Under what condition can tow companies hold vehicles until payment is received?

Tow companies can hold vehicles until payment is received under specific conditions which are outlined by Arizona law. It is generally required that either law enforcement directs the tow or there is an agreement in place between the vehicle owner and the tow company.

When law enforcement directs the tow, they may have specific legal reasons for doing so, such as investigations or public safety. In this scenario, the tow company is acting on behalf of law enforcement and has the authority to hold the vehicle until the payment is made.

Simultaneously, if there is an agreement between the vehicle owner and the tow company, this provides another valid scenario where the tow company can retain possession of the vehicle until payment is rendered. This would typically occur when a vehicle owner is made aware of the terms of service, including payment requirements, at the time the vehicle is towed.

Both of these conditions are legal justifications under which a tow company can hold onto a vehicle, thereby validating the understanding that either the direction of law enforcement or a contractual agreement helps establish the legal basis for holding the vehicle for payment.