How to Impound an Auto in Ohio

In Ohio, private impound lots are regulated by the Public Utilities Commission.

When you impound an automobile you are asking authorities to confiscate the car for a specific reason. Most cars are confiscated because they parked on private property and the owner of the property will ask to have the car removed. A car also can be impounded by police if the owner has outstanding tickets or the owner was driving while under suspension. In Ohio, tow trucks are regulated by the Ohio Public Utilities Commission (PUCO). While PUCO regulates the activities of commercial impound lots, there are a few restrictions in Ohio regarding a private citizen requesting an impound.

Instructions

1. Determine if you have sufficient cause to have a car impounded. If you are the owner of the car you can have your car impounded for any reason but you will be responsible for all fees. Make sure if you are using a private tow service they are registered with PUCO and are properly licensed.

2. Familiarize yourself with the local Ohio laws for business owners and for providing notice of tow. The laws in Ohio cities for businesses who wish to have cars towed from their establishments differ but the common factor is notice. In Cleveland, a business owner must place visible signage stating under what conditions a car can be towed, and the name and contact information of the tow provider if it is a private company.

3. Call a tow truck or the local police if you are the owner of a residential property and you seek to have a car removed. Law enforcement agencies in Ohio generally only order an impound if the automobile owner has no reasonable explanation for the car to remain. A landlord can have a tenant's car removed but depending on the circumstance could be financial liable. If the tenant's car is not working and is considered abandoned then the landlord can have it removed. If the car is working and the tenant has a reasonable expectation of his right to park on the property, then you as a landlord, can be held liable if you have the car removed.

References

• Ohio Public Utilities Commission: Tow Truck Regulations
• City of Cleveland Traffic Code: Chapter 405 --- Impounding