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WaltC (Missouri)
Posts: 7
Posted:
Seeking guidance on placing a "boot" on a vehicle's tire that is improperly parked instead of towing the vehicle? Vehicles parked in in guest parking spaces must display a parking tag on the rear view mirror. Security patrol tows vehicles without parking tags displayed. The act of dragging a vehicle out of the parking spot is causing damage to the asphalt. As an alternative, having security place a boot on the tire and a sticker on the drivers side window has been proposed. Instead of having the violator pay the tow company and potential asphalt damage, the violator will pay the association to have the boot removed. Concerns from fellow Board members primarily focused on liability.
SheliaH (Indiana)
Posts: 6,964
Posted:
Putting boots on vehicles is more of a law enforcement issue, so don't do it. At the very least, talk to local law enforcement about your options - and if you want to go this route, you'll need to discuss it with your association master insurance because someone may be honked off enough to sue if their car gets damaged from the boot (yes, there are people who will try to drive the car anyway - I've seen it happen and it's not pretty).

Do these security people work for the association? If so, it doesn't sound like they know what they're doing with the towing or they need to invest in better equipment. Have you discussed the problem with them and find the best way to get these vehicles out without a lot of damage? If not, maybe it's time for you to consider another company who can do this It may be time to consider another company who can do this - or your board should take a closer look at the asphalt. It may be time for you to have it repaved.

As long as the car is being towed, I would think the driver would have to pay for that anyway, so if you can show his/her car caused the damage (e.g. a muffler that nearly came off damaged the pavement), you may be able to tack that onto the towing fees.

If it is not right do not do it; if it is not true do not say it. Marcus Aurelius
TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,062
Posted:
Booting, vs. towing, may have to be within your CC&Rs as a punitive measure.
Some states require that a boot be put in place by a contracted towing company. CHECK FIRST.

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