Tinley Park Village Board approves changes to towing of motor vehicles ordinance
By Jon DePaolis
TINLEY PARK, Ill. — Tinley Park police now can tow motor vehicles for more than just driving under the influence (DUI) offenses.
The Village of Tinley Park Board of Trustees voted 6-0 Tuesday, Sept. 15, to amend the towing of motor vehicles ordinance to allow for more offenses to be included in the local law.
“Any municipality may, consistent with the Illinois Vehicle Code, provide by ordinance procedures for the release of properly impounded vehicles and for the imposition of a reasonable administrative fee related to its administrative and processing costs associated with the investigation, arrest, and detention of an offender, or the removal, impoundment, storage, and release of a vehicle,” Trustee William Brennan said during the meeting. “The administrative fee of $500 imposed by the municipality may be in addition to any fees charged for the towing and storage of an impounded vehicle. The administrative fees will act as a strong deterrent and will hold those accountable for their actions associated to criminal activity.”
The item was discussed in more depth at the Committee of the Whole meeting held prior to the regular meeting on Sept. 15. At that meeting, Tinley Park Police Chief Matthew Walsh explained what would be added as a result of the ordinance being amended and the rationale behind the change.
“It would really help us get people off the street, because it’s been my experience when I was on the street, that when we’d arrest somebody, they didn’t care until we towed their car, and then they got concerned because it would be money out of their pocket,” he said. “It would help us get people to have their licenses how we need them and to drive how they need to.”
Currently, the Village only has mandatory vehicle towing for DUIs. Walsh said the expansion would allow towing of vehicles for Class A misdemeanors, more serious traffic offenses, people wanted on warrants, and reckless driving or aggravated reckless driving charges.