Private property towing plays a crucial role in helping property owners maintain order and control over their parking spaces. Whether it's addressing illegally parked vehicles, abandoned cars, or blocked driveways, enforcing parking rules is essential to keeping properties accessible, safe, and compliant with local regulations.
Unauthorized parking can lead to a variety of issues for both residential and commercial property owners. From reducing available parking spots to creating safety hazards and disrupting business operations, unattended or improperly parked vehicles can cause significant inconvenience. Additionally, towing must be conducted in strict accordance with legal guidelines to prevent disputes and potential liabilities.

What Is Private Property Towing?
Private property towing is the process of removing unauthorized, abandoned, or illegally parked vehicles from privately owned properties with the help of a professional towing service. This service ensures that parking spaces remain available for authorized users, enhances safety, and prevents disruptions caused by improperly parked vehicles.
Unlike public towing, which is managed by government agencies and law enforcement, private property towing is initiated by property owners, landlords, or property management companies. These entities work with licensed towing companies to enforce parking regulations, maintain order, and comply with local laws.
Who Has the Right to Tow a Vehicle from Private Property?
Property owners, business owners, and authorized representatives, such as property managers, have the legal right to request towing services for unauthorized vehicles parked on their premises. This helps maintain order, ensures parking availability for authorized individuals, and prevents potential safety hazards.
However, to avoid legal complications, they must follow specific procedures in compliance with local regulations. These may include proper signage indicating towing policies, providing notice to vehicle owners when required, and working with a licensed towing company that adheres to all applicable laws.
Laws Governing Private Property Towing in San Diego
In San Diego, private property towing is regulated by California Vehicle Code (CVC) Section 22658. This law outlines specific requirements that must be met before towing a vehicle, including proper signage, notification procedures, and documentation. Failing to comply with these regulations can result in legal challenges and financial penalties.
Why Property Owners Need Private Property Towing Services
Private property towing services play a crucial role in maintaining order and ensuring property owners can manage their spaces effectively. Here are some reasons why property owners rely on towing services:
Preventing Unauthorized Parking
Unauthorized vehicles can take up valuable parking spaces meant for tenants, customers, or employees. Private property towing helps property owners enforce parking policies and keep their lots available for authorized use.
Handling Abandoned or Inoperable Vehicles
Abandoned or non-functional vehicles can become an eyesore and pose safety hazards. Towing services help remove such vehicles to keep the property clean and safe.
Avoiding Liability Issues
Illegally parked cars can lead to liability concerns for property owners. If an unauthorized vehicle blocks emergency access points or creates safety hazards, the property owner could be held responsible in the event of an accident. Prompt towing services help mitigate such risks.
Maintaining Clear and Accessible Parking Spaces
Whether for residential complexes, shopping centers, or office buildings, maintaining accessible parking is essential. Private property towing ensures that designated spaces remain available and free from obstructions.
Understanding Private Property Impound (PPI) Services
What Happens When a Vehicle Is Towed from Private Property?
When a vehicle is towed from private property, it is taken to an impound lot, where the owner must pay fees and present required documentation to retrieve it. The vehicle owner is typically notified about the towing through a posted sign or a notice left at the scene.
How Property Owners Can Authorize Towing Services
Property owners or managers must establish a formal agreement with a licensed towing company. They must also comply with local laws, including posting clear signage and keeping records of each towing request.
Legal Requirements for Signage and Notices
San Diego law requires that private property towing signs meet specific requirements, such as displaying the towing company’s contact information and stating that unauthorized vehicles will be towed. Property owners must also inform local law enforcement when towing a vehicle.
How to Get a Car Towed Off Your Property
Steps to Take Before Calling a Towing Company
- Verify that the vehicle is unauthorized or abandoned.
- Check for any required signage to ensure compliance with towing regulations.
- Contact local authorities if necessary.
- Document the situation with photos and notes.
- Call a professional towing company like Freeway Towing El Cajon.
How to Report an Abandoned Vehicle in San Diego
In San Diego, abandoned vehicles can be reported to the local police department or the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). If the vehicle is on private property, the property owner can arrange for towing after following legal requirements.
Understanding San Diego’s Regulations on Towing Unauthorized Vehicles
San Diego mandates that property owners post visible towing signs and notify law enforcement before removing a vehicle. Failure to follow these steps can lead to fines or disputes with vehicle owners.
Towing Unauthorized or Illegally Parked Vehicles
When You Can Legally Tow a Car from Your Property
You can legally tow a vehicle from your property if:
- It is parked in a restricted area.
- It blocks access to a driveway or fire lane.
- It violates clearly posted parking rules.
How to Handle Vehicles Blocking Driveways, Fire Lanes, or Private Roads
If a vehicle blocks an essential access point, contact local authorities and your towing company to ensure swift and legal removal.
What to Do If Someone Parks in Your Designated Spot
If a vehicle occupies your designated parking space without permission, you can report it to your property manager or request towing, provided that proper signage is in place.
Private Property Towing Laws in San Diego
Overview of California Vehicle Code on Private Property Towing
California Vehicle Code 22658 outlines requirements such as signage, notification, and vehicle release procedures.
What Property Owners Must Do Before Towing a Car
- Post legally compliant towing signs.
- Notify law enforcement of the tow.
- Ensure proper documentation.
Tenant Rights and Landlord Responsibilities
Landlords must provide clear parking policies to tenants and follow state laws when towing vehicles. Tenants also have rights and should be informed about towing procedures.
How to Find Your Towed Car in San Diego
Steps for Vehicle Owners to Locate Their Towed Car
- Contact the towing company listed on the posted sign.
- Check with local law enforcement for towing records.
- Visit the designated impound lot to retrieve the vehicle.
Common Impound Lots in San Diego
San Diego has several impound lots where towed vehicles are stored. Vehicle owners should call ahead to confirm location and fees.
Fees and Paperwork Required to Retrieve a Vehicle
Vehicle owners must present identification, proof of ownership, and payment for towing and storage fees to retrieve their car.
Choosing the Right Private Property Towing Company in San Diego
What to Look for in a Towing Service
- 24/7 availability
- Compliance with local towing laws
- Reliable response times
Questions to Ask Before Signing a Towing Agreement
- What are your fees and policies?
- How quickly can you respond to a tow request?
- Are you licensed and insured?
Why Freeway Towing El Cajon Is the Best Choice
Freeway Towing El Cajon provides professional, legal, and efficient private property towing services to ensure your parking spaces remain clear and accessible.

FAQ: What Is Private Property Towing? A Clear Overview for Property Owners
1. What is private property towing?
Private property towing refers to the removal of unauthorized, abandoned, or illegally parked vehicles from private property, such as apartment complexes, shopping centers, or office buildings. Property owners or managers can request towing services to maintain order and compliance with parking rules.
2. When is private property towing necessary?
Private property towing is necessary when vehicles:
- Park in restricted or no-parking zones
- Block driveways, fire lanes, or emergency exits
- Are abandoned or inoperable
- Violate HOA or business parking regulations
3. Do I need a towing permit to remove a vehicle from my property?
Laws vary by state and city. In many cases, property owners must have proper signage posted, and some jurisdictions may require notification to law enforcement before towing.
4. Can a vehicle be towed without the owner’s consent?
Yes, if the vehicle violates parking rules on private property, it can be towed without the owner’s consent, as long as legal requirements are met.
5. How do I hire a private property towing service?
You can contact a licensed towing company that offers private property towing. Ensure they follow local laws and have experience handling such removals professionally.
Conclusion
Private property towing plays a crucial role in maintaining order, safety, and accessibility within privately owned spaces such as residential complexes, commercial parking lots, and business properties. Unauthorized or illegally parked vehicles can create disruptions, inconvenience tenants, and even pose safety hazards. By partnering with a professional and reliable towing company like Freeway Towing El Cajon, property owners and managers can effectively enforce parking regulations, prevent congestion, and ensure compliance with local laws.
With years of experience and a commitment to prompt, efficient service, Freeway Towing El Cajon provides legal and hassle-free vehicle removal solutions tailored to your specific property needs. Whether you need a long-term towing agreement or immediate assistance with an illegally parked vehicle, their expert team is ready to help.