Originally Posted by Jel

Front & rear plates are legally required, this car was missing the front plate - I can only guess that the 'crime' was that the car was unroadworthy - which would mean a tow.

It's also of course possible he doesn't have a DL, or the car was uninsured, or untaxed. If your car tax has run out and you didn't renew, that's an automatic tow to the pound, I know that 100%. I can't be 100% on the other 'crimes' resulting in a tow. But... simply not carrying your DL or insurance documents 100% does NOT result in a tow.