Tow Authorization Template

Tow Authorization: Usage Instruction

After you have your Tow Authorization form ready, you'll need to fill it out carefully to ensure all the required information is included. This form authorizes a towing company to remove a vehicle from your property for specific reasons. It’s vital to provide accurate details to prevent any confusion later on.

1. Write the date at the top of the form.
2. Next to the date, enter the time in the format of A.M. or P.M.
3. In the section labeled "I hereby authorize," fill in the name of the towing company.
4. Next to the name, provide the towing company’s telephone number.
5. In the address section, write the full address of the towing company.
6. For the location from where the vehicle will be removed, fill in the specific location.
7. State the reason for the tow, such as "abandoned" or "illegally parked."
8. Indicate the amount of time the vehicle has been on your property.
9. Next, write the name of the law enforcement officer or property owner/agent authorizing the tow (print). Then, add their signature.
10. If the private property owner differs from the authorizing person, include their name here.
11. For abandoned vehicles, refer to the stated rules as required.
12. Now, fill in the vehicle information: year, make, model, type, color, VIN number, license number, and license state.
13. Finally, if there is any vehicle damage, list it clearly.

1. What is a Tow Authorization Form?

   The Tow Authorization Form is a document that allows a property owner or authorized agent to permit a towing company to remove a vehicle from private property. This form serves several purposes, such as documenting the reason for the tow and providing the necessary details about the vehicle and tow company. By completing this form, the owner is ensuring that all legal requirements are met before a vehicle is towed.

2. What details must be included in the Tow Authorization Form?

   The Tow Authorization Form requires specific information to ensure clarity and legality. Key details include:

   • The name and telephone number of the towing company.
   • The address of the towing company.
   • The location from which the vehicle is being towed.
   • The reason for the tow (e.g., abandoned, illegally parked).
   • The amount of time the vehicle has been on the property.
   • The name (and signature) of the law enforcement officer or property owner authorizing the tow.
   • Information about the vehicle, such as make, model, color, VIN, and license plate details.

   Providing complete and accurate information helps to prevent disputes and facilitates a smoother towing process.

3. Who can authorize a tow using this form?

   A tow can be authorized by the property owner or their designated agent. In some cases, law enforcement officers may also authorize the tow if necessary. It is crucial that the individual completing the form has the legal right to request the removal of the vehicle, as improper authorization could lead to legal complications.

4. What happens if a vehicle is towed due to abandonment?

   If a vehicle is removed from private property because it is deemed abandoned, specific rules and regulations must be followed. Referencing NMPRC Rule 18.3.12.14 and NMSA 1978, §66-1-4.1 is essential. These statutes provide guidelines on how to handle abandoned vehicles, including notification requirements and possible owner restitution rights. Following these rules helps ensure compliance with state law and protects the rights of both property owners and vehicle owners.

Filling out the Tow Authorization form correctly is essential. Many people make mistakes that can delay the towing process or even create legal issues. Here are four common mistakes to avoid.

One frequent error is neglecting to provide complete and accurate information about the towing company. The form requires the name and telephone number of the company performing the tow, as well as the company’s address. Missing or incorrect details could lead to confusion and cause unnecessary delays in towing your vehicle.

Another mistake is failing to specify the reason for the tow clearly. The form has a section where you need to state why the vehicle is being removed, such as "abandoned" or "illegally parked." A vague or incomplete explanation can complicate matters if the vehicle owner disputes the tow.

Additionally, many people overlook the section asking for the amount of time the vehicle has been on the property. Providing this information is crucial, as it establishes context for the tow. If left blank, it may raise questions about whether the tow was justified or necessary.

Lastly, signing the form is a step that some forget. The authorization requires the signature of either a law enforcement officer or the private property owner/agent. Without a signature, the tow may not be considered valid, and the vehicle owner may have grounds to contest the tow.

The Tow Authorization form is an important document when it comes to towing vehicles from private property. However, it’s often accompanied by a variety of other forms and documents that serve different purposes. Below is a list of common documents that may be used alongside the Tow Authorization form.

• Incident Report: This form provides a detailed account of the circumstances surrounding the towing incident. It often includes information about the vehicle's condition and any relevant events leading up to the tow.
• Vehicle Condition Report: This document outlines the condition of the vehicle at the time of the tow. It typically notes any pre-existing damage, helping to avoid disputes over liability for further damage during the towing process.
• Owner Notification Letter: After a vehicle has been towed, the property owner may send this letter to inform the vehicle owner of the tow. It usually includes details about the towing company's contact information and reclaiming procedures.
• Storage Agreement: If a towing company stores the vehicle, this agreement outlines the terms of storage, including fees, duration, and conditions for retrieval.
• Payment Receipt: This document serves as proof of payment for towing and any associated storage fees. It is crucial for record-keeping and potential disputes.
• Release of Liability Form: This form protects the towing company and property owner from any future claims related to the towing process. It confirms that the vehicle owner acknowledges the conditions under which the vehicle was towed.
• Towing Company License: A copy of the towing company’s license may be requested to verify that the company is authorized to tow vehicles in the jurisdiction.
• Police Report: In cases where law enforcement was involved in the towing incident, the police report serves as an official account of what occurred. It can provide valuable context and help resolve disputes.
• Property Owner’s Affidavit: This form may be used to formally declare that the property owner consents to the towing of vehicles from their property. It may also detail the reasons and circumstances behind such decisions.

Having these documents on hand will ensure that everyone involved is informed and that the towing process runs smoothly. It can help in resolving disputes and maintaining clear communication between all parties.

• Authorization to Tow Form: This document serves a similar purpose by providing permission to a towing company to remove a vehicle from a specific location. It includes details such as the vehicle's make, model, and reason for towing.
• Vehicle Impoundment Notice: This notice formally informs vehicle owners that their car has been impounded. Like the Tow Authorization form, it documents the reasons for impoundment and provides vehicle details.
• Property Owner's Affidavit: This affidavit supports the authority of property owners to authorize towing from their premises. It confirms their ownership rights similar to how the Tow Authorization form does.
• Incident Report Form: Used by law enforcement, an incident report is created for specific events involving vehicles. It contains details that can also be found in the Tow Authorization form, like vehicle identification and incident reasons.
• Parking Violation Citation: Issued for unauthorized parking, this citation documents the offense leading to towing. It parallels the Tow Authorization form in detailing the context of the vehicle's removal.
• Lease or Rental Agreement: These agreements often include clauses regarding vehicle towing for violations. They establish the authority of property owners akin to the towing authorization.
• Pawnbroker's Tow Authorization: When a vehicle is towed due to a pawn situation, this document authorizes the tow, highlighting details similar to those in the Tow Authorization.
• Abandoned Vehicle Report: This report documents the condition and location of a vehicle deemed abandoned, detailing reasons for removal, echoing elements found in the Tow Authorization.
• Notice of Vehicle Seizure: Issued by authorities for vehicles seized under legal proceedings. It serves as a formal record, similar to the Tow Authorization, by detailing vehicle specifics.
• Request for Vehicle Release: This document is submitted to reclaim a towed vehicle after fees are paid. Both forms include vehicle and owner information, underscoring the nature of the tow.

When filling out the Tow Authorization form, keep the following do's and don'ts in mind:

• Do provide accurate information for the towing company’s name and telephone number.
• Do specify the exact location from where the vehicle will be towed.
• Do clearly state the reason for the tow, such as abandonment or illegal parking.
• Do include the amount of time the vehicle has been on private property.
• Do ensure that the authorizing person’s name is printed legibly, along with their signature.
• Don't leave fields blank; fill in all relevant sections completely.
• Don't forget to include vehicle details such as make, model, color, and VIN.
• Don't ignore any instructions regarding specific rules or regulations related to abandoned vehicles.
• Don't rush through the form; take your time to review for errors.
• Don't sign the form unless all information is accurate and complete.

Misconceptions about the Tow Authorization form often lead to confusion. Here are some common misunderstandings explained:

• The form is only for abandoned vehicles. This is not true. The Tow Authorization form can be used for various reasons, including illegally parked vehicles, not just those deemed abandoned.
• You need a police officer's signature to authorize a tow. Incorrect. The form can be signed by the property owner or their agent. A law enforcement officer is not required for every tow.
• The towing company must contact the owner before towing. This varies by state law. In many cases, if the vehicle is on private property, the owner may not need to be contacted before the tow.
• Once the form is filled out, the vehicle can be towed immediately. Not necessarily. There may be local laws or regulations that require a waiting period or notification. It's essential to know these rules.
• The tow company must store the vehicle for free. This is a common myth. The towing company can charge fees for towing and storage, and these costs are typically the responsibility of the vehicle owner.
• A verbal agreement is as good as the form. This is misleading. Written authorization via the Tow Authorization form is necessary. Verbal agreements may not hold up in disputes.
• Only law enforcement can handle towing from private property. This misconception is incorrect. Property owners or their agents have the right to authorize towing without police involvement, provided they follow specific legal protocols.
• All vehicles towed under this form must be taken to the police impound lot. Not true. The vehicle can be taken to any location designated by the tow company, as long as it follows state laws.
• If my vehicle is towed, I can immediately retrieve it without paying. This is usually not an option. Vehicle owners generally need to pay for towing and any related storage fees before retrieving their vehicle.

Filling out and using the Tow Authorization form is an important process. Here are key takeaways to consider:

1. Complete all sections: Ensure every part of the form is filled out completely. Missing information can delay the towing process.
2. Authorize a towing company: Clearly specify the name and phone number of the company you are authorizing to perform the tow.
3. Document the vehicle's reason for towing: Provide a thorough explanation for the tow, whether it is due to abandonment or illegal parking.
4. Indicate the duration of the vehicle's presence: State how long the vehicle has been on your property. This can be crucial for legal reasons.
5. Provide identifying details of the vehicle: Fill in the vehicle's year, make, model, color, VIN number, license plate number, and state accurately.
6. Incorporate proper signatures: The form must bear signatures from the authorizing property owner or their agent. Without this, the tow may not be legally valid.
7. Be aware of local regulations: Familiarize yourself with relevant laws such as NMPRC Rule 18.3.12.14 and NMSA 1978, §66-1-4.1, particularly if the vehicle is abandoned.
8. Note any vehicle damage: If there is existing damage to the vehicle, it should be documented on the form to avoid disputes after the tow.
9. Keep a copy for your records: After completing the form, retain a copy for your own records. This can be useful for future reference or disputes.

By following these takeaways, you can ensure a smoother towing process and protect your rights as a property owner.