Coming back to an empty parking space is its own kind of stomach-drop, different from a breakdown, but just as stressful. If you need to find your towed car in Woodruff, SC, the good news is that South Carolina law gives you a clear, traceable path, because the company that towed it was legally required to tell someone first.
How Do I Find Out Who Towed My Car?
Your first call should be the police department or sheriff’s office for wherever your car was parked, not a random towing company you find online. Under South Carolina Code Section 16-11-760, a company that tows a vehicle from private property is required to make notification to the law enforcement agency covering that area, so that agency will have a record of who removed your car and where it was taken.
That notification requirement is the whole reason calling the police first works better than guessing at towing companies. If a lot or apartment complex had your car removed, the tow company doesn’t get to just disappear with it; they have to leave a paper trail with law enforcement.
Who Do I Call — Woodruff PD or Spartanburg County Sheriff?
Which department to call depends on exactly where your car was parked. Inside Woodruff town limits, call Woodruff Police Department; anywhere else in the surrounding area, call the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office.
| Where your car was parked | Who to call | Number |
|---|---|---|
| Inside Woodruff town limits | Woodruff Police Department (non-emergency) | 864-476-8154 |
| Startex, Reidville, Enoree, Wellford, Duncan, Cross Anchor, Pauline, Una, or elsewhere in the county | Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office (non-emergency) | 864-596-2222 |
Have your license plate and vehicle description ready when you call. It’s the fastest way for dispatch to check whether a tow was reported for that plate.
If you’re outside Woodruff town limits, don’t expect one central county lot to hold your car; Spartanburg County’s towing ordinance actually routes vehicles to whichever private company towed them, each with its own storage yard.
Was It Even Legal for Them to Tow My Car?
Usually, yes, but only if two things happened first. The property owner had to post a conspicuous sign warning that unauthorized vehicles would be towed, and the towing company had to notify law enforcement as covered above.
Under 16-11-760, skipping either step isn’t just a paperwork issue, it’s a misdemeanor for the property owner, punishable by a fine between $25 and $100 or up to 30 days in jail. If you never saw a sign and the police have no record of the tow, that’s worth raising with the lot owner or the towing company directly before you pay a dime.
Private-property towing is exactly the kind of situation we help sort out, not just the roadside breakdowns. Our junk car & private property towing work covers the other side of this too, moving vehicles legally and correctly off a lot in the first place, so if you own or manage property in the area and want it done the right way, sign posted, notification filed, no shortcuts, that’s a call we can take. And if it’s your car that got towed, our 24-hour emergency towing, flatbed, accident recovery, and roadside assistance crews cover Woodruff, Startex, Reidville, Enoree, Wellford, Duncan, Cross Anchor, Pauline, Una, and Spartanburg, so once you’ve got your vehicle back, we’re close by if it needs to go anywhere else.
What Do I Need to Bring to Get My Car Back?
Bring a valid photo ID and something proving the car is yours, like your registration or insurance card, plus a way to pay the towing and storage fees. Storage facilities won’t release a vehicle to someone who can’t show it’s theirs, no matter how frustrated or rushed they are.
Storage charges add up by the day, so the sooner you get down there with the right paperwork, the smaller the total bill. If the lot is cash-only or has odd hours, call ahead and ask, most storage facilities will tell you over the phone.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to see a “No Parking” sign for a private-property tow to be legal in South Carolina?
Yes, on commercial property. 16-11-760 requires the property owner to post a conspicuous notice prohibiting parking near the entrance before a vehicle can legally be towed from that lot.
What happens if the towing company skipped the police notification?
The property owner who authorized the tow can be charged with a misdemeanor under 16-11-760, and you may have grounds to dispute the towing and storage charges before you pay them.
Can I call ahead to check if the storage lot is open before I drive over?
Yes, and it’s worth doing, especially outside business hours. South Carolina storage facilities set their own hours and payment methods, so a quick call can save you a wasted trip.
What If the Car Needs Another Tow Once You Get It Back?
Sometimes getting your car released is only half the problem, especially if it won’t start after sitting, or the tow away caused damage that needs a shop, not just a driveway. That’s a different situation than the one this article covers, and it’s exactly what our roadside assistance and towing services are built for.
If that’s where you’ve landed, call us at (864) 756-8255 or get a quote, and we’ll walk you through it honestly, no surprises.
