Introduction
Whether for safety, legal reasons, or personal inconvenience, car towing is a common practice when a vehicle is parked illegally or has been involved in an incident. Contrary to popular belief, booting your car or attempting to impede its removal through other methods does not effectively prevent it from being towed. In this article, we explore the limitations of booting and other methods to understand why these tactics often fall short and what truly matters in preventing towing.
Reasons Booting Does Not Prevent Towing
The act of booting a car by placing a block or barrier in front of the wheels, although a common DIY solution, does not prevent towing by professional towing services or law enforcement. Here are the reasons why booting is ineffective:
Technology Overcomes Traditional Barriers
Modern towing equipment such as flatbed wrecker trucks and wheel lifts have advanced capabilities. Specialized tools like go-jacks, sand, dish soap, skates, or tire lift removes can allow even a boot-blocked vehicle to be easily moved. These tools enable the towing process to bypass the simple barriers often used by homeowners or individuals trying to prevent towing.
Professional Towing Procedures
Professional towing companies use standardized removal processes. This means that even if a car is partially blocked, they have the tools and techniques to overcome these barriers. Experts use tilt bed tow trucks, wheel lifts, and dollies to swiftly remove the car from the obstruction. Furthermore, they ensure that the car is secure and damages are minimized during the towing process.
Legal and Regulatory Framework
The decision to tow a vehicle is often not influenced by the presence of a boot or other obstructions. Property managers, security personnel, or law enforcement may still opt to tow a vehicle if it is parked illegally, obstructs traffic, or poses a safety hazard. In such cases, towing is a necessary deterrent and a legal action, unaffected by obstructions placed by the owner.
Consequences of Booting Your Car
Booting a car not only fails to prevent towing but can also unintentionally create additional problems:
Credit for Towing
Despite booting, the cost of towing and storage still applies. Parking regulations and impound fees must be addressed, and towing companies are entitled to charges regardless of the presence of a boot or any other method of obstruction.
Increased Risk of Damage
Booting a vehicle intended for towing can actually increase the risk of damage. When a car is towed, it must roll freely to allow the tow truck driver to maneuver the vehicle onto the tow truck. A boot can impede this process, leading the tow truck to apply unnecessary pressure or damage the vehicle during removal.
Alternative Methods for Prevention
To effectively prevent your car from being towed, consider the following alternatives:
Follow Parking Regulations
The simplest and most effective method is to park in designated spots or follow local parking regulations. This ensures that your vehicle is in compliance with the law, minimizing the risk of towing.
Install Deterrent Systems
Modern vehicle security systems like Lo-Jack and remote alarm systems can deter potential thieves and unauthorized access. These systems alert authorities if the car is tampered with, reducing the likelihood of towing for theft.
Physical Barriers and Alarms
While booting does not prevent towing, physical barriers and alarm systems can serve as effective deterrents. These can make it more difficult for unauthorized individuals to access or move the vehicle, providing an additional layer of security.
Conclusion
Booting your car or attempting to obstruct its removal using other methods is a misguided approach to preventing towing. Professional towing services and law enforcement have the tools and techniques to overcome these barriers, and towing still proceeds as planned. Instead, focus on following parking regulations, installing secure vehicle systems, and taking steps that truly prevent towing.