CBT Solutions Inc. recently announced a new, free tow notification service called Call Before Tow, according to a press release. Vehicle owners are notified by a text message and phone call warning them to move their vehicles before a tow. The 24/7 service is designed to prevent tows by giving owners a heads up.

Vehicle owners place a preprinted decal displaying, “CALL BEFORE TOW,” inside the lower corner of the driver’s side windshield. The decal contains a phone number and a unique subscriber code.

The service covers vehicles on private property in both residential and commercial areas. In situations where a tow is absolutely necessary, the person’s vehicle will be kept in a secure lot and held at a discounted price.

Aside from the $5 decal fee, Call Before Tow is free of charge to the public and is available nationwide. Subscribers can also upgrade their plans to include additional services such as notifications if their vehicle lights were left on.

There is also a separate service for larger entities such as rental car agencies and transportation industries that oversee a sizeable fleet of vehicles.

“More than 95 percent of cars are towed on private property because the owner cannot be found,” said Jason K. Bordbar, president of CBT Solutions Inc. “The Call Before Tow service has the ability to transform parking management in the United States and possibly throughout the world."