towing defenseUnited States · Washington, DCDifficulty: Medium
DC DPW Tow - Improper Tow Procedure / 18 DCMR §2422
DC DPW tows under 18 DCMR §2422 must follow strict procedures: lawful basis (boot for 48+ hours, scofflaw with 2+ NOIs, hazardous parking, snow emergency), proper notice to owner within 24 hours, accurate fee assessment under DC Code §50-2421.04. Improper tows justify fee refund and damages.
Legal basis
DC Code §50-2421.01 to §50-2421.10 (towing and impoundment); 18 DCMR §2422; §50-2453
Sample appeal wording
[DATE] DC DMV Adjudication Services CC: DC DPW Director RE: Demand for Refund of Tow Fee - Vehicle [PLATE] My vehicle was towed on [DATE] from [LOCATION]. The tow violated DC Code §50-2421 et seq. I demand refund of $[AMOUNT] paid in tow and storage fees. Violations: 1. No lawful basis: DPW claimed [REASON]. The basis was invalid because [tickets paid/dismissed / boot not in place 48+ hours / no snow emergency declared / vehicle not parked hazardously]. 2. Notice failure: I was not notified within 24 hours; I located my vehicle by calling DC DPW Tow Lot at [TIME on DATE]. 3. Excessive fees: Charged $[ACTUAL] vs. statutory cap of $[CAP] under §50-2421.04. Demand: 1. Refund of $[AMOUNT] within 30 days 2. Reversal of any storage fees 3. Written confirmation of tow record expungement Failure will result in District Court action. Sincerely, [NAME]
Replace [PARKING DATE], [NtK DATE] etc. with your own dates before sending.
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- DC Code §50-2421.01 to §50-2421.10
- 18 DCMR §2422
- DC Code §50-2453