Lola Paul says she was “confused and frustrated” after her car was towed despite multiple open spaces nearby.
GREENSBORO, N.C. — A Greensboro woman was left stunned after her car was towed from her apartment complex over what she describes as a minor parking issue — a single tire barely over the line, with dozens of empty spots around.
Lola Paul said she routinely finds open parking at her complex and didn’t think twice when she pulled in one evening and parked.
“You can always just drive right in, no sweat,” Paul said.
But the next morning, her car was gone.
“I was sure my car was stolen,” Paul recalled. “I was about to call the cops.”
Instead, she learned her car had been towed for what the tow company deemed “double parking.” Paul was charged $300 to retrieve her vehicle.
“I was really confused,” she said. “I was not blocking anyone. You know, I think most of us understand double parking, but this is what got my car towed.”
After several calls to the towing company and the property management, Paul contacted WFMY News 2 for help. Our Call For Action Team reached out to the tow company and the apartment management company.
Pictures taken by the tow truck driver show Paul’s car barely over the white line with several empty spots nearby.
The management company eventually agreed that the towing was a bit excessive and decided to reimburse Paul for the tow fee.
“$300 is a lot for me. I am so grateful,” she said. “Thanks for what you’ve done.”
Understanding Predatory Towing Practices in North Carolina
Predatory towing refers to the practice of towing vehicles without proper authorization or under questionable circumstances, often resulting in excessive fees for vehicle owners. In North Carolina, several legislative efforts have been introduced to address these issues.
In February 2025, lawmakers filed House Bill 199, aiming to regulate the towing industry by establishing a Towing and Recovery Commission. This commission would have the authority to set maximum fees for towing services, issue permits to towing businesses, and create a database for consumer complaints. The bill also mandates clear signage indicating towing policies and prohibits towing of occupied vehicles without proper notice.
Additionally, House Bill 1024 seeks to limit towing distances to 25 miles, require towing companies to accept multiple forms of payment, and ensure vehicles are available for retrieval within 24 hours. It also aims to standardize operating hours and provide a platform for consumers to file complaints.
These legislative efforts are in response to widespread concerns about unregulated towing practices in cities like Charlotte, where investigations have uncovered connections between towing companies and criminal activities such as car chases, drug trafficking, and interstate theft.
Know Your Rights
If you believe your vehicle was towed unfairly in North Carolina:
Request a written receipt detailing the reason for the tow and all associated fees.
Contact the North Carolina Department of Transportation to verify the towing company’s license and insurance status.
File a complaint with the North Carolina Attorney General’s Office if you suspect predatory towing practices.
Understanding your rights and staying informed about local towing regulations can help protect you from unfair towing practices.
