware about the tips on how to prevent that, it can help you out very easily. Acting quickly and following proper rules and regulations is the only way of getting your vehicle back either due to violation of parking or due to any other issues. In this article, we will be making you aware about the necessary actions that you need to take like identifying where your two-wheeler has been taken to the paperwork and fines required.

Reasons for Which Your Two-Wheeler Can Be Towed:

1. Illegal Parking: 

When you leave the vehicle unattended in restricted areas, or you violate traffic and parking rules then illegal parking of a two-wheeler occurs. Common instances that include illegal parking are: no parking zones, sidewalks, parking in front of bus stops, pedestrians or emergency exists. Towing can happen if you park your two-wheeler on unauthorized properties without permission.

2. Blocking Traffic or Emergency Access: 

It is a serious violation if your two-wheeler is blocking traffic or emergency access places which can lead to towing of your vehicle. Towing also includes double parking obstructing the traffic flow or parking in narrow streets which will hamper smooth vehicle movement. If your vehicle is parked in front of essential services like hospital entries, ambulance bay or infront of fire hydrants then it can endanger lives also. Bikes can be towed away easily from here to ensure public safety and easy accessibility.

3. Violation of Traffic Rules:

One of the main reasons for your two-wheeler being towed is violation of traffic rules. It includes parking improperly during public events, parking very close to another vehicle, parking in front of the entry case or any exit gate or parking on roundabouts which can affect the visibility and cause traffic. Your vehicle can also get towed away if you have parked in front of prohibited areas like outside school or government buildings. To maintain traffic safety and ensure smooth driving, your vehicle can be towed away.

4. Unattended or Abandoned Vehicle

Authorities can tow your vehicle if you have left your two-wheeler unattended or abandoned in a public place. Especially in high traffic areas, if you leave our two-wheeler stranded then towing away makes it easier for the authorities as your vehicle might be disrupting parking availability or raise concerns about security.if your two-wheeler is parked in suspicious manner or is damaged and left stranded on road for a while, authorities might mistake it for a stolen bike and tow it away.

5. Expired or Invalid Vehicle Documents

Your vehicle can be towed away if your vehicle’s documents are expired or invalid. Invalid documents such as registration, insurance or pollution under control (PUC) certificates. It is illegal to operate a vehicle without valid registrations or insurance which might lead to towing away your vehicle by authorities. If you fail to renew your PUC certificates then it can result in towing and a fine.

6. Outstanding Traffic Violations or Fines

If you have any kind of pending traffic violations or unpaid fines, then your two-wheeler might get towed away as part of an enforced measure. A vehicle owner can get many unpaid tickets for offenses like illegal parking, speeding or any kind of violations which can lead to towing away your vehicle and you might not get your vehicle back until you pay all of your fines as the authorities have to ensure traffic rules and regulations. 

7. Impounding for Legal Issues

If you have any kind of legal issues going on like civil disputes, criminal investigations or unpaid loans then you two-wheeler can get towed away. In these cases of legal issues going on, courts may give permission to the authorities to tow away your vehicle as it is a part of a financial case. Authorities may process further investigation if your two-wheeler was a part of criminal or illegal activity. Until the legal matter is solved, you might not get back your vehicle, so it is better for you to clear your charges as soon as possible to get back your vehicle.

How to prevent future towing situations?

1. Know the Parking Rules:

You need to know all the local parking rules which include parking zones and time limit of parking to prevent towing of your vehicle. You should always check for parking restrictions before leaving your two-wheeler and be sure it is allowed to park there.to avoid violations or towing you should always be sure and understand where you can or can not park. It is important for you to know about these rules and regulations to ensure your vehicle remains safe.

2. Keep Documents Updated:

You should always have your two-wheeler’s documents with you like its registration papers, insurance and necessary permits. You should check the expiration dates of your documents and renew them on time to avoid towing your two-wheeler. Staying up to date with your two-wheeler certificates which will prevent you from legal issues which could lead to towing your two-wheeler away.

3. Be Mindful of Time Limits:

You should always be aware about parking time limits to avoid towing. When you park your two-wheeler always be aware about the time limit restrictions especially in busy areas or during event days. You can prevent violations which can cause towing of your two-wheeler by adhering to time limits and try moving your vehicle from that place if necessary and limit the duration your vehicle is parked in public places.

4. Address Outstanding Fines Promptly:

To avoid towing situations, address outstanding traffic fines promptly. If you have any fine pending, then pay it as soon as possible to prevent towing. You should ensure you do not miss your due dates to pay your fines and penalties. You should manage your fines to keep your records clean which helps you to stay away from compliances with local rules and regulations and it reduces the risk of towing away your two-wheeler.

5. Secure Your Vehicle:

If you are parking, you should secure your two-wheeler with quality locks and security devices to prevent theft and unauthorized use of your two-wheeler. You should always use a well lit and busy place to park your vehicle to enhance safety. You should avoid leaving your vehicle in suspicious places to prevent criminal activities. You should take these precautions to protect your two-wheeler and secure it.

6. Stay Informed:

To avoid towing, you should be aware about local parking regulations and any changes in traffic law. You should always keep checking news and city websites for traffic updates on parking rules and regulation policies. You should have knowledge about sudden changes like street schedules or any event related restrictions on parking which will help you to make a better choice while parking your two-wheeler and prevent you from towing. 

7. Park Responsibly

It is possible to avoid towing if you pak responsibly by using the assigned places for parking your two-wheeler. You should make sure your two-wheeler is parked legally, avoiding areas that are suspicious, traffic prone or infront of emergency access places. If you do double parking then it can disrupt the flow of vehicles and lead to fines. 

What Should Be Done When Your Two Wheeler Gets Towed away?

You should follow the below mentioned points if your two-wheeler gets towed away:

1. Stay Calm and take deep breaths:

The first step you should do is be calm and patient to control the situation. You should look around to see if there are any signs denoting why your vehicle might get towed away like no parking, parking restricted or traffic prone area. It will help you to think clearly and take necessary action if you stop panicking and take deep breaths. Staying calm will allow you to take the next steps smartly and effectively.

2. Visit the Towing Facility:

You should head to the location promptly once you have located the towing facility where your two-wheeler has been taken. You should carry your necessary documents like two-wheeler’s registration papers, insurance proof and certifications related to your two-wheeler which you think are necessary and your identity proof to ease the process of relieving your two-wheeler. Once you arrive at the location, you should communicate with any staff over there and ask for your vehicle along with showing your documents to confirm the ownership of your two-wheeler. You should also carry cash as you should be prepared to pay fines or storage fees to get your two-wheeler back and always ask for receipts for maintaining your records.

3. Pay the Fees:

Always be prepared to pay fines or storage fees at the towing facilities so carry cash with you all the time. Always ask the staff there to give you the breakdown of those charges to understand what all charges they are taking. Ask for a pay slip to have proof of the fine you paid and keep maintaining them for future purposes where you need it related to dispute and claiming your vehicle in case of inconvenience.

4. Consider Appealing if you have parked correctly (if applicable):

If you think you parked your vehicle correctly but it was still towed, you can file a case against the towing facility. You should first be sure about the rules and regulations to understand the parameters for filing an appeal. Gather evidence to support your case such as photos of parking signs or documentation you followed the parking rules. Contact the towing company to inquire about the appeal process and be prepared to present your evidence during the appeal hearing. 

Also Read:

Fine for Driving Two Wheeler Without Insurance

How to Get Duplicate Two Wheeler Insurance Copy Online?

FAQs

Ques 1: What to do if scooty is towed?

Ans 1: The steps you should follow when your two-wheeler gets towed away are: firstly check for signs if it was not parked correctly, contact the local police station and tell your situation, find the location where it got towed, carry your documents and cash and then be prepared to pay a fine.

Ques 2: What if the police tow my bike?

Ans 2: If police tow away your two-wheeler then you should contact the nearest police station of the city or nearby place and try to get more information about your two-wheeler.

Ques 3: What happens if your bike is damaged while being towed in India?

Ans 3: if your two-wheeler gets damaged while being towed away then you can call the towing company and ask for waivers or present your claims for the damages. If there is a waiver provided, then you should contact your insurance company and file your claim for the same.