towing defenseUnited States · Maryland (Statewide)Difficulty: Medium
Predatory Tow from Private Property - Md. Transp. §21-10A-04
Md. Code, Transp. §21-10A-04 governs towing from private property without owner consent. Requires conspicuous signage at every entrance with: (i) tow company name, (ii) 24-hour phone, (iii) maximum charge, (iv) location of impound lot. Tow operators violating signage rules forfeit fees and may owe damages under §21-10A-08.
Legal basis
Md. Code, Transp. §21-10A-01 through §21-10A-09; Md. Code, Com. Law §13-301 (Consumer Protection)
Sample appeal wording
[DATE] [Tow Company] CC: Maryland Office of the Attorney General Consumer Protection Division Via Certified Mail RE: Demand for Refund - Improper Tow Vehicle [PLATE] I demand refund of $[AMOUNT] for the non-consensual tow of my vehicle on [DATE]. The tow violated Md. Code, Transp. §21-10A-04. Violations: 1. §21-10A-04(b) Signage: Photographs of each lot entrance (Exhibits A-D) show the required signage [absent / lacks the maximum charge / lacks 24-hour phone / not at every entrance / smaller than required]. 2. §21-10A-04(c) Fee Cap: Charged $[ACTUAL] vs. statutory/posted $[CAP]. 3. §21-10A-04(d) Lot Location: Vehicle was towed to [LOT] more than [DISTANCE] miles from the original location, exceeding the local cap. 4. Md. Code, Com. Law §13-301: This conduct is a deceptive practice; I am entitled to actual damages, attorney's fees, and treble damages under the Consumer Protection Act. Demand: $[AMOUNT] within 30 days. Failure will result in suit and CPA complaint. Sincerely, [NAME]
Replace [PARKING DATE], [NtK DATE] etc. with your own dates before sending.
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- Md. Code, Transp. §21-10A-01 to §21-10A-09
- Md. Code, Com. Law §13-301 et seq.