A call to the police often reveals that they certainly did not tow the vehicle. Only after further investigation does it become clear that the supermarket itself arranged for the towing and is now demanding reimbursement of the resulting costs.  The Federal Court of Justice confirmed this practice in its ruling of December 19, 2025 (V ZR 44/25). Anyone who parks their vehicle in a private customer parking lot and disregards the designated terms of use commits an act of unauthorized interference against the property owner.  The owner is entitled to directly protect their right of possession and have the vehicle towed at the owner’s expense. In the opinion of the Federal Court of Justice, the owner is not required to wait to see if the driver will return shortly. The vehicle may be removed immediately.