Avoid Having Your Car Join the Island of Misfits

Clearing snowy roads can be tricky when parked cars are in the way.

Seasonal parking has been in effect since November ensuring plows can clear streets on snowy days.

But when it comes to a bigger snowfall the city has to take action, and that means towing cars.

It’s not even 11 in the morning and already Vinny Thunstrom has had a full day’s work.
 
“We have six trucks and I think at one time every one of them was full with cars on them,” says Border City Service Manager, Vinny Thunstrom.
 
Border City Towing works with Fargo Police, removing cars that block snow routes or have earned one too many tickets.
 
“When we have a snow like this and they want to clean up downtown Fargo it wouldn’t be anything for us to get 10 – 12 cars out of it,” says Thunstrom.
 
You might get lucky and only get a warning.
 
“What generally happens we’ll usually put an orange tow tag that says you need to move your car or you’re subject to impound,” says Fargo PD Traffic Sergeant, Jim Kringlie.
 
And sometimes you won’t.
 
“If it’s a snow emergency route not only are you subjected to a parking ticket but your car could be impounded to keep the streets clear so people can travel,” says Sergeant Kringlie.
 
And just like that the next one joins the island of misfit cars, also known as the impound lot.
 
“When the tickets add up some owners don’t even pick up their cars. This whole row of cars has been here for months, the first one since September.”
 
It’s no wonder, once your car has been towed picking it up isn’t cheap.
 
“Minimum is $110,” says Thunstrom.
 
If a dolly is required, you can add on another 30 bucks.

If you fail to pick it up within 24 hours that’s 20 more dollars, each day.

Sargent Kringlie’s advice, know your streets parking restrictions and follow them to avoid having your car be the next misfit.
 
The Sergeant also says the city looks out for snow birds.

A term he uses for cars that haven’t moved which are easy to spot by built up snow.

He says if the city spots a snow bird, they’ll also be towed.