Private Lot Tow — Illinois Towing Disclosure (625 ILCS 5/18a)
Illinois Vehicle Code Article 18a (625 ILCS 5/18a-100 et seq., the Commercial Relocator Vehicle Towing Law) regulates private property tows. Required: (1) signs posted at every entrance and at intervals throughout the lot stating ownership, conditions, tow consequences, name and 24-hour phone of tow operator, and storage location; (2) all signs at least 18 inches by 24 inches; (3) maximum towing rate set by Illinois Commerce Commission; (4) 24-hour vehicle release. Failure to comply with §18a-300 sign requirements means the tow was unlawful and you can recover charges + attorney's fees + damages.
Legal basis
625 ILCS 5/18a-100 - 5/18a-700; 92 Ill. Adm. Code 1710 (ICC towing rules)
Sample appeal wording
TO: [TOW COMPANY NAME] / Illinois Commerce Commission — Transportation Bureau RE: Unlawful Tow — Vehicle [PLATE], VIN [VIN], Tow Date [DATE] The tow of my vehicle from [PRIVATE LOT ADDRESS] on [DATE] was unlawful under 625 ILCS 5/18a-300. The lot did NOT comply with statutory signage requirements: [CHOOSE] - No signs at one or more entrances. - Signs smaller than the statutory 18" x 24" minimum. - Signs failed to display tow company name and 24-hour phone. - Signs failed to disclose conditions for towing. - Signs failed to disclose vehicle storage location. I demand: (1) full refund of all tow, storage, and gate fees; (2) my attorney's fees and damages under §18a-705. A complaint will be filed with the Illinois Commerce Commission Transportation Bureau if not resolved within 14 days. Evidence: (1) photographs of (non-)signage; (2) tow receipt; (3) statute citation. Signed, [FULL_NAME] Date: [DATE]
Replace [PARKING DATE], [NtK DATE] etc. with your own dates before sending.
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- 625 ILCS 5/18a-100 - 5/18a-700
- 92 Ill. Adm. Code 1710
- Illinois Commerce Commission