The towing regulations of California become particularly intricate when property owners remove vehicles. You must know what you deserve and what you need to do when dealing with a towed vehicle as a property owner tenant or vehicle owner who faces towing. Under the provisions of the California Vehicle Code Towing from Private Property section California Vehicle Code 22658 controls how and when a private property needs vehicle removal.
Disputes resulting from towing frequently emerge since numerous vehicle owners remain unaware of their rights. Your knowledge of the situation enables you to avoid improper towing practices and unreasonable fees. The professional and legal towing services provided by Freeway Towing are available throughout all regions of California for anyone seeking dependable towing assistance.
Understanding California Vehicle Code 22658
The california vehicle code towing from private property 22658 functions as the main governing regulation for removal of vehicles from private properties. The law determines legal towing circumstances and regulations that guide property owners as well as towing services and vehicle owners during removal operations.
Key Provisions of Vehicle Code 22658
- Every entrance of a property needs signage measuring at least 17″ x 22″ with 1-inch lettering to warn vehicle owners about vehicle removal procedures.
- A vehicle becomes eligible for immediate towing when it obstructs access to properties or when it blocks fire hydrants or fire lanes.
- Owners of vehicles lacking essential parts need to notify local law enforcement about their vehicles before authorization to tow becomes possible after 24 hours.
- If a vehicle is issued a parking violation, the owner must be given 96 hours before towing occurs.
- Vehicles missing essential parts (like an engine or tires) can be towed after a 24-hour notice to local law enforcement.
- The owner of the private property needs written consent before each tow happens except for situations where there exists a broad agreement authorizing towing for fire lanes or blocked driveways.
When Can a Vehicle Be Towed from Private Property?
Not all cars on private property grounds qualify for immediate vehicle removal. A properly placed notice to remove the vehicle from private property will allow authorized personnel to tow unauthorized vehicles immediately.
The owner of a vehicle issued with a parking ticket receives four consecutive days (96 hours) before their vehicle becomes eligible for towing.
Legal Reasons for Towing a Vehicle
- No Parking Signs: If a properly placed notice to remove the vehicle from private property is displayed, unauthorized vehicles can be towed without further warning.
- Parking Violations: The owner of a vehicle issued with a parking ticket receives four consecutive days (96 hours) before their vehicle becomes eligible for towing.
- Safety Concerns: Vehicle owners receive a 24-hour warning before towing occurs when their vehicle remains abandoned and lacks significant components like its engine or any tires.
- Fire Lane Violations: A vehicle that enters either a fire hydrant protection area measuring 15 feet or a designated fire lane can be immediately transported to a storage facility.
Not following the established procedures may result in improper towing activities that violate California predatory towing laws. Crimes committed during unlawful vehicle towing can potentially create grounds to dispute the towing fees.
Who Can Authorize a Tow?
According to the california vehicle code towing from private property 22658 only select persons possess the authority to order a tow from private land. These include:
- The property owner or their authorized agent
- The tenant (if they occupy an apartment complex with fewer than 15 units)
- A property manager or security officer responsible for enforcement
Apartment complex owners in California need to follow local towing laws that expect written notification before tows except when vehicles block fire lanes and emergency holdings.
Illegal Towing and Predatory Towing Laws
Some towing companies participate in illegal predatory towing which leads to charging unrealistic towing fees to vehicle owners. Penalties under California towing laws 2024 exist to address such illegal activities.
Signs of Predatory Towing
- No visible signage warning of towing
- Tow trucks hiding nearby to remove vehicles quickly
- Excessive towing and storage fees beyond legal limits
- Failure to notify the local police within one hour of towing
You can initiate a complaint procedure for unlawful towing events and seek reimbursement for all unreasonably high fees you paid to the company. Learning the proper method to resist false towing bills in California enables vehicle owners to regain the money that has been unjustly collected.
Your Rights After a Vehicle Is Towed
The California Vehicle Code 22658 confers particular rights to motor vehicle owners who find their cars were towed from private property. The knowledge of these rights enables immediate reaction to recover your vehicle while preventing costly fees.
Notice Requirements for Towing Companies
- After vehicle towing the towing company needs to contact the local police department immediately.
- Before a towing operation, a property owner or tow company needs to issue written documentation that explains the reason for vehicle removal.
- When a vehicle gets towed the owner should get a written notice specifying storage location and both towing expense and vehicle mileage before towing.
The lack of this essential information suggests California predatory towing laws have affected you and you should report this incident to authorities.
Where to Retrieve a Towed Vehicle
Once towed, your car must be taken to a storage facility that:
- Is within 10 miles of where the vehicle was towed.
- Is open during business hours and allows retrieval after hours for a reasonable fee.
- Has a publicly available phone line for inquiries.
If your car was stored outside of the legal area, you might have a case to dispute the tow.
How Storage Fees Are Calculated
- If your vehicle is retrieved within 24 hours, the towing company can only charge one day’s storage fee.
- Storage fees are calculated per calendar day after the first 24 hours.
- Tow companies must accept cash or credit card payments—they cannot demand cash only.
If the tow company fails to comply, you can challenge the charge under California towing laws 2024.
How to Fight Towing Charges in California
A person who believes their car was towed improperly can use legal processes to dispute these charges. Here’s what you need to do:
Step 1: Request Towing Documentation
Before paying, ask for:
- A copy of the written authorization for the tow.
- A photo of your vehicle showing it was violating parking rules (if towed under general authorization).
- A breakdown of all charges.
A refusal to give this information violates California Vehicle Code 22658 and you should report it to the authorities.
Step 2: Contact Law Enforcement
You need to submit a complaint with either the police department or the state justice agency when your car was illegally towed.
- The local police department (if the tow company failed to notify them).
- The California Attorney General’s Office for predatory towing practices.
Step 3: File a Small Claims Lawsuit
Learning the procedures to dispute towing fees in California protects you from superfluous expenses and allows you to confront those companies who predate on drivers.
- A refund for all excessive charges.
- Compensation for damages to your vehicle.
- Legal penalties against the towing company.
Residents of housing complexes struggle with complications when they need their vehicles brought back after towing occurs in restricted areas.
Towing from Apartment Complexes and Residential Areas
The regulations about apartment complex towing in California protect tenants from unfair practices yet allow property managers to maintain parking rules.
When Can a Vehicle Be Towed from an Apartment Complex?
A vehicle can be towed if:
- It is parked in someone else’s assigned space, and the tenant provides written authorization to the landlord.
- It violates posted parking rules, such as guest parking limits.
- It is unregistered or abandoned on the property.
Requirements for Apartment Complex Towing
- Tenants must be notified before their car is towed unless it is blocking a fire lane or emergency access.
- A signed authorization form must be provided before towing occurs.
- The tow company must take a photo of the vehicle before towing it.
If a tow company removes your car without following these steps, you may have legal grounds to challenge the tow under California towing laws 2024.
Notice to Remove a Vehicle from Private Property
Before towing a car, a property owner must issue a notice to remove vehicle from private property, unless the vehicle is:
- Blocking a fire lane.
- Parked in a designated no-parking zone with proper signage.
- Considered abandoned or unregistered on the property.
How Much Notice is Required?
- After receiving a parking ticket the vehicle owner must relocate their car within four days.
- A vehicle in either missing parts or abandoned condition requires the owner to get 24 hours’ warning before being towed.
- Vehicles in fire lanes or blocking access can be towed immediately.
By understanding the legal requirements of private property towing laws in California, vehicle owners can challenge illegal tows and ensure they are not unfairly targeted.
What Happens If You Catch the Tow Truck in Action?
If you return to your car while it’s being towed, you have legal rights under California Vehicle Code 22658.
Your Rights if You Catch the Tow in Progress
- If the tow truck has not left the property, they must release your car immediately upon request.
- The tow company cannot demand immediate payment before releasing your vehicle.
- They can charge you up to half of the regular towing fee, but you have time to pay later.
What to Do if the Tow Truck Refuses to Release Your Car
If the tow truck operator refuses to let you take your car, they may be guilty of a misdemeanor under California law. In such cases, call the police and report the violation.
How Much Can Tow Companies Charge?
One of the biggest concerns for vehicle owners facing a tow is the cost. california vehicle code towing from private property 22658 places strict limits on towing and storage fees to prevent predatory towing practices.
Maximum Allowable Fees for Towing and Storage
- Towing operations must limit their costs to equivalent rates as those used by local police departments.
- Storage costs remain reasonable by law and cannot surpass what owners would spend on storage for a single day during the initial 24-hour period.
- If a vehicle is released within 24 hours, the owner should only be charged for one day of storage, even if the car was held overnight.
- After the first day, charges are calculated per calendar day, not by the hour.
What to Do If You Are Overcharged
If you believe you have been charged excessive towing or storage fees, take the following steps:
- Request a breakdown of fees from the towing company.
- Compare the charges with local law enforcement towing rates.
- File a complaint with the California Attorney General or local consumer protection office.
- Consider a small claims lawsuit if you were unfairly charged.
If you need a trusted towing company that follows legal pricing, Freeway Towing provides affordable and compliant towing services in California.
Legal Consequences for Improper Towing
Tow companies and property owners who violate California private property towing laws face legal penalties, including fines and potential lawsuits.
Fines and Penalties for Illegal Towing
- Failure to notify law enforcement of a tow within one hour a misdemeanor charge and a fine of up to $2,500.
- Charging excessive fees: The tow company must refund four times the overcharged amount.
- Towing without authorization: The property owner or tow company may be liable for double the towing and storage fees.
- Refusing to release a vehicle when requested: The tow operator may face criminal charges.
Liability for Vehicle Damage During Towing
If your vehicle was damaged while being towed, the towing company is responsible for repairs.
- Always inspect your car before leaving the tow yard.
- Take photos of any damage immediately.
- File a complaint if the company refuses to pay for damages.
If a tow company refuses to follow the law, you may have a case to file a lawsuit under California towing laws 2025.
Freeway Towing: A Reliable Solution
Navigating towing laws in California can be overwhelming, but Freeway Towing offers professional, legal, and ethical towing services that comply with California Vehicle Code 22658.
Why Choose Freeway Towing?
- Transparent Pricing – No hidden fees or excessive charges.
- Fast Response – 24/7 towing assistance for emergencies.
- Legal Compliance – We follow all California private property towing laws to protect vehicle owners and property managers.
If you need a towing service that operates fairly and within the law, contact Freeway Towing today!
Conclusion
Understanding California Vehicle Code towing from private property is essential to protecting yourself from unfair towing. Whether you’re a vehicle owner, tenant, or property manager, knowing your rights can help prevent predatory towing and unnecessary charges.
If your vehicle was towed unfairly, remember to:
- Request towing documentation before paying any fees.
- Check if the tow was legal based on posted signs and notice requirements.
- File a complaint if you were overcharged or towed illegally.
For legal, hassle-free towing, trust Freeway Towing—your reliable and law-abiding towing solution in California!
Frequently Asked Questions: California Vehicle Code Towing From Private
Property
1. What are the requirements for private property towing signs in California?
Under California vehicle code towing from private property 22658, private property owners must post a sign at each entrance that: Is at least 17”x22” with 1-inch lettering. Clearly states that public parking is prohibited and violators will be towed at their expense. Includes the phone number of the towing company and local law enforcement. If there is no proper signage, towing without warning is illegal unless the vehicle is blocking access or a fire lane.
2. How long can a car sit on private property before being towed? If a vehicle receives a parking violation, the owner must be given 96 hours (4 days) to move it before towing.
If a vehicle is abandoned or missing major parts, the owner must be given 24 hours' notice. If a vehicle is blocking fire lanes, hydrants, or property entrances, it can be towed immediately.
3. Can an apartment complex tow my car without notice?
Under apartment complex towing laws in California, a landlord or property manager must provide notice before towing a tenant’s vehicle, except in these cases: The vehicle is parked in someone else’s assigned space, and the tenant reports it. The car is blocking emergency access, driveways, or fire lanes. The property has proper towing signage at the entrance. If you believe your car was wrongfully towed, you may have a case under California towing laws 2024.
4. What should I do if my car was wrongfully towed in California?
Ask for towing documentation (written authorization and photos). Contact law enforcement to verify if the tow was reported within one hour. Compare towing fees with local regulations. File a complaint with the California Attorney General or local consumer protection agency. Consider legal action if you were charged unfair fees or towed without proper notice. How can I fight excessive towing and storage fees? Request an itemized breakdown of charges from the towing company. Compare fees with local law enforcement tow rates. File a dispute with the California Attorney General’s Office. Take legal action in small claims court if the tow company refuses to refund overcharges.