Can Police Tow a Car from Private Property? Know Your Rights!

Have you ever found yourself wondering whether the police have the authority to tow a vehicle from private property? If so, you’re not alone. Many people—both property owners and vehicle owners—have questions about their rights when it comes to towing laws. Understanding these laws is essential, whether you're a private property owner trying to manage unauthorized or abandoned vehicles or a car owner concerned about the possibility of having your vehicle towed without warning.

Law enforcement does have the ability to tow vehicles in certain circumstances, but the rules can vary depending on the situation and local regulations. It’s important to know when and why a car can be removed, what legal protections exist for vehicle owners, and how to respond if your car has been towed.

In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the specific conditions under which police officers can tow a vehicle from private property. We’ll also explore the rights of vehicle owners, the steps you can take to retrieve a towed car, and best practices for handling these situations legally and effectively.

What Is Private Property Towing?

Private property towing occurs when a vehicle is removed from private land without the owner’s consent. This typically happens when a vehicle is parked illegally, abandoned, or blocking access to a driveway or business. Unlike public towing, which is handled by law enforcement for violations on public roads, private property towing is initiated by property owners or authorized towing companies.

When and Why Towing Is Necessary

Towing from private property is often necessary to maintain order, safety, and access. Some common reasons for private property towing include:

• Vehicles parked in restricted or reserved spaces
• Abandoned or non-operational vehicles
• Cars blocking driveways or emergency access points
• Illegally parked vehicles in business or residential areas

Differences Between Private Property Towing and Public Towing

Public towing is managed by law enforcement and applies to vehicles violating traffic laws, such as parking in no-parking zones or blocking fire hydrants. Private property towing, on the other hand, is requested by property owners, landlords, or property managers to remove unauthorized vehicles from their premises.

Can Police Tow a Car from Private Property?

When Police Have the Authority to Tow a Vehicle

In most cases, law enforcement officers can only tow a vehicle from private property under specific circumstances. Some examples include:

• A vehicle is blocking a public roadway while parked on private property.
• The car is part of a criminal investigation.
• The vehicle is reported stolen and needs to be recovered.
• A vehicle poses a safety hazard.
• The vehicle is abandoned and meets the criteria for police towing.

Situations Where a Property Owner Must Request the Tow

In cases of illegal parking or unauthorized vehicles on private property, the property owner or manager is usually responsible for arranging a tow. Police generally do not intervene in civil property matters unless the situation involves a crime or safety concern.

California Laws on Towing from Private Property

California Vehicle Code § 22658 governs private property towing. Under this law:

• A vehicle can be towed immediately if it is blocking a driveway or fire lane.
• Proper signage must be displayed before towing (except in emergency situations).
• The towing company must notify law enforcement within 30 minutes of the tow.
• The vehicle owner has the right to retrieve personal belongings from the towed vehicle.

How to Get an Unauthorized Vehicle Towed from Your Property

Who to Call for Private Property Towing

If you encounter an unauthorized vehicle on your property, you should contact a professional towing company like Freeway Towing. We specialize in legally removing vehicles in compliance with California towing laws.

The Role of a Towing Company vs. Law Enforcement

Law enforcement typically does not handle private property towing unless the vehicle is stolen, abandoned on public property, or involved in a criminal case. A private towing company works directly with property owners to remove vehicles under legal guidelines.

Proper Signage and Legal Requirements

Before towing a vehicle, property owners must follow legal requirements such as:

• Posting clear tow-away zone signs.
• Providing written authorization to the towing company.
• Notifying the police department once the vehicle is removed.

Private Property Towing Laws in San Diego

California Vehicle Code § 22658 Explained

This law protects vehicle owners from unlawful towing while giving property owners the right to remove unauthorized cars. Key regulations include:

• A vehicle can be towed without notice if it blocks access or a fire lane.
• If a car is parked in a restricted area, a 96-hour warning may be required before towing.
• Tow yards must be within 10 miles of the removal site.

Required Notice and Timeframes Before Towing

• Vehicles left in unauthorized areas for over 24 hours may be towed.
• Signs must be visible at all property entrances.
• The vehicle owner must be informed of the towing company’s contact details.

Rights of the Vehicle Owner vs. Property Owner

• Vehicle owners have the right to reclaim their vehicle after paying towing fees.
• Property owners must comply with all legal requirements before towing.
• If a tow is unlawful, the vehicle owner may seek compensation.

What to Do If Your Car Was Towed from Private Property

How to Find Your Towed Car in San Diego

If your car has been towed, you can locate it by:

• Contacting the San Diego Police Department’s impound division.
• Checking online databases for towed vehicles.
• Calling the towing company listed on nearby signage.

Steps to Retrieve a Vehicle from an Impound Lot

• Provide proof of vehicle ownership.
• Pay any towing and storage fees.
• Bring identification and any required documents.

Fees and Costs Associated with Private Property Impounds

Towing fees vary but typically include:

• Hook-up fees
• Storage fees (charged daily)
• After-hours release fees

Common Private Property Towing Scenarios

How to Report an Abandoned Vehicle in San Diego

You can report abandoned cars by:

• Calling the San Diego Abandoned Vehicle Abatement Program.
• Submitting an online report to the city’s parking enforcement.

When You Can Request Towing

• If a car has been abandoned for more than 72 hours.
• If the vehicle poses a safety hazard or is inoperable.

Illegally Parked Vehicles

Parking Violations That Justify Towing

• Parking in a fire lane
• Blocking a driveway or entrance
• Parking in a reserved or handicap space without a permit

What Property Owners Need to Know Before Calling a Tow Truck

• Ensure proper signage is posted.
• Verify local laws to avoid liability.

Tow Away Zones & Towing Notices

Importance of Proper Tow Signage

• Signs must be placed at all entrances.
• The signage must include towing company details.

How to Set Up a Towing Agreement for Your Property

A towing agreement allows property owners to work with a towing company for quick removals. It typically includes:

• Authorized towing times
• Contact information for property management
• A list of enforceable parking rules

Choosing the Right Private Property Towing Company in San Diego

Why Working with a Reliable Towing Service Matters

• Prevents legal disputes
• Ensures compliance with California towing laws
• Reduces liability for property owners

How Freeway Towing Ensures Legal and Hassle-Free Towing

At Freeway Towing, we:

• Follow all state and local towing regulations
• Provide 24/7 emergency towing services
• Work with property owners to enforce parking policies

24/7 Private Property Impound Services

• Immediate response for blocked driveways and fire lanes
• Secure storage and fair pricing
• Fast service in San Diego and surrounding areas

FAQ: Can Police Tow a Car from Private Property? Know Your Rights!

1. Can the police tow my car from private property without my permission?
Yes, under certain circumstances. If your car is blocking emergency access, involved in a crime, reported stolen, or violating parking laws, the police may have the authority to tow it.

2. Do I have to be notified before the police tow my car?
In most cases, yes. The police must follow local and state laws regarding notification before towing. However, if the vehicle poses a safety risk or is illegally parked, they may tow it immediately.

3. Can the police tow a car parked on my private property?
Generally, the police need the property owner’s consent to tow a car from private property unless it’s part of an investigation or there’s a legal reason to remove it.

4. What should I do if my car was towed by the police?
Contact your local police department or towing company to find out where your car is stored. You may need to pay towing and storage fees to retrieve it.

5. Can I dispute an illegal tow by the police?
Yes. If you believe your car was towed unlawfully, you can file a complaint with the police department, request a hearing, or seek legal assistance to challenge the tow.

Conclusion

Understanding your rights when it comes to police towing on private property is essential. While law enforcement has the authority to tow vehicles under specific circumstances, they must follow legal procedures. If your car has been towed, act quickly by contacting the proper authorities and knowing your options for retrieval or dispute. If you need towing services in San Diego, Freeway Towing is here to help with professional and legal towing solutions.