Discovering that your parked vehicle has vanished can be stressful. In Spain, local municipal councils (Ayuntamientos) operate official impound tow trucks (Grúa Municipal). However, strict legal regulations govern when local authorities are legally permitted to remove a vehicle.
Legal Grounds for Municipal Vehicle Removal
Under Article 105 of the Spanish Traffic Law (Ley de Tráfico y Seguridad Vial), municipal officers (Policía Local) can only order a tow truck under specific circumstances:
- Blocking Traffic or Pedestrian Access: Parking in front of active garage driveways (VADO), bus lanes, taxi ranks, pedestrian crossings, or disabled bays.
- Double Parking: Parking alongside another parked car when it obstructs moving traffic lanes.
- Temporary Event Restrictions: Parking in zones temporarily prohibited for street markets, processions, or roadworks (provided signs were posted at least 48 hours in advance).
- Abandoned Vehicles: Cars left stationary in the same spot for over 30 days showing signs of severe damage or missing license plates.
- Uninsured or Un-inspected Vehicles: Vehicles parked on public roads without valid mandatory insurance or ITV.
How to Check if Your Car Has Been Towed in Valencia
Local police officers normally stick a small triangular adhesive sticker on the curb or pavement where your car was parked, indicating the impound lot location and vehicle registration. You can also call Valencia Local Police at 092 or check online.
Recovering Your Vehicle
To retrieve your vehicle from the municipal impound lot, you must present your passport/NIE, driving licence, vehicle registration logbook (Permiso de Circulación), and pay the municipal towing charge plus daily storage fees.
Need private emergency towing for a broken down vehicle? Call our 24/7 team at +34 671 098 473.
