California Vehicle Code Towing from Private Property: What You Need to Know in 2025

 California's towing laws are complex and strictly regulated, especially when it comes to private property towing. Understanding these laws is essential for property owners, tenants, and vehicle owners to ensure their rights are protected and responsibilities are met. The California Vehicle Code 22658 establishes clear legal guidelines on when and how vehicles may be towed from private property, preventing unlawful removals and ensuring due process.

At Freeway Towing, we take pride in delivering professional and fully compliant towing services across California. Our team is highly knowledgeable in state regulations, ensuring every tow is conducted lawfully and ethically. Whether you're a property owner enforcing parking policies or a vehicle owner needing clarity on your rights, we are dedicated to providing reliable, transparent, and legally sound towing solutions that prioritize compliance and customer service.

Key Provisions of Vehicle Code 22658

• Proper Signage: Properties must display signs at each entrance (17"x22" with 1-inch lettering) warning vehicle owners about potential towing.
• Immediate Towing: Vehicles blocking access, fire hydrants, or fire lanes can be towed without prior notice.
• Parking Violations: Vehicle owners must receive a 96-hour (4-day) notice before towing for parking violations.
• Abandoned Vehicles: Vehicles missing essential parts (e.g., engine, tires) can be towed after a 24-hour notice to local law enforcement.
• Written Consent: Property owners must provide written authorization before towing, except in cases involving blocked fire lanes or driveways.

When Can a Vehicle Be Towed from Private Property?

A vehicle can only be towed under specific conditions, such as:

• Illegally parked in a fire lane or blocking emergency access.
• Violating posted parking regulations with proper signage.
• Being abandoned or missing essential parts.
• Remaining parked despite receiving a formal notice.

Who Can Authorize a Tow?

Only certain individuals have the authority to approve a tow from private property:

• The property owner or an authorized agent.
• A tenant (for properties with fewer than 15 units).
• A property manager or security officer enforcing parking rules.

Illegal Towing and Predatory Practices

Some towing companies engage in predatory towing, charging excessive fees or towing vehicles without proper authorization. California law protects vehicle owners from such practices.

Signs of Predatory Towing:

• No visible towing warning signs.
• Tow trucks hiding nearby, waiting to remove vehicles quickly.
• Excessive towing and storage fees beyond legal limits.
• Failure to notify local police within one hour of towing.

If you suspect illegal towing, you can file a complaint and seek reimbursement for any unreasonable charges.

Your Rights After a Vehicle is Towed

If your vehicle is towed, you have specific rights under California Vehicle Code 22658:

• Notification: Towing companies must notify local law enforcement immediately after towing a vehicle vehicle.
• Written Documentation: The tow company must provide written details explaining the reason for towing.
• Storage Location & Fees: You must receive a notice stating where your vehicle is stored, the cost of retrieval, and the mileage before it was towed.

How to Fight Towing Charges in California

If you believe your car was towed illegally, follow these steps:

1. Request Documentation: Obtain written authorization and photos of the violation.
2. Contact Law Enforcement: Report the tow to the local police or California Attorney General’s Office.
3. File a Complaint or Lawsuit: If overcharged, dispute the fees and seek reimbursement through a small claims court.

Towing from Apartment Complexes

Apartment complex tenants are protected from unfair towing but must also follow parking rules.

When Can a Vehicle Be Towed from an Apartment Complex?

• Illegally parked in another tenant’s assigned space.
• Violating posted guest parking rules.
• Being abandoned or unregistered.

If proper procedures aren’t followed, tenants may have grounds to challenge the tow.

Notice to Remove a Vehicle from Private Property

A property owner must issue a notice before towing, except for:

• Vehicles blocking fire lanes.
• Cars parked in designated no-parking zones with proper signage.
• Abandoned or unregistered vehicles.

Required Notice Periods:

• Parking violations: 96-hour (4-day) warning before towing.
• Abandoned or inoperable vehicles: 24-hour notice.
• Fire lane violations: Immediate towing allowed.

Your Rights If You Catch the Tow Truck in Action

If you return while your vehicle is being towed, you have legal rights:

• Immediate Release: If the tow truck hasn’t left, your car must be released upon request.
• Payment Options: The company cannot demand immediate payment but may charge up to half the standard towing fee.

If a tow truck refuses to release your vehicle, report the incident to law enforcement.

Maximum Towing and Storage Fees

• Tow companies must charge rates equivalent to local police department fees.
• Storage fees must remain reasonable and cannot exceed a daily charge after the first 24 hours.
• Companies must accept both cash and credit card payments.

If overcharged, you can dispute the fees with law enforcement or consumer protection agencies.

Legal Consequences for Improper Towing

Tow companies that violate California towing laws may face legal penalties:

• Failure to notify law enforcement: A misdemeanor punishable by fines up to $2,500 $2,500.
• Overcharging: Companies must refund four times the overcharged amount.
• Unauthorized towing: The company or property owner may be liable for double the towing and storage costs.
• Vehicle damage: Tow companies are responsible for damages that occur during towing.

If a company refuses to follow the law, you may have grounds for a lawsuit.

Freeway Towing: A Reliable Solution

Navigating California’s towing laws can be challenging, but Freeway Towing provides ethical, professional, and legally compliant services.

Why Choose Freeway Towing?

Transparent Pricing — No hidden fees.

Fast Response — 24/7 towing assistance.

Legal Compliance — We follow all California towing regulations.

Need legal and hassle-free towing? Contact Freeway Towing today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the requirements for private property towing signs in California?

Under California Vehicle Code 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.
• Includes the towing company’s phone number and local law enforcement contact.

If no signage is present, towing without prior 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?

• Parking violations: Owners must receive a 96-hour (4-day) notice.
• Abandoned or inoperable vehicles: 24-hour notice is required.
• Fire lane violations: Immediate towing is permitted.

3. Can an apartment complex tow my car without notice?

Generally, no. A landlord or property manager must provide notice except when:

• The vehicle is parked in another tenant’s assigned space (tenant authorization required).
• The car is blocking emergency access or fire lanes.
• The property has proper towing signage.

4. What should I do if my car was wrongfully towed?

• Request towing documentation, including photos and authorization forms.
• Contact local law enforcement to verify if the tow was legally reported.
• Compare towing fees with local regulations.
• File a complaint with the California Attorney General or consumer protection agencies.

5. How can I fight excessive towing and storage fees?

• Request an itemized breakdown of charges.
• Compare fees with local law enforcement rates.
• Dispute the charges with state agencies or file a small claims lawsuit if necessary.

Conclusion

Understanding California’s private property towing laws helps protect vehicle owners from unfair towing practices. Whether you’re a property owner, tenant, or driver, knowing your rights can prevent predatory towing and unnecessary fees.

If your vehicle was towed unfairly:

• Request documentation before paying any fees.
• Verify if the tow was legal.
• File a complaint or take legal action if overcharged.

For legal and ethical towing services, trust Freeway Towing — your reliable towing solution in California!