AboutRichard Expertise Professional towing and recovery operator for 29 Plus years, dealing with light to heavy duty towing operations... Nationally certified by various agencies - associations..
I know that many people do not understand vehicle towing when ordered by Law Enforcement or from Private Property Parking lots, which I will try to help with. BUT, I am not versed in RV TOWING ISSUES, or actual law cases or proposed cases...
Experience I have 29+ years of towing experience dealing with everything from Light duty ( cars and pickups ) to tractor trailer rigs, motor homes and buses.. Motor clubs to police calls, lockouts to jumpstarts and tows. I have experienced alot of fun times doing my job. Some have been good experiences and some of have been heart wrenching experiences.
Organizations Been affiliated with TRAA(towing and recovery association of america), Oregon Tow Truck Association, Washington Tow Truck Association, Wyoming Tow Truck Association , and Alabama Tow Truck Association
Publications Tow Times Magazine
American Towman
STA Phantom Towing News
Towing and Recovery Phootnotes
Education/Credentials TRAA Heavy duty Trained operator 1987
TRAA Management Classes 1986
Wreckmaster training programs (since 1992)
Several other training programs (to many to list )
Expert: Richard Date: 7/14/2008 Subject: Contesting towing charges/tickets in Portland, OR
Question I got towed last night in downtown Portland, OR, by the city. Signage was there, but confusing (2 different signs that said 2 different things, and I unfortunately looked at the wrong one). I was given a ticket along with being charged for the tow, and on the back of the receipt for the tow charge, it said I could request a hearing to dispute the charges. My case is essentially this: the sign that said the area was off limits after 11pm was low and out of sight behind parked cars; additionally, the *other* sign, which said the meters only charged until 7pm, was directly in my line of sight when I parked, so that was the one I looked at. I'm not trying to "pull a fast one," I just genuinely feel like I got a bad deal when I thought I was in a valid spot. So, do you know what my chances are (roughly), if I petition for the hearing and try to argue it? I don't want to potentially lose time off work for nothing, but I'm willing to fight if it I have somewhat of a chance of getting some of my $230 back.
thanks!
Answer Well to be honest the chances are 50 - 50 that you would win..
The hearings that are done (at least the ones I used to go to when I lived and worked in Portland) where fair and a lot of people did get some of it back.. But remember that the signs were posted and that will be a key...
As to towing off the streets the City does have rules and such for sign posting and all that but if it is on parking meters and such there are only so much that can be posted on them before they become a problem. There is not a lot of room for signs to begin with.
I would at least call the hearings office and talk to them, after all they might be able to kind of guide you though it and maybe tell you the chances of winning.
