Monday May 04, 2026
Can a condo/HOA tow a resident’s car?
Potentially, yes, if the vehicle is parked in violation of valid parking rules and the tow complies with Maryland HOA laws.When Maryland parking lot towing laws apply
Maryland’s statewide parking lot towing law applies to a privately owned parking facility with 3 or more spaces that is accessible to the general public and intended primarily for customers, clientele, residents, lessees, or guests (Md. Code, Transp. § 21-10A-01).Can a condo/HOA tow a vehicle from a parking lot without warning?
Sometimes. Maryland law does not require a blanket pre-tow warning for every HOA or condo tow, but local laws may. The only blanket requirement for advance notice placed on the vehicle is if the only violation is “failure to display a valid current registration.” In those cases, the vehicle generally cannot be towed until 72 hours after a notice of violation is placed on it (Md. Code, Transp. §§ 21-10A-01, 21-10A-04).Guest parking
HOAs or condos may be able to tow vehicles from guest parking if:- The guest parking area is part of an HOA/condo-controlled parking lot covered by Maryland’s towing statute.
- The vehicle is unauthorized or parked in violation of clearly adopted guest-parking rules.
Failure to display a valid current registration
Maryland says a vehicle may not be towed from a parking lot solely for failure to display a valid current registration until 72 hours after a notice of violation is placed on the vehicle (Md. Code, Transp. § 21-10A-04).Signage requirements for parking lot tow-aways
Before a vehicle is towed from a parking lot, Maryland requires conspicuous signs:- Signs must be at least 24 inches high by 30 inches wide and clearly visible to drivers entering or parking in the lot (Md. Code, Transp. § 21-10A-02(b)(1)-(2)).
- Signs must say where the vehicle will be towed, the towing company’s name, that state law requires the vehicle to be available for reclamation at least from 6 a.m. to midnight, 7 days a week, the maximum towing charge, and a phone number to arrange reclamation (Md. Code, Transp. § 21-10A-02(b)(3)-(6)).
- Most parking lots need at least 1 sign for every 7,500 square feet of parking space (Md. Code, Transp. § 21-10A-02(c)).
Abandoned vehicles
A vehicle can count as an “abandoned vehicle” if it remains on private property for more than 48 hours without the consent of the owner or person in control of the property, and a police department may take an abandoned vehicle into custody (Md. Code, Transp. §§ 25-201, 25-203, 25-204).Local towing laws in Maryland
Maryland’s towing statute specifically says that local authorities may adopt local laws or regulations that are more stringent on parking, towing, removal, or impounding. That means HOA/condo boards should check county or city rules in addition to state law (Md. Code, Transp. § 21-10A-01).Owner notification
The tower must notify the owner, insurer of record, and any secured party within 7 days, excluding days the towing business is closed, after the vehicle is towed or removed (Md. Code, Transp. § 21-10A-04).Towing authority
Before towing or removing the vehicle, the tower must have authorization from the parking lot owner. That authorization must include the name of the person authorizing the tow, a statement that the tow is at the owner’s request, and photographic evidence of the violation or event that led to the tow (Md. Code, Transp. § 21-10A-04).Tips for board members
A few practical steps can help board members manage parking more smoothly and reduce common issues:- Keep parking rules simple and visible: Residents and guests are more likely to follow parking rules when they are easy to find and easy to understand. Clear signs and straightforward community rules can prevent confusion before it starts.
- Communicate parking expectations often: Remind residents about guest parking, permit requirements, and other common rules through emails, newsletters, or community portals. Regular communication can help minimize HOA complaints.
- Work with a reliable towing company: A towing vendor should understand your community’s rules, respond professionally, and keep good documentation.
- Review problem areas regularly: If certain spaces or rules lead to repeated issues, it may be worth revising the policy with help from qualified legal counsel.
- Focus on preventing problems: The best towing policy is one that helps reduce the need for towing in the first place. Effective community communication and consistent enforcement can make parking easier for everyone and prevent unenforceable rules.
Does an HOA or condo need its own towing policy?
A written towing policy is one of the best ways for an HOA/condo to apply parking rules consistently and reduce disputes. It can help the board clarify who may authorize a tow, what violations qualify, what documentation is required, and how the association will coordinate with its towing vendor.That is not a specific Maryland statutory requirement, but it is a strong risk-management practice alongside compliance with the towing statute (Md. Code, Transp. §§ 21-10A-01, 21-10A-04).
About FirstService Residential
As North America’s leading property management company, FirstService Residential serves Maryland communities with local expertise backed by national resources. Our teams support board members with running meetings, recordkeeping, financial management, banking and insurance programs, resident communication, and 24/7 customer care teams. This way, board members can focus on long-term goals instead of day-to-day administration.With over 25 years of experience across the state, we help HOAs, condo associations, high-rises, and master-planned communities operate smoothly and meet their goals with confidence.
To learn how we can support your association, contact our Maryland team today.
This information is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute, and should not be relied upon as, legal, regulatory, financial, or operational advice, or as a representation or guarantee of any specific services, capabilities, or outcomes. Property management needs, regulatory requirements, market conditions, and available services vary by jurisdiction, property type, and community. FirstService Residential provides services through locally based affiliates and associates, and services and results may vary by community, region, contractual terms, and applicable law.