A "Tow Away Zone" is a designated area where vehicles are not allowed to park. Signs are usually posted to inform drivers that parking in these zones can result in their vehicle being towed away by a towing company. These zones are often established to ensure safety, maintain traffic flow, or provide access for emergency vehicles. When a vehicle is parked in a tow away zone, it can be removed at the owner's expense. The towing company will typically take the vehicle to a designated impound lot, where the owner must pay a fee to retrieve it.