Laws Concerning Chicago Towing on Private Property
Under the Illinois Commercial Relocation of Trespassing Vehicles Law, the Illinois Commerce Commission is given the authority to oversee and regulate towing companies that pull illegally parked vehicles on private property in Will, DuPage, Cook, Kane and Winnebago Counties. Tow truck operators, relocating tow companies and dispatchers are regulated by the Illinois Commerce Commission.
An important note: such law does not cover companies involved in repossession of vehicles, tow companies who pull disabled or damaged vehicles and towing of cars parked on main streets. The laws governing relocation towing are the 92 Illinois Administrative Code: Part 1710 and 625 Illinois Combined Statutes 5/18A.
According to these laws, it is unlawful for any tow company to lift a vehicle from a private property if the owner of the vehicle is present at the scene. But the owner should remove the vehicle immediately. Furthermore, there may be no storage fees if the car is claimed provided there is proper identification and payment is settled within 24 hours after the relocation. Past 24 hours period, charges will be compulsory.
A Chicago towing company should accept traveler’s check, cash, cashier or certified check, money orders and major credit cards as payment for their towing fees. Also, there should be no additional charges for using credit card. Before releasing a car, a tow company must ask for proper identification, and this may consist of the vehicle’s ignition key and a valid driver’s license. Other additional proof may include motor vehicle registration, certificate of title, bill of sale, insurance certificate or rental contracts.
Before lawfully removing any vehicle, Chicago towing companies should post signs on the private property. The sign should include:
1. A warning that illegally parked vehicles will be towed
2. Towing company name, phone number and address
3. Relocation address
4. Hours of operation
5. Towing fee (it should not go above the posted fee)
The posted signs should have dimensions of at least 36 inches in width and 24 inches in height.
The Chicago towing company is required to provide a completed invoice copy of the relocation towing as a voucher for payment. It should have all the necessary data regarding the tow rates and the instructions when taking legal action with the Illinois Commerce Commission.