Booting/Immobilization FAQ for Commercial Private Properties

Has your vehicle been booted/immobilized on a private commercial property? This can include a business, hotel, shopping mall, restaurant, or any other commercial area. If so, you might be asking yourself, “Now what?”

My vehicle has a boot/immobilization device on it, what do I do now?
There should be a warning sign placed on the driver-side window of the vehicle, which contains contact information for the booting/immobilization company. Look around for booting immobilization signs in the parking area. Signage is usually posted at the entrance(s) to parking areas. Each parking space is NOT required to be individually marked.

Call the booting/immobilization company and ask for the following information:

• Ask for the current price to remove the boot/immobilization device. The standard removal/release fee is $160.
• Ask why the vehicle was booted/immobilized.
• Ask how you can have the boot/immobilization device removed or released from your vehicle.
• Ask when they will arrive to remove the device or if remote removal is available. (Do not damage or dispose of the device or you may face legal &/or financial repercussions.)  

How do I get my vehicle released?
You can pay the $160 boot/immobilization fee with cash, Visa or Mastercard (some companies also accept other forms of payment). A small credit card processing fee may also be charged on any credit card transaction.

Can I make a smaller payment to get my vehicle released from the boot/immobilize device?
No, a booting/immobilization company is not currently required to offer payment arrangements for commercial locations. The full amount is required to remove the device.

Who authorized my vehicle to be booted/immobilized?
The private property owner or their authorized agent must sign a PUC approved authorization form to have a vehicle booted/immobilized.

Why was my vehicle booted/immobilized?
Booting/immobilization usually occurs for one of the following reasons:
 

• Parking in a location where you are not doing business. (For example: you park in a space for “Business A”, but go next door or across the street to “Business B.”)  You do not have the right to park in Business A’s space.
• No parking permit where a permit is required.
• Parking in someone’s designated space without permission.
• Parking in a lot for a business when the business is closed.
• Parking in a fire zone or access lane.
• Blocking a driveway, roadway, or entrance.
• Parking in a handicap space without a handicap placard/plate.

What happens if I don’t pay and have the device removed?
If you don’t pay to have the boot/immobilize device removed, it will often result in your vehicle being towed. See the PUC’s website here for more information on towing: https://puc.colorado.gov/towing

If I have questions or concerns about the booting/immobilization or a tow, who can I contact?
The PUC regulates the booting/immobilization industry and can investigate if you believe your car was improperly booted/immobilized. Please contact the PUC’s Consumer Affairs staff at 303-894-2070 option #2 or file your complaint here: http://www.dora.state.co.us/pls/real/CCTS_oWEB.trans_complaint_form