Can an HOA tow a car from your driveway?

Quick answer. Almost never. If the driveway is deeded to your unit as exclusive private property, the HOA cannot tow from it — towing private property without the owner's consent is a tort. The narrow exceptions are: (1) the driveway is a "limited common element" shared with neighbors and the CC&Rs grant the HOA tow authority; (2) the vehicle is genuinely abandoned (no plates, flat tires, undriven 60+ days) and your state's abandoned-vehicle statute kicks in; (3) the vehicle violates a properly recorded covenant the unit owner agreed to (e.g. no commercial vehicles, no boats, no inoperable cars).

Driveway type controls everything

• Deeded private driveway (typical single-family HOA): Yours. HOA has no tow authority. Fines for visible-rule violations only (e.g. commercial truck visible from the street).
• Limited common element (typical condo/townhome): HOA may have tow authority if granted in the declaration. Check Article on Common Elements.
• Common area parking pad (HOA-owned): HOA can tow with proper signage and notice per state statute.

What the HOA can do instead

For visible-from-common-area rule violations (boat parked in front yard, commercial van in driveway), the HOA's remedy is a fine following the violation process, not towing. If the unit owner refuses to comply, the HOA's escalation is suspension of common-area privileges, lien, and ultimately court enforcement of the covenant — never self-help towing.

If your HOA towed your car from your private driveway

Demand the tow record in writing, identify the towing company, and consult counsel — this is typically conversion (a civil tort) with statutory damages in many states (Florida 715.07 awards $100 + actual damages + attorney's fees if the tow violated the statute). Most HOAs settle quickly.