Towed Illegally? I'm not sure, but they didn't have any signs.

[Maximus18]

Meanwhile in Ohio...
Okay so I park my car in the Wright State University Parking Lot, I go to my classes and I come back, car gone. After 30 minutes of looking around, I figure out that my car did in fact get towed. Initially this seemed fair, because admittedly I had this homemade parking permit hanging from my window and evidently they didn't buy it. But I thought about, and did some research. Apparently, in Ohio there is a law (#4513.601) which states that the owner of private property (such as a college parking lot) can set up a private tow-away zone, but to do so they must have "a sign, that is at least eighteen inches by twenty-four inches in size, that is visible from all entrances to the property". That sign has to inform the public that this is a tow-away zone, describe who is allowed to park there, and provide information on where the cars are being taken, among other things. Sure enough, none of the university parking lot entrances have any proper signage or warning that this is a tow-away zone. On top of that, I never received a personal warning via a ticket or a note or even a stern talking to. So in the end, I broke a rule with the parking pass deal, but they have broken a law! I feel like I have a case here. Do I? Or have I over-analyzed this?

 

[quincy]

Is this a student lot, open to permit holders only?

 

[Maximus18]

I believe so, there is a sign that says "Student/Staff Permit Parking". Although it's not very official looking, not that that matters.
Thank you for replying!

 

[quincy]

I believe so, there is a sign that says "Student/Staff Permit Parking". Although it's not very official looking, not that that matters.
Thank you for replying!

When applying for the permit, the parking (and towing) rules are outlined.

 

[quincy]

Here is a link to Wright State University's Parking Policy. See Section 7410.6, Violations and Fines, and Section 7410.7, Towing a Vehicle.

https://policy.wright.edu/policy/7410-parking

I am afraid you will not have success fighting the tow fee or fine. Sorry.

 

[Maximus18]

Thanks a ton, I looked through their Parking Policy, and sure enough they explain that they will tow in that area. But simply posting that in an online policy is enough? Even with the Ohio Law that says signs are necessary? It's possible that I'm misinterpreting the law here, but I've got nothing to lose but time now. So if there's even a small opportunity here, I'd like to pursue it.

 

[quincy]

Thanks a ton, I looked through their Parking Policy, and sure enough they explain that they will tow in that area. But simply posting that in an online policy is enough? Even with the Ohio Law that says signs are necessary? It's possible that I'm misinterpreting the law here, but I've got nothing to lose but time now. So if there's even a small opportunity here, I'd like to pursue it.

Posting the policy and agreeing to the terms of the policy in order to be approved for a parking permit is sufficient, yes.

The lots are restricted to permit holders who have agreed to the policy terms. For other drivers, there is a sign telling them that the lots are reserved for permit holders. If they do not have a permit, they know they are not allowed to park in the lot. No other signage is needed

You can pursue this if you want to but,
as for nothing to lose, you potentially can be referred to the Office of Student Affairs.

It probably would have been better if you just ignored the "permit parking only" sign and parked in the lot without a permit. You still would have been towed but you would not have possible school disciplinary action taken against you for forging a permit. That is a more serious offense.

Good luck.

 

[adjusterjack]

there is a sign that says "Student/Staff Permit Parking".

And you admit to having a fake permit.

I think you are done.

 

[quincy]

And you admit to having a fake permit.

I think you are done.

Right. The fake permit is more the problem.

 

[Maximus18]

Fair enough. When I made the phony permit, I figured they'd give me a ticket. Once that happened I would have parked somewhere else. I wasn't expecting to get towed! Not that I didn't deserve it. I guess I'm the bad guy this time. Oh well, thanks a ton!

 

[quincy]

You're welcome, Maximus. We appreciate the thanks.

If Wright is like most universities, there is probably a dearth of parking spaces. I imagine students and others park in the "permit only" lots with some frequency. I also imagine not everyone will be unlucky enough to be towed.

I recommend you pay the tow fee and the fine - and hope that nothing is done about the fake permit.

Good luck.

 

[RJR]

Maximus, better hope they don't charge you with forgery or criminal simulation.

 

[quincy]

Maximus, better hope they don't charge you with forgery or criminal simulation.

The fake permit is more serious than parking in a lot without a permit - but I doubt any criminal charge will result. A greater concern would be the school deciding to take disciplinary action against him.

 

[HRZ]

There may be two separate issues here..

1. The university is free to lower the boom on students who make fake parking permits subject to its own administrative rules . ( it's a bit of an art form at my local college ...and about 100% violation rate for local parking permits ....but hey, colleges are sanctuary places for a lot of activities .? )

2. University staff and tow operators must comply with state law as to tows ...and absent a law exempting universities from the law cited by OP....somebody at University needs to be on frying pan for failure to comply with signage requirements ...note a tow absent signage may be a misdemeanor ?
PS if you expect to graduate on time I'd suggest you not start a war on this point !

 

[quincy]

Here is a link to Ohio's Administrative Code 3352-7-01:

http://codes.ohio.gov/oac/3352-7-01v1

The fake parking permit alone allows under Ohio law for a vehicle to be towed if in a Wright State University parking permit only lot. The University has not violated any law with the towing of the vehicle.