There’s a car parked in front of your house. It’s been there for days. You don’t recognize it, you have no idea who it belongs to, and it’s getting in the way of your life. So the obvious question: can you just call a tow truck and have it removed?
The short answer is: it depends. Whether you can legally have a car towed from in front of your house comes down to where the car is parked, how long it’s been there, and whether it’s violating any specific laws. Get it wrong and you could face legal liability for an unauthorized tow. Get it right and the car is gone – legally and permanently.
Here’s the clear breakdown for Maryland homeowners.
Public Street vs. Private Property: The First Question to Answer
Before anything else, you need to determine whether the car is parked on a public street or your private property. These are completely different situations with completely different rules.
If the car is on a public street: The street belongs to the city or county, not you. Any legally parked vehicle has the right to be there, regardless of whether it’s in front of your home. You cannot unilaterally call a tow truck and have it removed just because it bothers you – that’s an unauthorized tow and can expose you to legal liability.
If the car is on your private property: This is your driveway, your yard, or any property you own. An unauthorized vehicle on your private property is trespassing. You generally have the right to have it removed by a licensed towing company, though Maryland law has specific requirements for how this is done.
Most residential streets in Maryland are public. If you’re on a typical neighborhood street, you’re almost certainly dealing with a public road situation.
When Can You Have a Car Towed from a Public Street?
You cannot call a tow company and authorize the removal of a car from a public street on your own authority. Only law enforcement can authorize a tow from a public street – but there are circumstances where police will act, and you can report the vehicle to prompt that response.
The Car Is Blocking Your Driveway
This is the most clear-cut situation. If the vehicle is blocking your driveway and preventing you from getting in or out, that’s illegal in Maryland and throughout the country. Call your local non-emergency police line, report the obstruction, and they will issue a ticket and authorize a tow. You don’t need to wait – a blocked driveway is an immediate violation.
The Car Has Been There for 72+ Hours Without Moving
Under Maryland law and local ordinances throughout Montgomery County and Frederick County, a vehicle parked in one spot on a public street without moving for 72 or more hours can be reported as potentially abandoned. This doesn’t mean you can call a tow truck directly – you need to contact local police or your county’s abandoned vehicle hotline to report it. If law enforcement determines the vehicle is abandoned, they will issue a warning notice and arrange for the tow through official channels.
Note: Some Maryland municipalities have stricter timelines. Berwyn Heights, for example, has a 72-hour rule specifically for non-residents. Check with your local police department for the specific rule in your jurisdiction.
The Car Is Parked Illegally
If the vehicle is in a no-parking zone, blocking a fire hydrant, in a bus stop, or violating any other posted parking restriction, you can call police to report it. Officers can ticket and tow the vehicle without your involvement in authorizing the tow.
The Car Appears Abandoned or Suspicious
Signs that a car may qualify as abandoned: flat tires, expired registration tags, broken windows, stripped parts, or significant visible deterioration. Report these details to your local police non-emergency line. If the vehicle is determined to be abandoned, law enforcement will handle the tow authorization.
When You Cannot Have the Car Towed
If a car is legally parked on a public street, in a legal parking zone, and hasn’t been there for the required time period – you simply cannot have it towed. The street is public property. Legally parked vehicles have the right to be there, regardless of proximity to your home.
Calling a towing company and asking them to remove a legally parked car from a public street would constitute an unauthorized tow. This can create serious legal problems for you – and reputable towing companies won’t do it. Any tow company willing to remove a car from a public street without police authorization is operating outside the law.
If the Car Is on Your Private Property
A vehicle on your driveway, your yard, or any property you own without your permission is a different matter. You have more authority here – but Maryland still has rules about how private property tows must be conducted.
For residential private property, you can contact a licensed towing company to remove an unauthorized vehicle. However:
- You must be the property owner or authorized representative
- The tow company must be licensed and authorized to conduct trespass tows in your county
- The tow company must notify police within 1 hour of the tow
- The vehicle owner must be able to reclaim the vehicle 24/7 from the storage facility
- Storage facilities must be within 12 miles of where the vehicle was towed from (in many counties)
Montgomery County and Frederick County each have specific registered trespass tow companies. When calling a towing company for a private property removal, confirm they are licensed and registered to conduct trespass tows in your specific county. If you’re unsure what the process looks like end-to-end, our guide on what happens when your car gets towed walks through how the process works from both sides.
Step-by-Step: What to Do About a Car Parked in Front of Your House
Step 1: Identify Where It’s Parked
Public street = you’ll need police involvement for any tow. Private property = you have more direct options.
Step 2: Determine If It’s Violating a Law
Check for: driveway blockage, posted no-parking signs, fire hydrant clearance, expired tags, obvious abandonment. If any of these apply, document it with photos.
Step 3: Note the Details
Write down the make, model, color, and license plate number. This information will be required when you contact police or file a report.
Step 4: Try to Contact the Owner (If Safe)
If you recognize the car as belonging to a neighbor or know who might have parked it, a simple note on the windshield is often the fastest resolution. This doesn’t apply if the vehicle appears abandoned or you have safety concerns.
Step 5: Call the Police Non-Emergency Line
For Montgomery County: (301) 279-8000. For Frederick County: (301) 600-2071. Report the situation with the details you’ve documented. If the vehicle is blocking your driveway, this becomes an emergency situation and you can call 911.
Step 6: Follow Up on an Abandoned Vehicle Report
If you’ve reported a potentially abandoned vehicle, police may tag it with a notice window (typically 72 hours) before authorizing removal. Keep an eye on whether the notice is acknowledged or the car moves.
What Happens After a Police-Authorized Tow?
When police authorize the tow of a vehicle from a public street – whether for abandonment, illegal parking, or driveway obstruction – they will contact an authorized towing company from their rotation list. You don’t get to choose which company responds to a police call.
The vehicle owner will be notified through official channels and will need to pay the tow and storage fees to reclaim their vehicle. In Maryland, these fees are regulated by county – tow companies cannot charge whatever they want. This regulation protects vehicle owners from excessive fees, but it also means the process happens through official channels.
If you’re ever in the reverse situation – your own vehicle gets towed from a public street – you have rights under Maryland law. Towing companies can be held liable for damage caused during the tow, and you have the right to itemized billing and a storage facility accessible 24/7.
How Much Does It Cost to Have a Car Towed?
If you’re in a situation where you legitimately need a tow – for your own vehicle, or you’re the authorized property owner directing a licensed company to remove an unauthorized vehicle from your private property – costs vary based on distance, vehicle type, and county fee schedules.
In Maryland, county governments set maximum rates for tow fees. For a complete picture of what affects how much towing costs in Maryland, our pricing guide breaks down the factors. For a private property tow in Montgomery or Frederick County, always confirm the company is licensed for trespass towing and ask for their rate sheet upfront.
How to Spot a Potentially Stolen or Suspicious Vehicle
Not every unfamiliar car parked in front of your house is just an inconsiderate neighbor. Sometimes a vehicle warrants closer attention. Watch for:
- No license plates or a plate that doesn’t match the vehicle type
- Visible damage consistent with a break-in (smashed windows, popped door locks)
- Expired registration stickers (more than a couple months out of date)
- Occupants who appear to be watching nearby properties or sitting for extended periods
- The same vehicle appearing repeatedly at unusual hours
If you suspect a vehicle may be stolen, call the police non-emergency line – don’t approach the car yourself. Provide the make, model, color, license plate, and your exact address. If you believe there’s active criminal activity in progress, call 911. Understanding common towing scams is also worthwhile – predatory towers sometimes cruise neighborhoods looking for opportunities to tow vehicles without proper authorization, which is something to watch for if a tow truck appears uninvited.
Protecting Yourself Going Forward
If parking in front of your property is a recurring problem, there are proactive steps you can take:
- Document consistently. If the same vehicle keeps appearing, photograph it with timestamps each time. This documentation supports an abandoned vehicle report.
- Contact your HOA if you live in a community with one. HOAs often have parking enforcement authority and can act faster than waiting for municipal response.
- Request a residential parking permit zone. Some Maryland jurisdictions allow neighborhoods to establish resident-only parking zones. Contact your county council representative to explore this option.
- Install security cameras. Even basic outdoor cameras create a visible deterrent and provide documentation if you need to report activity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I call a tow truck to remove a car parked in front of my house?
Only if the car is on your private property. If it’s on a public street, you cannot authorize a tow yourself. You’ll need to contact police and have them authorize the removal based on a parking violation or abandoned vehicle status.
How long can a car be parked in front of my house in Maryland?
On public streets in most Maryland jurisdictions, a vehicle can be reported as potentially abandoned after 72 hours without moving. However, a car parked for less than 72 hours that isn’t violating any parking laws cannot be towed, regardless of how long it’s been there.
What if a car is blocking my driveway?
Call your local non-emergency police line immediately. Blocking a driveway is a parking violation in Maryland, and police can authorize an immediate tow. If you cannot get in or out and need emergency access, call 911.
Who pays for the tow when an abandoned vehicle is removed?
The vehicle owner pays the tow and storage fees to reclaim their vehicle. You are not responsible for those costs as the reporting party. If the vehicle is never claimed, disposal is handled through official channels.
Can a towing company tow a car off a public street if I ask them to?
A legitimate, licensed towing company will not remove a car from a public street without police authorization. If a company agrees to do so, they are operating outside the law and you could face liability. Only call towing companies for private property tows or when you already have police authorization.
What’s the non-emergency number for reporting a parking problem in Montgomery County?
Montgomery County Police non-emergency: (301) 279-8000. For Frederick County: (301) 600-2071. Always use the non-emergency line unless someone’s safety is at risk or your driveway is actively blocked and you need immediate access.
Can I have a car towed from my own driveway without calling police?
Yes – for private property, you as the property owner can contact a licensed trespass tow company to remove an unauthorized vehicle from your driveway or yard. The tow company is then legally required to notify police within 1 hour of completing the tow.
What if the car looks abandoned but still has plates?
Having plates doesn’t disqualify a vehicle from being considered abandoned. If the car has been in the same spot for 72+ hours and shows signs of deterioration – flat tires, visible damage, debris accumulation – report it to police with those details. They will investigate and make the determination.
Need Help With a Legitimate Tow in Maryland?
If you have a vehicle that needs to be towed legally – your own car, a breakdown, or an authorized private property removal – Geyers Towing has served Montgomery County and Frederick County since 1993. Our WRECKMASTER certified operators handle everything from standard tows to complex vehicle recoveries, 24/7/365.
We work directly with Montgomery County and Frederick County law enforcement, which means when police authorize a tow in our service area, we’re often the company they call. Our computer-dispatched, GPS-tracked fleet means fast response times and full accountability on every job.
Call (301) 540-1600 for immediate dispatch, or use our contact form for non-emergency towing and transport quotes.
