There are some things that every property manager should know about towing laws when considering the use of tow companies to remove vehicles from their property.  In order to remove an illegally parked vehicle from private property, the person causing the removal must comply with all provisions of California Vehicle Code section 22658.  

We recommend that property managers be educated on the California Vehicle Code before hiring a tow company and offer the following synopsis as a resource.

Sign Requirements:

Size:           17" X 22"

Color:        White with contrasting lettering

Lettering:    Not less than 1" in height

Posting:      Signs must be posted at each vehicle entrance and readily visible upon entering the property

Drop Fees: Towing companies can charge up to one half the regular cost of a tow if the owner returns to the car after it is hooked. This generally has been interpreted to mean attached to the tow truck and at least two wheels are off the ground. CVC Section 22658 (h) is not specific.  Additionally, the tow company can charge the full towing fee if the vehicle has left private property and is in transit.

Overcharging: Tow companies may not charge more than the amount local law enforcement would charge for towing or storage. If they do overcharge, they are liable for four (4) times the towing and/or storage charges.

Storage Days: A request to release any time during the first twenty-four (24) hours of storage of a vehicle can result in no more than normal storage charges for one (1) day. The day of the week does not matter.

Visa and Other Credit Cards: Tow companies must take valid bank credit cards or they are liable to the owner of the vehicle up to four (4) times the amount of the tow and/or the tow or storage up to $500.00.

Making Change: Tow companies must keep amounts of cash on hand to make change for reasonable monetary transactions. CVC Section 22658 (k).

Cruise and Tow Agreements: Under CVC Section 22658 (1) a towing company cannot tow from an association without the owner or a representative of the association being present except for cases where the violation is within 15 feet of a fire hydrant, in a fire lane or blocking an access road.  Tow companies are not allowed to enforce general parking rules on their own. If they do, the owner of the vehicle in question is entitled to four (4) times the towing/storage fees and any applicable civil penalties.  Associations may hire a security or other firm as their agent and authorize them to represent the association with regard to towing for various violations. This third party arrangement protects vehicle owners from unscrupulous tow companies.  Associations may authorize (written) tow companies to tow vehicles from fire lanes, within 15 feet of a fire hydrant, and for blocking access roads.

If the tow company tows a vehicle on its own, from a fire lane, within 15 feet of a fire hydrant or a vehicle blocking an access road, they must take two photographs clearly depicting the violation. They must keep one on file and give the second to the owner of the vehicle or his agent.

We work with several reputable Tow Companies and recommend the following companies in these service areas:

San Bernardino County:
Riverside County:
City of Davis:
Dixon/Vacaville: 

Excel Towing
West Coast Towing
All About Towing
Jed’s Towing