Gera court rules authorities do not need to search for drivers before towing

The Administrative Court of Gera has ruled that local authorities are generally not required to search for a driver before towing a vehicle parked in violation of regulations.

The decision follows a case where a vehicle was towed for parking at a lowered curb. The owner contested the 160 euro fee, arguing that because they lived in the immediate vicinity, officials should have attempted to locate them before calling a tow truck.

The court rejected this argument, stating that towing is a proportionate measure. According to the ruling, if a driver has moved away from their vehicle and is no longer within sight or earshot, authorities are not obligated to conduct extensive searches. This remains true even if the owner lives nearby or could theoretically be reached via telephone or the internet.