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What can I do if my expired BMW was towed in Philadelphia?

What can I do if my expired BMW was towed in Philadelphia?

Full question:

My BMW was taken from outside my house. The registration was expired. I go to my car everyday. The cops said that the towing company wants me to pay to get my car back but I don't have the money. They will trash my car in 15 days. What can I do? I live in Philadelphia. I am a veteran of the us navy.

Category: Automobiles
Date: 04/07/2025
State: Pennsylvania

Answer:

If you can't afford to pay the towing fees, you might consider selling your car and including the towing charges in the sale price.

According to Pennsylvania law (75 Pa.C.S.A. § 6309.2), if a vehicle is towed due to expired registration, the owner must provide proof of valid registration and financial responsibility to retrieve it. If you don't reclaim your vehicle within 24 hours of immobilization, it will be towed and stored. In Philadelphia, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for 15 days, it may be sold as an unclaimed vehicle (75 Pa.C.S.A. § 6310).

To recover your vehicle, you need to pay all associated towing and storage fees. If you can't pay upfront, you may be able to arrange a payment plan with the appropriate judicial authority.

For assistance, consider reaching out to local veterans' organizations or legal aid services that may offer support for veterans in financial distress.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

Can your car be towed for expired insurance?

Yes, your car can be towed for having expired insurance. In Pennsylvania, driving a vehicle without valid insurance is illegal. If law enforcement discovers that your vehicle is uninsured, they may tow it. Additionally, towing companies often follow local regulations that allow them to remove vehicles that do not meet legal requirements, including insurance. Always ensure your vehicle has current insurance to avoid towing and legal penalties. *Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.*

How do cops see expired registration?

Police officers can check for expired registration through their patrol car's computer system. This system is linked to state databases that provide real-time information on vehicle registrations. When an officer runs a license plate, they can see if the registration is current or expired. Additionally, officers may visually inspect license plates, as expired tags are often easily identifiable. Always keep your vehicle registration up to date to avoid potential towing and fines. *Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.*

Does an expired registration go on your record?

An expired registration itself typically does not go on your driving record. However, if you are pulled over for driving a vehicle with expired registration, you may receive a citation. This citation can appear on your driving record and may affect your insurance rates. To avoid complications, it’s best to renew your registration before it expires and comply with state laws. *Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.*

Can your apartment tow your car for expired registration?

Yes, an apartment complex can tow your car for expired registration if it is stated in the lease agreement or community rules. Many complexes have policies to maintain safety and aesthetics, allowing them to remove vehicles that do not comply with legal requirements, including registration. If your vehicle is towed, you may need to pay towing fees to retrieve it. Always check your lease for specific towing policies to avoid this situation. *Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.*

Why do apartment complexes tow expired tags?

Apartment complexes tow vehicles with expired tags to ensure compliance with local laws and maintain the overall appearance of the property. Expired tags may indicate that a vehicle is not in use or abandoned, which can create safety and parking issues for residents. Towing helps to keep the parking area organized and free of non-compliant vehicles. Residents should be aware of their lease agreements regarding vehicle registration to avoid towing. *Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.*