How to Appeal a Wrongful Towing Fine in Valls: Downloadable Template
If your vehicle was towed by the municipal crane service in Valls, you may have grounds to appeal if the towing was performed without a valid legal basis, such as incorrect signage or a lack of obstruction. This resource provides a practical guide and a ready-to-use legal template to help you challenge the towing fees and the associated administrative fine before the Valls City Council (Ajuntament de Valls).
Instructions on how and where to submit your appeal in Valls
To contest the towing, you must submit an "alegaciones" (allegations) document within the timeframe specified in the notification you received (usually 20 calendar days). You can submit this in the following ways:
- Online: Use the "Seu Electrònica" (Electronic Office) of the Ajuntament de Valls website using a digital certificate or Cl@ve system. This is the fastest and most recommended method.
- In-person: Visit the OAC (Oficina d'Atenció al Ciutadà) at the Town Hall. You must book an appointment ("cita previa") beforehand.
- Post: You may send it via registered mail ("correo administrativo"), ensuring the post office stamps the document before sealing the envelope.
A LA ATENCIÓN DE LA ALCALDÍA DEL AYUNTAMIENTO DE VALLS
DON/DOÑA: [Your Full Name], con DNI/NIE [Your ID Number], y domicilio a efectos de notificaciones en [Your Address], teléfono [Your Phone Number] y correo electrónico [Your Email].
EXPONE:
Que habiendo sido notificado de la retirada de mi vehículo con matrícula [Vehicle Plate Number] por la grúa municipal el día [Date of Towing] en la calle [Street Name where towed], presento este escrito de ALEGACIONES contra la sanción y la tasa de retirada basándome en los siguientes hechos:
PRIMERO: [Explain why it was wrongful, e.g., "La señalización de prohibición de estacionamiento era inexistente o no cumplía con los plazos mínimos de antelación"].
SEGUNDO: [Provide further proof, e.g., "Adjunto fotografías que demuestran la ausencia de señales verticales en el momento del estacionamiento"].
SOLICITO:
Que se tenga por presentado este escrito, se admitan las pruebas adjuntas y, tras los trámites oportunos, se proceda al archivo del expediente sancionador y a la devolución de las tasas abonadas por la retirada del vehículo.
En Valls, a [Day] de [Month] de [Year].
Fdo: [Your Signature]
Additional documentation required
Your appeal will only be successful if supported by concrete evidence. Make sure to attach the following:
- Photographic evidence: High-resolution photos showing the location of the car, the lack of signs, or the condition of the street.
- Receipt of payment: If you paid the towing fee to retrieve your vehicle, include the proof of payment; you are requesting a refund of this amount.
- Copy of your ID: A scanned copy of your DNI, NIE, or Passport.
- Witness statements: If any neighbors or shop owners witnessed the event, a signed statement from them can add weight to your case.
Expert Tip: Never pay the fine immediately if you intend to appeal, as paying the fine is often considered an admission of guilt, which automatically closes the administrative file. However, if you have already paid to get your car back, ensure you mark the payment as "paid under protest" (pagado bajo protesta) if possible, and explicitly state in your appeal that the payment was made solely to recover the property, not as an admission of the infraction.