Las Vegas, NV asked in Gov & Administrative Law and Municipal Law for Arizona

Q: Are towing company allowed to enter vehicle without consent in Arizona?

Towing company towed my car over night and my wallet was in there . Long story short he personally told me he went on my car and went in my wallet to take a picture of my id.

1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered
  • Municipal Law Lawyer
  • Sacramento, CA

A: In Arizona, towing companies are generally not allowed to enter your vehicle without your consent. Their primary responsibility is to tow the vehicle, and they should not be searching or accessing the contents inside without a legitimate reason and proper authorization. Entering your vehicle and going through your personal belongings, such as your wallet, without your permission is a serious concern.

Since the towing company employee admitted to accessing your wallet and taking a picture of your ID, this could be a violation of your privacy rights. You should report this incident to the towing company's management and document everything, including the employee's admission. This documentation will be crucial if you need to take further action.

Consider filing a complaint with the Arizona Department of Public Safety, which oversees towing companies, and consult with a legal professional about your rights and possible next steps. They can help you understand whether any laws were broken and guide you on how to proceed with holding the towing company accountable for their actions.

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