Booting/Immobilization FAQ for Consumers

Has your vehicle been booted/immobilized? If so, you might be asking yourself, “Now what?”

My car has a boot 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 boot/immobilization removal/release fee is $160. Companies may also collect a surcharge if a credit card is used for payment.
Ask why the vehicle was booted/immobilized.
Ask how you can have the boot/immobilization device removed/released from your vehicle.
Ask when they will arrive to remove the device or if you have to pay and then return the device. (Do not damage or dispose of the device or you may face legal &/or financial repercussions.)

How do I get my car released from the boot/immobilization?
You can pay the $160 boot/immobilize fee with cash, Visa or Mastercard (Some companies also accept other forms of payment.) Companies may also collect a surcharge if a credit card is used for payment.

Can I make a smaller payment to get my car released from the boot/immobilize device?
No, a booting/immobilization companies are not currently required to offer payment plans.

Who authorized my car to be booted/immobilized?
In some situations, the property or business owner has an existing written agreement allowing the booting/immobilization company to sign on their behalf. Otherwise, the property or business owner, or their agents, may provide written authorization for a vehicle to be booted/immobilized.

Why was my car 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.
You parked on private property, but then left the location to go to school, a restaurant, etc.
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 lane or access lane.

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 car being towed.

If I have questions or concerns about the booting/immobilization or a tow, who can I contact?
The PUC regulates the booting/immobilizing 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