Predatory Towing Photos & Signage Documentation

Proper signage documentation can make or break a tow dispute. Follow this complete photo guide to document parking signs effectively.

Why Signage Photos Matter

Parking signs determine whether a tow was authorized. Documentation must prove whether signs were:

• • Present and visible from your parking spot
• • Legible and readable at normal viewing distance
• • Posted at regulation height without obstructions
• • Clear about restrictions and tow authorization

Essential Signage Photos

1. Entrance Signage - Wide Shot

What to capture: Full entrance to property showing any signage in context.

• • Stand at property entrance where drivers enter
• • Capture full sign in frame plus surrounding area
• • Show relationship between entrance and parking area
• • Include landmarks (building, street name) for location proof

2. Sign Text Close-Up

What to capture: All text on sign must be readable in photo.

• • Get close enough that every word is clear
• • Check photo zoom - can you read the tow company phone number?
• • Document fading, wear, or damage affecting readability
• • Note sign condition (sun-bleached, scratched, covered in grime)

3. View From Your Parking Spot

What to capture: What you could actually see while parked.

• • Sit in driver seat or stand at driver door position
• • Photo facing direction sign should be visible from
• • Multiple angles: forward, left side, right side, rear
• • Can you see the sign in any of these photos? Document that.

4. Obstructions & Visibility

What to capture: Anything blocking view of sign.

• • Trees, branches, or landscaping blocking sign
• • Poles, posts, or structures in line-of-sight
• • Other vehicles blocking view (if applicable)
• • Lighting at night - was sign illuminated?

5. Sign Height Measurement

What to capture: Sign height may be regulated by local law.

• • Use measuring tape from ground to bottom of sign
• • Include tape measure in photo showing measurement
• • Reference point (ground level) must be visible
• • Many jurisdictions require minimum 5-6 feet height

6. Absence Documentation (If No Sign)

What to capture: Proof no signage was present.

• • Wide shot of entrance - no sign visible
• • Multiple angles of property perimeter
• • Every possible location a sign could have been posted
• • Compare to adjacent properties with proper signage
• • Show where property line/entrance is without sign

Photo Technical Requirements

• ✓ Keep EXIF data: Original photos contain date/time/location metadata
• ✓ Timestamp visible: Many phones add date/time stamp option
• ✓ High resolution: Text must be readable when zoomed
• ✓ Multiple shots: Take several of each angle - use the clearest
• ✓ Same-day ideal: Document as soon as possible after tow

When to Take Photos

Best Practice: Take photos immediately after discovering your vehicle was towed, ideally the same day.

• • Conditions may change (new signs posted, obstructions removed)
• • Lighting conditions should match time of day you parked if possible
• • Weather conditions can affect visibility - document as-is
• • Return at night if towed at night to document lighting