What to Do If Your Car Is Towed from Private Property in London, Ontario

Getting back to your car only to find an empty parking spot is a gut-wrenching feeling. Your first thought is likely, "Was it stolen?" but in many cases across London, Ontario, the vehicle has been towed due to a private property parking violation. Whether you were visiting a friend in Masonville, grabbing a coffee in Byron, or parked at a plaza in White Oaks, understanding the rules around private property towing can save you hours of stress.

In this guide, we’ll walk through the local bylaws, what your rights are, and how to retrieve your vehicle as quickly as possible.

PAA: What are my rights if my car is towed in Ontario?

In Ontario, and specifically under London's local bylaws, towing companies and property owners must follow strict rules when removing a vehicle from private property. You have the right to:

1. Clear Signage: Property owners must have clearly visible signs stating that unauthorized vehicles will be towed at the owner's expense. If there was no sign, the tow may be considered unauthorized.
2. Information: The towing company must provide you with an itemized invoice and inform you where your vehicle is being stored.
3. Access to Personal Property: You generally have the right to retrieve personal belongings (like your wallet, house keys, or medicine) from your vehicle even before you pay the towing and storage fees.
4. Payment Options: Towing companies in London are required to accept multiple forms of payment, including credit and debit cards—not just cash.

If you believe your car was towed unfairly, keep all your receipts and take photos of the area where you were parked, specifically noting any missing or obscured signage.

PAA: Can a towing company tow from private property in London, Ontario?

Yes, they can, but only if they have been authorized by the property owner or a representative (like a security guard or property manager). In London, this is often seen in high-traffic areas like Hyde Park or the busy corridors near Westmount Mall.

The process usually involves:

• The property owner identifying an unauthorized vehicle (someone parked in a tenant-only spot, blocking a fire route, or staying past business hours).
• The owner calling a contracted towing service.
• The towing company recording the vehicle details and removing it to a secure storage lot.

It’s important to note that towing companies cannot just "scout" private lots for cars to tow on their own whim; they must be acting on the request of the property owner.

PAA: How do I find out where my car was towed in London, Ontario?

If you suspect your car was towed from private property, follow these steps:

1. Check for Signs: Look around the immediate area of the parking lot for signs. These signs almost always list the name and phone number of the towing company that patrols the lot.
2. Call the London Police Non-Emergency Line: Towing companies are required to report private property tows to the local police. This prevents the police from launching a stolen vehicle investigation unnecessarily. Call (519) 661-5670 to see if your vehicle has been logged in their system.
3. Contact Local Storage Yards: If you can't find a sign, you may need to call the major towing storage yards in the city. Most are located in the industrial areas or near the 401 and Highbury area.

Common Towing Hotspots in London

Certain areas in London are more prone to private property towing due to limited parking and high demand.

• Downtown London: With limited street parking, private lots near Richmond Row are strictly monitored.
• University Areas: Areas near Western University and the residential streets in North London often have strict "Permit Only" parking.
• Shopping Centres: While places like Masonville or White Oaks Mall have massive lots, parking overnight or in designated fire routes will result in a quick tow.
• Hospital Zones: Parking in "Patient Only" or "Emergency" zones near Victoria or University Hospital is a guaranteed way to get towed.

How to Get Your Car Back Fast

Once you’ve located your vehicle, you’ll want to move quickly to avoid accumulating daily storage fees.

1. Bring Identification: You will need to prove you are the owner of the vehicle. Bring your driver’s license and, if possible, your registration or insurance papers (though these are often in the glovebox).
2. Check the Hours: Storage yards don't always operate 24/7 for vehicle releases. Call ahead to ensure someone is there to process your paperwork.
3. Inspect Your Vehicle: Before driving off the lot, do a quick walk-around. Check for any damage to the bumper or undercarriage that may have occurred during the tow.

Preventing Future Tows

The best way to deal with private property towing is to avoid it entirely.

• Read the Signs: Never assume a lot is "free" just because it's after business hours.
• Use Public Parking: In areas like Lambeth or Byron, look for municipal "Green P" lots if you aren't sure about a private spot.
• Don't Block Routes: Even on private property, blocking a fire hydrant or a "No Parking" zone is an invitation for a tow truck.

Need a Reliable Tow? Choose EMS Towing

While we’ve discussed being towed away, there are many times when you want to call a tow truck yourself. If your car won't start in your driveway in South London, or you've had a breakdown on Highway 401 or Highway 402, you need a team that treats you like a neighbour.

At EMS Towing, we provide professional, damage-free towing and roadside assistance across London and the surrounding areas. Whether you need a battery boost, a lockout service, or highway recovery, we are here 24/7.

We also serve our neighbours in St. Thomas and Woodstock. Have more questions? Check out our FAQ page.

Locked out or broken down? Call EMS Towing at (226) 476-4176 for fast, friendly service.