Can they tow my wrongly parked car?
Yes: a wrongly parked vehicle can be removed. The police or municipal guard can order a car towed, among other cases, when it stands in a prohibited place and obstructs traffic, blocks an entrance, stands in a disabled bay, on a crossing or where it endangers safety. The vehicle goes to a guarded car park. Fees are charged for removal and for each day of storage, set by the county council within the maximum rates announced annually by the Minister of Finance — and from 2026 the rates rose. You recover the car after paying the fees and showing documents (registration, licence, proof of ownership). The justification of removal and the fee amount can be appealed.
📋 The rules
- Removal risk for wrong parking obstructing traffic
- The vehicle goes to a guarded car park
- Fees for removal and for each day of storage
- Rates set by the county within maxima (MF) — higher from 2026
- Recovery after payment and showing documents
🔓 Exceptions
- Unjustified removal: the fee and the towing can be contested
- A disabled person's vehicle: special circumstances are sometimes considered
- An order to refrain from removal if the driver returns before loading
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Towing means a double cost: a fee for the removal itself and for storage at the guarded car park, charged for each started day — the later you collect the car, the more it costs. On top usually comes a fine for the parking offence itself. Failing to collect the vehicle in time can lead to its forfeiture to the county. To limit costs and trouble: park by the rules, heed the signs and bans, and if the car has vanished from its spot — check with the police/municipal guard whether it was towed, and collect it as soon as possible. If you think the removal was unjustified, keep the documentation and file an appeal.
📎 Official sources
- ISAP · Road Traffic Act (art. 130a) →
- Ministry of Finance · Maximum vehicle-removal fees →
- County / municipal guard · Vehicle removal →
❓ Frequently asked
When can a car be towed?
When it's parked wrongly and obstructs traffic or endangers safety — e.g. blocks an entrance, stands on a pedestrian crossing, in a disabled bay or in a no-parking place with a sign allowing removal. The decision is made by the police or municipal guard.
How much does recovering a towed car cost?
The cost is a fee for removing the vehicle plus a fee for each day of storage at the guarded car park. The specific amounts are set by the county council within the maximum rates announced annually by the Minister of Finance. From 2026 the rates rose and vary by region.
Where does a towed car go?
To a designated guarded car park. If your car has disappeared from its parking spot, first make sure it wasn't towed — you'll get the information from the police or municipal guard. There you'll learn which car park holds the vehicle and how to collect it.
What do I need to collect the car?
Usually an ID document, the registration document and driving licence, plus a document confirming your right to the vehicle, and proof of paying the removal and storage fees. The detailed requirements are set by the entity running the guarded car park.
Can I appeal against the towing?
Yes. If you think the removal was unjustified or the fee inflated, you can contest the justification of towing and the fee amount. It's worth keeping documentation (photos of the spot, signs) and filing an appeal. Failing to collect the car in time, however, risks its forfeiture.
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