Finding an abandoned vehicle on your private property is frustrating. Whether you own an apartment complex, manage a commercial property, or have an HOA community, you did not ask for this problem and you should not have to pay to fix it. The good news: Arizona law is firmly on the side of property owners when it comes to removing abandoned vehicles.
Your Rights Under Arizona Law
Arizona Revised Statutes give private property owners clear authority to remove vehicles from their property. Under ARS 28-3511, you can authorize a licensed towing company to remove any unauthorized vehicle from your property, provided proper signage is posted. Under ARS 28-4141 through 28-4145, the abandoned vehicle process covers situations where vehicles appear to have been intentionally deserted on your property.
What Counts as Private Property?
For the purposes of Arizona towing law, private property includes apartment complexes and their parking areas, HOA common areas and community streets, commercial parking lots and garages, retail center parking areas, office building parking, industrial property, church and religious facility parking, medical facility parking, and any other property not owned by a government entity.
Signage: The One Thing You Must Have
Before you can legally have vehicles towed from your private property, you must post compliant signage at every vehicle entrance. Under ARS 9-499.05, signs must display the towing company name, phone number, and impound yard address. Signs must be clearly visible and legible. Without proper signage, your towing authorization may not hold up if challenged.
Your Right to Zero-Cost Removal
Under Arizona's private property impound (PPI) model, the vehicle owner pays all towing and storage fees when they retrieve their vehicle. Property owners are never responsible for these costs. This means removing an abandoned vehicle from your property costs you absolutely nothing.
When You Cannot Just Tow It
While Arizona law gives property owners broad towing authority, there are a few situations where you need to be more careful. Vehicles belonging to current tenants with valid lease agreements may require written notice before towing, depending on your lease terms. Vehicles that appear to have someone living in them require coordination with law enforcement. Vehicles on city-owned streets adjacent to your property are not on your private property and must be reported to the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I tow a vehicle from my private property without calling the police?
Yes. On private property, you do not need police authorization to have a vehicle towed. Your towing company handles the required law enforcement notification after the tow. The exception is if you suspect the vehicle is stolen — then call police first.
What if the vehicle owner threatens to sue me?
Arizona law protects property owners who follow proper procedures. If you have compliant signage, use a licensed towing company, and enforce rules consistently, your liability exposure is minimal. Keep documentation of the signage, the vehicle condition, and the tow authorization.
Do I need a written towing agreement?
Yes, you should have a written towing authorization agreement with your towing company. This document establishes the legal relationship and protects both parties. Axle Towing provides this as part of our standard setup.
Need Help?
Axle Towing & Impound provides free abandoned vehicle removal for property owners across the Phoenix metro area. Call us today.