Finding parking in major California cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, or San Diego can be a challenge. With strict parking regulations, the risk of towing is always present. But what happens if your car is towed from private property? Can law enforcement order the tow, or do property owners have the final say?
This guide explains California’s private property towing laws, covering who has the authority to tow, the rules property owners must follow, and what to do if your car is removed without notice.
Understanding Public vs. Private Property Parking
The first step in determining whether a tow was legal is knowing where your car was parked.
- Public property includes city streets, metered parking areas, and government-owned parking lots. Law enforcement has authority over these areas and can order tows based on parking violations or safety concerns.
- Private property includes business parking lots, apartment complexes, and driveways. In these areas, the property owner—not the police—decides whether a vehicle should be towed, as long as certain legal requirements are met.
Who Can Tow a Car from Private Property in California?
Property Owners’ Authority and Legal Requirements
In California, property owners or their authorized agents can tow vehicles from private property, but they must follow strict guidelines under California Vehicle Code Section 22658:
- Clear signage is required – Property owners must post visible tow-away signs at all entrances and exits. These signs must:
- Be at least 17 inches by 22 inches in size
- Contain lettering at least 1 inch tall
- Clearly state that unauthorized vehicles will be towed at the owner’s expense
- Provide the name and phone number of the towing company
- Immediate towing exceptions – If a car is blocking a driveway, fire lane, or emergency exit, it may be towed without signage or prior warning.
- Towing documentation – The towing company must notify local law enforcement within 30 minutes of the tow and provide details about where the vehicle is stored.
- 24-hour warning for inoperable or abandoned vehicles – If a vehicle appears abandoned or undrivable, property owners must place a notice on it at least 24 hours before requesting a tow.
Failing to follow these requirements can result in legal penalties, and the vehicle owner may be entitled to compensation for an improper tow.
Can Police Tow a Car from Private Property in California?
Law enforcement generally cannot initiate a tow from private property unless:
- The vehicle is involved in a crime – If the car is stolen, used in a crime, or contains evidence, police can tow it as part of an investigation.
- It presents a safety hazard – If a vehicle blocks an emergency route, fire hydrant, or creates a public safety risk, police may order a tow.
- It’s reported abandoned or stolen – If law enforcement verifies that a vehicle is abandoned or stolen, they can remove it from private property.
Outside of these situations, the police can only assist property owners in enforcing private towing regulations but cannot order a vehicle removed without the owner’s consent.
What to Do If Your Car Is Towed from Private Property
If you return to find your vehicle missing, follow these steps:
- Check for towing signs – Look around the parking area for posted tow-away zone signs with the name and phone number of the towing company.
- Contact local law enforcement – The police department can confirm if your car was towed and provide details on the impound location.
- Call the towing company – Once you know where your car is stored, contact the impound lot to ask about retrieval procedures and fees.
- Review towing documents – Request a copy of the written authorization that allowed the tow. If the paperwork is incomplete or missing, you may have grounds to challenge the tow.
- Gather evidence – If you believe the tow was illegal, take pictures of the parking area, signage (or lack of it), and any documents related to the tow.
- Pay required fees – Before reclaiming your vehicle, be prepared to pay towing and storage fees, which increase daily.
How to Challenge an Illegal Tow
If you believe your car was improperly towed, you have options:
- File a complaint with the California Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) – The DCA regulates towing companies and investigates violations.
- Take legal action in small claims court – If you were wrongly charged for towing and storage, you may be able to sue the towing company or property owner for reimbursement.
- Dispute the tow with local authorities – Some cities have dispute resolution processes for improper towing cases.
Protect Yourself from Unfair Towing
To reduce the risk of being towed from private property:
- Always check for tow-away signs before parking in private lots.
- Avoid leaving your car unattended for extended periods in business parking areas.
- If parking in a private lot, ask the property owner or manager for permission.
- Keep your registration and insurance up to date to avoid your vehicle being mistaken as abandoned.
Final Thoughts: Understanding Your Rights in California
Knowing California’s towing laws can help you avoid unnecessary fees and disputes. Property owners must follow strict guidelines when towing, and police have limited authority over private property tows. If your car is towed, stay calm, gather information, and take action if you believe the tow was unlawful.
For more information on California towing laws, click here to protect your rights and prevent wrongful towing.
Disclaimer: Our team has meticulously fact-checked this article to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misinformation. We are committed to providing honest, reliable, and trustworthy content for our readers.
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