Attending SXSW? Watch where you park

AUSTIN (KXAN) - The Austin Police Department wants its residents and visitors to use caution when parking around the City of Austin during SXSW events. APD will be enforcing all laws applicable to towing during SXSW.

Numerous parking zones will be designated as part of the SXSW event. If you park on private property, be aware of towing signs that are placed at the entrances and exits of the properties. State law requires signs at the entrance and exit points, but not necessarily in front of the parking place. If these signs are up and you violate the warning on the sign you may be towed.

APD wants to remind residents that parking is limited in some areas of the city during SXSW. In addition, residents should be mindful of designated loading and unloading zone and other tow-away zones.

If your vehicle is in the process of being towed and you contact the tow truck driver before your vehicle is fully prepared for transport it must be released for free.

If you are towed, the maximum amount that a towing company can charge is $150.00. Once the vehicle reaches the vehicle storage facility the added charge is a $20.00 impound fee and a $20.00 storage fee -both of which are authorized by state law - bringing the total to $190.00 plus tax. After the first 24 hours the tow company can charge an additional $50.00 for a notification fee, which is also authorized by state law. This would bring the total to $240.00 plus tax.

If you do get towed, here are some handy numbers to call, depending on where you get towed:

PRECINCT 1: Northeast 929-0593
PRECINCT 2: Northwest 854-4545
PRECINCT 3: Southwest 854-6763
PRECINCT 4: Southeast 854-9479
PRECINCT 5: Central 854-9049

If you think your vehicle has been towed illegally within the City of Austin please call 311, have an offense report generated, then contact the Austin Police Department’s Wrecker Enforcement Unit at (512) 974-8119 with your offense number.