Car Towed Near ASU? Student Guide to Getting Your Vehicle Back

# Car Towed Near ASU? Student Guide to Getting Your Vehicle Back

Finding out your car has been towed near ASU's Tempe campus is one of the most stressful experiences a student can face. You are already dealing with classes, work, and a tight budget — and now you need to figure out where your car is, how much it will cost to get it back, and how to get there without a car.

Take a deep breath. This guide walks you through the exact steps to retrieve your vehicle, explains your rights under Arizona law, breaks down the costs, and helps you avoid getting towed again in the future.

Step 1: Figure Out Where Your Car Is

Your car was either towed by a private property towing company (from an apartment complex, shopping center, or other private lot) or by the City of Tempe or ASU. The retrieval process differs depending on who towed you.

Was It Towed from Private Property?

If your car was parked at an apartment complex, shopping center, restaurant parking lot, church lot, or any other privately owned property near campus, it was towed by a private property impound (PPI) company. Here is how to find it:

Check the signage. Go back to where your car was parked and look for the towing company's sign. Under ARS 9-499.05, every private property with towing enforcement must have signs posted at each vehicle entrance with the towing company's name, phone number, and storage facility address.

Call Axle Towing. If your vehicle was towed by Axle Towing & Impound, you can:

• Use our online vehicle lookup tool at axletowing.com/locate-vehicle
• Call (480) 288-5526 (24/7)
• Email info@axletowing.com

Other common PPI companies in the Tempe/ASU area:

• Kwik Tow: (623) 444-1020
• Arizona Impound: (480) 497-5498
• All City Towing: (602) 254-5434

Was It Towed from ASU Campus?

If your car was parked on ASU campus property without a valid permit or in violation of ASU parking rules:

• ASU Parking and Transit Services: (480) 965-6406
• Location: Rural Road and Apache Boulevard (Tempe campus)
• ASU uses its own contracted towing company. Check with ASU Parking and Transit first.

Was It Towed from a City of Tempe Street?

If your car was parked on a public street and towed by the City of Tempe or Tempe Police Department:

• Tempe Police Non-Emergency: (480) 350-8311
• Tempe impound lot: Contact Tempe PD for the specific contracted facility

Step 2: Know Your Costs

Getting towed from private property near ASU typically costs between $275 and $450 total, depending on how quickly you retrieve your vehicle. Here is the breakdown:

Total if you pick up within 24 hours (during business hours): $225 - $325 Total if you pick up after 3 days: $325 - $450+

Money-saving tip: Pick up your vehicle as quickly as possible. Storage fees of $25-$35 per day add up fast. Every day you wait costs you more money.

Payment Methods

Most towing companies accept:

• Cash
• Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard)
• Debit cards
• Some accept personal checks (verify with the specific company)

What you need to bring:

1. 1Valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID, passport)
2. 2Proof of vehicle ownership (current registration, title, or insurance card showing you as the insured)
3. 3Payment

If you are not the registered owner (for example, the car is in your parent's name), you will typically need the registered owner to provide written authorization or be present. Some companies accept a notarized letter of authorization. Call ahead to confirm requirements.

Step 3: Retrieve Your Vehicle

If Your Car Was Towed by Axle Towing

You can retrieve your vehicle at either of our two yards:

Phoenix Yard (closest to ASU Tempe campus):

• Address: 320 E. Pioneer St., Phoenix, AZ 85040
• Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• After-hours release: Available by appointment (gate fee applies)
• From ASU Tempe: approximately 15-20 minutes via I-10 West to 40th St. South

Apache Junction Yard:

• Address: 1151 W. Apache Trail, Apache Junction, AZ 85120
• Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• After-hours release: Available by appointment (gate fee applies)
• From ASU Tempe: approximately 30-40 minutes via US-60 East

Getting to the Impound Lot Without a Car

This is one of the most frustrating parts. Here are your options:

Pro tip: If money is tight, ask a friend or roommate to drive you. It is the fastest and cheapest option. If you use rideshare, splitting the cost with a friend who comes along makes it more affordable.

Step 4: Know Your Rights Under Arizona Law

Arizona law protects vehicle owners even when their car has been legally towed. Here are your rights under ARS 28-3511:

Right to Personal Belongings

You have the right to retrieve personal belongings from your vehicle during the storage facility's regular business hours, even if you cannot afford to pay the towing fees yet. The towing company cannot deny you access to your personal items. This includes textbooks, laptops, medications, and any other personal property inside the vehicle.

Right to Reasonable Fees

Towing and storage fees must be "reasonable" under Arizona law. While the statute does not define a specific maximum, fees must be consistent with industry standards for the Phoenix metro area. If you believe fees are unreasonable, you can file a complaint with the Arizona Department of Weights and Measures.

Right to Fee Breakdown

You are entitled to an itemized breakdown of all charges. The towing company must explain exactly what each fee covers — tow fee, daily storage, gate fee, administrative fee, etc.

Right to Payment Options

The towing company must accept multiple forms of payment — they cannot require cash only.

Right to Dispute

If you believe your vehicle was towed illegally — for example, if there was no compliant signage posted, if you were parked legally, or if the tow was not authorized by the property owner — you have the right to dispute. Options include:

• Contact the towing company directly and request a review
• File a complaint with the Arizona Department of Weights and Measures: (602) 542-4977
• File a complaint with the Arizona Attorney General's consumer protection division
• Pursue a claim in small claims court (up to $3,500 in Arizona)

Important: If you believe the tow was illegal, photograph the location where your car was parked (including any signage or lack of signage) before you leave the area. This evidence is critical for any dispute.

Common Places Near ASU Where Cars Get Towed

Apartment Complex Parking Lots

This is the number one towing scenario for ASU students. You visit a friend at their apartment, park in a space you think is available, and come back to an empty spot. Most apartment complexes near ASU enforce parking strictly because:

• Spaces are assigned to tenants who pay for them
• Non-resident parking takes spots from paying tenants
• Complexes have contracts with towing companies for enforcement

Hot zones: Apartment communities along Apache Boulevard, Rural Road, University Drive, Mill Avenue, Dorsey Lane, and Priest Drive.

Shopping Center and Restaurant Lots

Many ASU students park at nearby shopping centers or restaurant lots and walk to campus to avoid parking fees. Property owners know this and enforce aggressively:

• Tempe Marketplace (near ASU Research Park) — Active enforcement
• University Plaza and strip malls along Apache Blvd — Customer-only enforcement
• Mill Avenue District restaurants and bars — Enforce during business hours

Church and Community Lots

Some churches near ASU offer parking during services but enforce towing during the week. Do not assume an empty church lot is available for all-day parking.

Street Parking Violations

The City of Tempe enforces street parking aggressively near campus:

• 2-hour zones — Most residential streets near campus have 2-hour parking limits during certain hours
• Permit parking zones — Some streets require Tempe residential parking permits
• No parking zones — Construction zones, street sweeping days, event days

How to Avoid Getting Towed Near ASU

On Campus

• Buy an ASU parking permit if you drive regularly. Yes, it is expensive ($350-$800/semester), but it is cheaper than getting towed twice.
• Use Park-and-Ride — ASU offers park-and-ride lots with shuttle service at a fraction of the cost of a campus permit
• Use the Orbit shuttle — Free circulator buses connect to campus from surrounding neighborhoods
• Pay for metered parking — Meters near campus typically cost $1-$3/hour. Cheaper than a tow.

Off Campus (Private Lots)

• Never park in an apartment complex lot unless you are a guest of a resident — and even then, use designated visitor parking
• Read the signs — Before parking anywhere near campus, look for towing signage. Under ARS 9-499.05, signs must be posted at vehicle entrances.
• Do not assume empty lots are free — An empty lot during class hours may belong to a business that opens later
• Ask permission — If you are unsure, ask the property manager or business owner before parking

General Tips

• Take a photo of your parking spot every time you park in an unfamiliar area. If you are towed, you will have evidence of where you parked and what signage (or lack of signage) was present.
• Set phone reminders for metered parking and 2-hour zone limits
• Consider alternatives to driving — Valley Metro light rail, bus routes 66 (along Apache), and the free Orbit shuttles cover most areas near campus

ASU Parking Alternatives and Costs

The math is clear: A single tow costs as much as 4-7 months of public transit passes. Two tows cost more than an ASU parking permit for the entire semester.

Comparison: Towing Companies Operating Near ASU Tempe

If your car was towed from private property near ASU, here is how the major companies compare:

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my apartment complex tow my car if I am a current tenant?

Yes, if your car is in violation of the apartment's parking rules — for example, if you are parked in someone else's assigned space, in a fire lane, or without a valid parking permit. Being a tenant does not exempt you from parking rules. However, if you believe the tow was improper (you were in your assigned space with a valid permit), contact your apartment management immediately and then contact the towing company to dispute.

How long do I have to pick up my car before it gets auctioned?

Under Arizona law, a towing company must hold a vehicle for a minimum of 10 days after notification before initiating lien or auction proceedings. After proper notice and the waiting period, the vehicle may be sold at auction to recover unpaid towing and storage fees. If you cannot afford to retrieve your vehicle immediately, contact the towing company to discuss your options — many companies will work with you on payment arrangements rather than proceeding to auction.

Can I get reimbursed if the tow was illegal?

If the tow violated ARS 9-499.05 — for example, if there was no signage posted, the signage was non-compliant, or the tow was not authorized by the property owner — you may be entitled to reimbursement of all fees paid. Document everything (photographs of the location, signage, your parking spot) and file a complaint with the Arizona Department of Weights and Measures at (602) 542-4977. You can also pursue a claim in small claims court for amounts up to $3,500.

My car was towed during Move-In Week — is there extra enforcement?

Yes. Move-in week (typically the week before fall and spring semesters begin) is peak towing season near ASU. Apartment complexes, shopping centers, and private lots increase enforcement because unauthorized parking surges as students and families load and unload vehicles. Be especially careful during move-in week: park only in authorized spaces, use designated loading zones, and move your vehicle as soon as unloading is complete.

Can ASU tow my car from an off-campus private lot?

No. ASU can only enforce parking on ASU-owned property. Off-campus private lots are enforced by the property owner's contracted towing company under ARS 9-499.05. If you were towed from a private lot near ASU, the towing company — not ASU — is responsible.

Need Help? Contact Us

If your vehicle was towed by Axle Towing & Impound:

• Find your vehicle: axletowing.com/locate-vehicle
• Phone (24/7): (480) 288-5526
• Email: info@axletowing.com
• Phoenix Yard: 320 E. Pioneer St., Phoenix, AZ 85040
• Apache Junction Yard: 1151 W. Apache Trail, Apache Junction, AZ 85120

If you are a property manager near ASU looking for parking enforcement, we offer free property assessments and zero-cost towing. Request a quote.

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Axle Towing & Impound provides private property towing services across the Phoenix metro area, including Tempe and the ASU campus area. Learn more about your rights when your car is towed in Arizona, how to retrieve an impounded vehicle, or what to do when your car is towed in Phoenix.