Have you had a parking ticket that you haven’t paid? If you have, you might be worried about how far it will escalate, and whether or not your’re at risk of having your car towed by bailiffs. Don’t worry, you’re not alone. We’re going to go through the ins and outs of what bailiffs are allowed to do so that you’ve got peace of mind.
Can They Seize My Car?
In short, yes.
Bailiffs can seize your vehicle for an unpaid parking fine when a court order to pay has been issued against you. However, it’s not their first move. Bailiffs will usually try to get a cash payment from you initially and may target other assets before resorting to taking your vehicle.
This means that while your car is at risk, there are steps in the process before it gets to that point, giving you opportunities to settle the debt or negotiate payment terms. You should try to resolve the issue with minimal disruption, which means communicating with them is your best option.
Will They Take It for a Fine?
They can, but they probably won’t.
While bailiffs have the authority to take your car for a parking fine, they often choose not to. The combined amount of the parking fine and the bailiff fees is generally much lower than the value of most vehicles, making it more practical for them to target other assets first. Bailiffs may prefer to seize items like TVs, laptops, and game consoles before considering clamping or seizing your car.
However, this isn’t a guaranteed approach, and your car could still be at risk if no other valuable assets are available. It’s also worth noting that the stress and inconvenience caused by having your car taken can be substantial, making it important to address the fine promptly.
When can bailiffs not take my car?
There are a few instances where bailiffs cannot take your vehicle, such as:
- If you live in your car or other motorvehicle.
- A vehicle that you use as a blue badge holder.
- A vehicle you need to use for work and is below the value of £1,350.
If any of the above apply to you, you might be able to protect your vehicle from being seized to pay off the debt that you owe for your unpaid parking fine.
Can I hide my car from bailiffs?
In short, yes.
Bailiffs can only take vehicles that are on your driveway or a public road. This means that they can’t seize it if you decide to lock your car in a garage or park it at a friend or family member’s home.
Because bailiffs must send a Notice of Enforcement out at least seven days before visiting your property, you have the time to move your vehicle to another destination. But remember, if you live in your vehicle, have a blue badge, or need it to get to work, then you might not need to bother hiding it at all!
Can a Debt Collector Get My Vehicle?
No, a debt collector does not have the power to take your car or any of your assets. If you have an unpaid parking fine from a private car park operator, they might use a debt collection agency to chase the debt.
These agencies are not bailiffs and lack any legal authority beyond what the car park company has. Essentially, they are just acting on behalf of the car park operator to try and recover the unpaid amount through persistent communication and requests for payment.
How to Stop Them
One effective measure is to store your vehicle in a locked garage, as bailiffs cannot legally enter locked premises to seize property. Or, you could ask a friend or family member to keep your vehicle on their property, which would prevent bailiffs from accessing it.
If you receive a Notice of Enforcement and don’t clear the debt within the seven-day timeframe, taking these precautions becomes even more crucial.
Alternatively, you could pay the debt you owe and the problem goes away completely!
Communicating with Bailiffs
Communication is key when dealing with bailiffs. If you’re unable to pay the full amount of the fine, contacting the bailiff company to discuss payment options can be beneficial. They might be willing to set up a payment plan that allows you to pay off the debt in manageable installments.
Ignoring the situation will only make things worse, as bailiffs have the authority to take more severe actions if the debt remains unresolved. Keeping an open line of communication shows that you’re willing to address the issue, which can sometimes lead to more lenient
Receiving a parking fine and dealing with potential bailiff actions can be a stressful and confusing experience. However, understanding the process, your rights, and the steps you can take to protect your vehicle and other assets can massively ease the burden.
Don’t forget that we have full guides on penalty charge notices and parking charge notices that detail your rights and other useful information to help you navigate through!