Unauthorized, illegally parked vehicles on your property are more than an inconvenience—they can block tenants, disrupt business operations, and create real liability concerns. The good news? Indiana law gives property owners clear authority to act.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know: your legal rights under Indiana law, how to document a violation, what Central Indiana rules apply, and how to stop unauthorized parking from happening again.
Your Legal Rights as a Property Owner in Indiana
As a private property owner in Indiana, you have the right to have unauthorized vehicles removed. Under Indiana Code (IC 24-14-4), commercial property owners can establish tow-away zones and authorize towing without the vehicle owner’s consent. For residential private property, IC 9-13-2-1 defines a vehicle as abandoned if it has remained on your property without your consent for more than 48 hours—giving you grounds to initiate removal.
The key distinction to understand: commercial private property and non-commercial residential property are treated somewhat differently under Indiana law. Commercial owners have broader authority to set up designated tow-away zones with posted signage and a pre-arranged towing company. Residential owners typically rely on the abandoned vehicle statutes and must involve local authorities or DBNS (in Indianapolis/Marion County) to initiate removal.
How to Identify and Document an Illegally Parked Vehicle
Before you make a call, proper documentation protects you from potential disputes. Here’s what to record:
- Date and time the vehicle was first observed on your property
- Photographs of the vehicle from multiple angles, including the license plate
- Written notes describing the vehicle (make, model, color, and any identifying details)
- Confirmation that the vehicle does not belong to a tenant, visitor, or authorized party
If the vehicle has been present for more than 48 hours without your consent, this documentation supports a formal abandoned vehicle claim. Keep records organized—they may be needed if the vehicle owner disputes the tow.
Central Indiana Towing Rules You Need to Know
Indiana law sets the baseline, but local ordinances add important layers—especially in Indianapolis and Marion County.
State Law (Indiana Code Title 24, Article 14)
Under IC 24-14-4-2, commercial property owners who establish a tow-away zone must post a conspicuous, publicly visible sign that includes:
- A statement that the area is a tow-away zone
- Pertinent contact information
- A description of who is permitted to park there, if applicable
Once a vehicle is towed, the towing company must notify the local law enforcement agency within two hours of completing the tow, if required by that agency. The towed vehicle must be transported to a storage facility within 40 miles of the tow location.
Indianapolis & Marion County (Chapter 995)
The City of Indianapolis goes further through its Department of Business and Neighborhood Services (DBNS), which regulates non-consensual tows under Chapter 995 of the municipal code. Here’s what that means for property owners and towing companies operating in Indianapolis:
- Permanent signage with specific towing details must be posted in the parking lot
- Every non-consensual tow requires a written authorization form completed by the property owner or their authorized agent
- The vehicle must be taken to a tow yard in Marion County or within 15 miles of where it was towed
- The vehicle must be available for retrieval within 60 minutes of the tow beginning, with 24-hour access
- The maximum tow fee is $150, plus up to $30/day for storage after the first 24 hours
- Towing companies must hold a valid Towing License issued by DBNS
For abandoned vehicles on private property in Indianapolis, you can report the issue through the Mayor’s Action Center (MAC) or RequestIndy. You’ll also need to submit an affidavit to DBNS at bns.propertyinspections@indy.gov to initiate the process.
Note: If your property is located in an excluded city—Lawrence, Beech Grove, Speedway, or Southport—contact that city directly for local towing ordinances, as DBNS jurisdiction does not extend there.
Contacting a Towing Service for Removal
Once you’ve documented the violation and confirmed the relevant rules apply, it’s time to contact a licensed towing company.
For commercial property owners, you can call a pre-authorized towing company directly, provided your tow-away zone signage is properly posted and the tow complies with state and local requirements. You can also outsource property management towing for around-the-clock security.
For residential property owners in Indianapolis, the process involves reporting through DBNS, who will then engage Last Chance Wrecker (LCW)—the city’s authorized provider—to tag the vehicle and begin the 72-hour notification process before towing.
When working with any towing company, confirm that they:
- Hold a valid towing license for your jurisdiction
- Provide itemized invoices (required under IC 24-14-5)
- Follow proper notification procedures to local law enforcement
- Store vehicles within the legally required distance
For fast, compliant removal—any time of day—our 24-hour property management towing service covers Central Indiana at affordable rates. Call us now for rapid response and professional service.
How to Prevent Future Unauthorized Parking
Dealing with one unauthorized vehicle is a frustration. Dealing with the same problem repeatedly is a drain on time and resources. A few proactive steps go a long way.
- Post clear signage. Under Indiana law, proper tow-away zone signs are not just a legal requirement—they are a deterrent. Make signs highly visible, especially near entrances and throughout the lot.
- Mark authorized spaces. Numbered spots, permits, or parking stickers help identify who belongs and who doesn’t. This makes enforcement faster and disputes easier to resolve.
- Install security cameras. Visible cameras discourage unauthorized parking and provide documentation if a dispute arises.
- Establish a towing agreement. Having a standing agreement with a licensed towing company means faster response times and no scrambling when a problem vehicle appears.
- Notify tenants or employees. Regular reminders about parking policies—especially for apartment complexes or shared commercial spaces—reduce confusion and unintentional violations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is responsible for paying towing fees?
The vehicle owner is responsible for all towing and storage fees. Under Indiana law, fees must be itemized and the vehicle owner must be notified. In Indianapolis, maximum non-consensual tow fees are set by ordinance: no more than $150 for the tow and $30/day for storage after the first 24 hours.
Can I be held liable if the vehicle is damaged during towing?
Towing companies are required by Indiana law to properly secure towed vehicles and take reasonable steps to prevent damage. If damage occurs due to negligence by the towing company, liability typically falls on them—not the property owner. Using a licensed, reputable towing company reduces this risk significantly.
What if the vehicle owner disputes the tow?
In Indianapolis, vehicle owners can request an administrative review through DBNS by submitting an Abandoned Vehicle Tow Dispute Form. As a property owner, your documentation—photos, timestamps, affidavits—serves as your evidence that proper procedures were followed.
Can I tow a car immediately, or do I have to wait?
It depends on the situation. On commercial property with posted tow-away zone signage, towing can be initiated promptly. For residential private property, Indiana’s abandoned vehicle statute requires the vehicle to have been on your property without consent for more than 48 hours before it qualifies as abandoned. Exceptions exist for vehicles that pose a hazard or obstruct access.
Do I need to involve law enforcement?
Not always. For commercial property tows, you typically work directly with a licensed towing company. However, the towing company may be required to notify local law enforcement within two hours of completing the tow. For abandoned vehicles in Indianapolis, DBNS manages the process and coordinates with authorized towing providers.
Protect Your Property with Reliable Towing Support
Unauthorized parking doesn’t resolve itself. Knowing your rights, following the correct procedures, and working with a licensed towing company gives you a clear, legally sound path to reclaiming your property.
Need fast, professional help? Our 24-hour property management towing service operates throughout Central Indiana with affordable rates and quick response times. Don’t wait for the problem to grow—contact us today.
Related Post: Property Management Towing: A Guide to Handling Unauthorized Vehicles