City of Battlefield

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Towing Vehicles

General

• Only tow vehicles when necessary - try to legally release, call owner, etc.
• You can not tow a vehicle to punish someone - i.e. an extra charge for a DWI
• Custody tows are any tow when an officer takes charge of or has become responsible for the vehicle (not able to contact owner)
  • For custody tows complete the Authorization to Tow state form and make a written report

Arrests

• When possible release to a passenger, call someone, leave it legally parked, etc.
  • Get permission from owner/operator to release vehicle to a particular person (don't you make the decision)
  • Do not drive the vehicle, let a DWI park it, let an unlicensed driver drive, etc.
  • To leave parked on private property, if possible get permission from person in control of property and document - could leave note on car, but warn driver you can not give permission
  • Before releasing a vehicle identify the person and have the person sign a Property Form
    • Note items of value on form
• After a driver is removed from the scene or the vehicle is towed away, your vehicle stop search exception to a warrant is gone also

Non Moving Violations on Street/Right of Way

• When towing for a nonmoving violation write a ticket for the violation
  • 215.020.3 - Abandoned Vehicle Obstructing Traffic
    • "under such circumstances as to obstruct normal movement of traffic where there is no reasonable indication that the person in control of the property is arranging for its immediate control or removal"
  • 215.020.2 - Abandoned Vehicle on Right of Way (more than 48 hours after sticker)
  • Leave the violator's copy with the wrecker driver to go with the vehicle

Non Moving Violations on Private Property

• You can only tow immediately if the vehicle is a safety hazard or unreasonably interferes with the use of the real property
• Otherwise, properly tag it with a sticker and mark it – can tow after 48 hours
• Before towing have the owner/person in control of the property sign a ticket with you
  • Get that person's full name, DOB, etc. Attach appropriate copy of ticket to the tow sheet and give to wrecker driver
  • The violation is Municipal Ordinance 215.020 – Abandoned Motor Vehicle on Private Property.

Collision Scenes

• For incapacitated drivers - use a custody tow
• Driver/owner can not be located - use a custody tow
• Assist in calling any wrecker the driver/owner wants
• Request next wrecker for undecided driver/owner

Documentation

• Officer will complete an Authorization to Tow form for custody tows
• Complete a written report
• If vehicle is not claimed in 10 days Records will send the original Authorization to Tow form to the Department of Revenue (per instructions on DOR form 4569)